Thai Basil Shrimp

Got Thai basil? This fresh herb brings a touch of aromatic anise flavor to anything it touches. It’s stellar in curries and fried rice, and but one of our favorite ways to use it? This Thai Basil Shrimp Stir Fry! It’s flavored with garlic, fresh ginger and soy sauce, with a light black licorice nuance on the finish. It tastes totally gourmet: whipped up in just a few minutes on the stovetop. Inspired by a local restaurant (hi Bodhi!), it’s one of our favorite quick weeknight meals to date.

What is Thai basil?

Thai basil is a type of basil with an anise or black licorice flavor that’s native to Southeast Asia. It has a purple stem, purple flowers, and thin, dark green leaves. You’ll see it often in Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai, Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese recipes. There are so many ways to use this aromatic herb, in curries, stir fries, fried rice, spring rolls, and more.

Ingredients for Thai basil shrimp

This year we’ve got loads of Thai basil in our garden, so we’ve been looking for ways to use it. We recently tasted it in a shrimp stir fry at a local restaurant, Bodhi, that’s run by three generations of amazing Thai women. The way this fresh herb infuses massive flavor into savory dishes is absolutely irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need for this Thai basil shrimp stir fry:

ShrimpGarlicFresh gingerSoy sauceSesame oilOnion powderSaltThai basil

What to look for when buying shrimp

What’s the best shrimp to buy for Thai basil shrimp? With so many options at the store, the options can be overwhelming. Here are a few things we like to look for:

Wild caught. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms; see Seafood Watch Consumer Guide.Find medium shrimp (or large). Medium shrimp is our favorite, because it’s just the right size for a bite, but large works too! Medium is labeled as 41 to 50 count, and Large as 31 to 40 count (the number of shrimp per pound).Use tail on or peeled. Tail on looks nice, but you do have to remove the tails with your hands as you eat them! Peeled is nice, especially when serving kids.Fresh or frozen. Both have essentially the same freshness because most shrimp are immediately flash frozen. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp in advance.

Add vegetables for a more filling meal

Want to turn this into a Thai basil shrimp stir fry with veggies? Simply add your favorite stir fry vegetables to the mix! Here are the types of vegetables we’d recommend and how to cook them:

Broccoli (1 pound)Bell peppers (1 or 2)Onion Mushrooms (about 4 ounces)

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons sesame or olive oil over medium high heat. Add the vegetables and 2 pinches kosher salt and cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender. Remove the vegetables to bowl. Proceed with the recipe for the shrimp below, then add in the vegetables at the end.

What to serve with Thai basil shrimp

How to turn this Thai basil shrimp into a meal? Here are a few simple ways to accessorize it:

Rice: It’s fantastic with Jasmine Rice or Jade RiceEdamame: Try this Easy Edamame or Spicy Edamame alongsideBroccoli: Try Simple Sauteed Broccoli or Pan Fried Broccoli with soy sauceSpring rolls: Add some frozen spring rolls for a delicious crunch