Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs and Basil

This tasty dish is a twist on the is a classic Chinese Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs (蝦仁炒蛋) dish.  It's a super easy and yummy dish to make!  Basil adds a delicious flavor to this traditional and common Chinese dish. 

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This shrimp and egg stir fry comes together in less than 15 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples like eggs, shrimp, garlic, and basil.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The Thai basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery note that brightens the whole dish.
• Protein-Packed: Shrimp and eggs make this meal light yet satisfying, with plenty of protein to keep you full.

About the Ingredients

Shrimp: I recommend using wild-caught shrimp instead of farm-raised. Personally, I stick to wild-caught because I'm allergic to farmed shrimp (I break out in hives!). After researching, I found that many shrimp farms use crowded, unsanitary conditions and questionable additives. Wild-caught shrimp are cleaner, sweeter, and have a firmer texture - perfect for quick stir-fries.

Eggs: Use fresh large eggs for the best texture. They'll create soft, fluffy curds that coat the shrimp beautifully.

Thai Basil: This aromatic herb adds a touch of freshness and depth. If you can't find Thai basil, you can substitute with sweet basil, but Thai basil's slight anise flavor really complements the shrimp and eggs.

Rice Cooking Wine (Michiu): This helps remove any fishy smell from the shrimp and enhances umami flavor. You can substitute with dry sherry or even skip it if needed.

Garlic: Don't skip this! Crushed fresh garlic adds incredible aroma and builds the savory base for the dish.

Cornstarch: A small amount helps "velvet" the shrimp - it locks in moisture and creates a tender bite once stir-fried.

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

First gather your ingredients:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoons michiu / rice cooking wine
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (separated)
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed/smashed
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 bunch Thai basil
• Salt, as desired

In a bowl, mix shrimp with cornstarch, rice cooking wine, and ½ teaspoon salt. Let it sit for 15 mins.

Beat eggs in a bowl.

Heat skillet in medium heat. Add the cooking oi/fat. Add the fresh garlic in. Add shrimp and stir fry at high heat for 30 seconds or until they start turning color.

Add beaten eggs in to cooking pan. Let it sit for a minute or until the bottom solidifies, and then start to scramble it with the shrimp.

Stir fry until the shrimps are almost cooked thoroughly.  Then, add Basil, and stir fry until shrimp is completely cooked thoroughly.

Remove from heat and serve! 

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.

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.