Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs and Basil

This Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs and Basil is a flavorful twist on the classic Chinese Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs (蝦仁炒蛋). Juicy shrimp and fluffy scrambled eggs are stir-fried with garlic and fresh Thai basil for an easy dish that comes together quickly.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• How to Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs & Basil (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs & Basil Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Shrimp Recipes

The basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that works so well with the shrimp and eggs. Serve it with steamed rice for an easy weeknight meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Once the shrimp are marinated, this stir fry cooks in just a few minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need shrimp, eggs, garlic, basil, and a few basic seasonings.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Thai basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Protein-Packed: Shrimp and eggs make this a satisfying protein-rich meal.
• Perfect with Rice: Serve it with steamed white rice for an easy lunch or dinner.

About the Ingredients

Shrimp

Use peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe. I personally use wild-caught shrimp because I've had allergic reactions to farm-raised shrimp, and I also prefer the flavor and texture.

Fresh or frozen shrimp will both work. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Eggs

Large eggs work best here. The eggs cook directly with the shrimp, creating soft, fluffy curds that soak up all the garlicky flavor.

Thai Basil

Thai basil gives this dish a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor with subtle anise notes.

If you can't find Thai basil, sweet basil also works. The flavor will be a little different, but the dish will still be delicious.

Rice Cooking Wine

I use michiu, or rice cooking wine, to marinate the shrimp. It adds flavor and helps reduce any fishy aroma.

If you don't have rice cooking wine, you can substitute dry sherry or simply leave it out.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds lots of savory flavor to this simple stir fry. I like to crush or smash the cloves before cooking.

Cornstarch

A small amount of cornstarch helps the shrimp stay juicy and tender during stir-frying.

How to Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs & Basil (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon michiu or rice cooking wine
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed or smashed
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 bunch Thai basil
• Additional salt, to taste

1. Marinate the shrimp

Add the shrimp to a bowl with the cornstarch, rice cooking wine, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Mix well and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. Beat the eggs

Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat until well combined. Set aside.

3. Stir fry the shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the garlic and stir fry briefly until fragrant.

Add the shrimp and stir fry over high heat for about 30 seconds, or until they just begin turning pink.

4. Add the eggs

Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet.

Let the eggs sit for about 1 minute, or until the bottom begins to set.

Gently stir and scramble the eggs together with the shrimp.

5. Add the basil

When the shrimp are almost cooked through, add the Thai basil.

Stir fry briefly until the basil wilts and the shrimp are completely cooked through and opaque.

Season with additional salt to taste.

6. Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

This dish is especially good with a bowl of steamed rice!

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Let the stir fry cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Because shrimp and eggs can both overcook easily, you'll want to reheat gently.

Reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a small splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between to prevent the shrimp from turning rubbery or the eggs from drying out.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but careful reheating will help preserve the soft eggs and tender shrimp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating. This helps prevent extra water from affecting the stir fry texture.

What type of basil should I use?
Thai basil is great for its slightly sweet, peppery, and anise-like flavor. If unavailable, sweet basil is a good substitute.

Can I skip the cornstarch?
You can, but cornstarch helps "velvet" the shrimp, keeping them juicy and tender when cooked over high heat.

Can I make this without a wok?
Absolutely. A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works perfectly fine for this dish.

What should I serve with shrimp and eggs?

Steamed white rice is my favorite option because it turns this simple stir fry into a complete meal.

You could also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, Chinese greens, or another simple vegetable side dish.

Pin for later!

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes

If you're a fan of shrimp dishes that are quick, tasty, and packed with flavor, these recipes are a must-try! Whether you're looking for something simple or something a little more saucy, there's something here for every shrimp lover:

• Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry - This one's as simple as it gets: marinated shrimp stir-fried with onions for a dish that's clean, savory, and satisfying. I like keeping it minimal with just garlic salt to let the ingredients shine, but you can easily add your favorite sauces too!
• Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry - Juicy shrimp and crisp snap peas come together in this light but satisfying stir fry. It's ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy, fast, and flavorful.
• Shrimp in Lobster Sauce - A Chinese-American takeout favorite you can make at home! This dish features tender shrimp in a silky garlic sauce with green onions and broth. It's cozy, savory, and perfect with a bowl of white rice.
• Shrimp Broccoli Stir Fry - Light, garlicky, and so quick to make! This dish combines tender shrimp with crisp broccoli in a simple stir fry that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something clean and flavorful.