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Shrimp and Basil Stir Fry For One


Description

This shrimp and basil stir fry is one of the quickest dinners for one you'll ever make! Shrimp is added to a quick spicy marinade, seared until just cooked and then tossed with LOTS of fresh basil. Mix and match with your favorite vegetable for an easy 20-minute meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (see note below)
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or white sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado, canola, etc.), divided
  • 1/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • 1/2 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Combine 1 small finely diced jalapeno, 3 grated garlic cloves, 1-inch grated ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil. 
  2. Add 1/4 lb peeled shrimp and toss to combine. Let sit for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours (if marinating for more than 10 minutes, place in fridge).
  3. Add 1 teaspoon oil to a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 zucchini and cook for 2 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove from pan. 
  4. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil and let it get hot. Remove shrimp from marinade, wiping off any excess bits, and add to pan in a single layer (if your pan is too small, you can do this in batches). 
  5. Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through. The final time will depend on the size of the shrimp you use, so just look for browned exterior and a barely pink center. 
  6. Turn off heat and add zucchini back to pan. Immediately add 1/2 cup basil leaves and toss to combine until the basil is wilted. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit.

Notes

  • For a spicier stir fry leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno. If you want it less spicy, take them out!
  • The original recipe I based this off of blends the marinade for the shrimp. To avoid the extra dishes, I choose to just finely chop the ingredients instead. You can definitely blend if you prefer. Either way make sure to wipe excess marinade off before adding shrimp to the pan.
  • You can replace the zucchini with another vegetable, such as bell pepper, broccoli or snap peas. Certain vegetables may take longer to cook, so time accordingly based on how you like your vegetables cooked. 
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian