Thai Seafood with Basil

Today I’m making inspired Thai seafood with Basil and coconut milk recipes. This recipe is full of flavors! A succulent shrimp and squid bursting with coconut milk, basil, ginger, and special sauce. It is a weeknight dinner win and effortless in one skillet!

The next time you need a delicious and decadent seafood dish with a touch of creamy and full of spice, try this one out!

One skillet from Leftover food in my fridge

Got leftover ingredients that you have no idea what to cook anymore? Here I have squid, shrimp, and moreover basil. I LOVE basil so much! Actually, I can eat it raw and top to my Tomato Sambal here, I don’t love how quickly it goes bad and that it doesn’t freeze well. So I look for recipes that contain basil and seafood inside as a way to use up any amount of basil I have on hand.

So do with leftover cooked shrimp or fish. Shrimp is a versatile and popular seafood that is loved by many for its delicate flavor and tender texture. Whether it’s grilled, fried, or sautéed, shrimp always delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. I made repurposed shrimp and squid in this Thai Seafood with Basil recipe! A delicious way to use up leftovers and create a new flavor sensation.

A combination of shrimp and seafood just matches heaven. Thai food always catches my feeling with the tangy, spicy, fresh, basil and cilantro in every food. Ah, do not forget the coconut cream that makes every dish creamy! As we Indonesians called it santan.

This Thai Seafood with Basil is simple to prepare and packs a delicious flavor punch. perfectly cooked shrimp and squid, stir-fried in sauce and coconut cream then topped with fresh basil. It’s perfect for dinner tonight! Enjoy a balanced meal that is both healthy and delicious – the ultimate combination.

This recipe takes you on a culinary journey to Southeast Asia, where fresh ingredients and bold seasonings come together to create a symphony of taste. So, gather your favorite seafood, fragrant herbs, and a touch of adventurous spirit, and prepare to be transported to the heart of Thailand with this delightful dish.

Ingredients of Thai Seafood with Basil

• Shrimp deveined; Shrimp adds a delicious and tender protein element to the dish. This recipe works with any size of shrimp you like. Usually, I use medium shrimp. Make sure they are fully defrosted and cleaned. If you aren’t a fan of shrimp, this dish is also delicious with chicken, tofu, scallops, and fish. 
• Squid cleaned (bodies and sliced into rounds. tentacles left whole or chopped in half if desired); Squid offers another layer of seafood texture and flavor. Cleaning involves removing the head, internal organs, and a thin, transparent membrane from the mantle (body). Slicing the bodies into rounds creates bite-sized pieces
• Onion sliced; Sautéing the onions first helps to release their flavor and soften them before adding the other ingredients To build flavor and add a touch of spice,
• Coconut milk; I use unsweetened canned coconut milk. Be sure to shake it well before measuring and using it. Do not use the bottled coconut milk that is sold as a milk replacement with soy milk and almond milk. It isn’t thick enough and will result in a watery sauce. 
• Salt and Pepper; For seasoning the shrimp. Make sure to finish the fish with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh basil Loosely packed; Fresh basil is the star of the show when it comes to flavor! This fragrant herb adds a distinct Thai character to the dish. Its sweet and peppery This dish needs some brightness and basil is the perfect addition. It’s a common addition to the dish. You can also add cilantro, mint, or Thai basil.
• Vegetable oil; This is for sautéing the ingredients. You can also substitute coconut oil or olive oil

Sauce

• Garlic (minced): Minced garlic adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor base to the sauce.
• Green onion (sliced): Sliced green onions add a fresh, slightly oniony flavor and vibrant green color to the dish. Both the white and green parts can be used.
• Grated ginger: Freshly grated ginger brings a warm and slightly spicy kick to the sauce.

Seasonings and Flavor Boosters:

• Soy sauce, Oyster sauce:  Soy sauce provides a salty and savory base to the sauce. Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor. This thick and savory sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish.
• Fish sauce: it adds a unique salty and savory element with a hint of fishiness. Use it sparingly as it has a strong flavor.
• Sesame oil: adds a nutty aroma and a subtle richness to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a necessary tanginess to balance the sweetness and richness of other ingredients.
• Light brown sugar: provides a touch of sweetness to the sauce, rounding out the flavor profile overall.

• Onion Powder: A small amount of onion powder can add a subtle oniony flavor if you don’t have fresh onions on hand.
• Chili Flakes: These are optional, but they add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

How to Make Thai Seafood with Basil

Begin by creating your flavor bomb – the sauce! In a bowl, toss together the minced garlic, grated ginger, and onion powder. Next, slice your green onion and add it to the bowl along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Don’t forget a drizzle of sesame oil. Finally, add the light brown sugar and chili flakes (if you like it spicy). Give everything a good stir and set the sauce aside to await its starring role.

Heat your vegetable oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the sliced onion. Let it sizzle and sauté until it becomes fragrant and softened.

Now comes the seafood! Add the deveined shrimp and cleaned squid to the pan with the softened onions. Sauté them together, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the squid becomes tender and cooked through.

When the seafood is cooked, it’s time to create a flavorful symphony. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and give it a good stir to coat all the ingredients. Then, add the creamy coconut milk, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

The final touch – the fragrant basil! Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, swirling them into the dish just until they wilt slightly. Remember, we want to preserve their vibrant green color and fresh flavor. Turn off the heat and give everything a final stir to ensure even distribution of the basil and the incredible flavors.

Serve and Enjoy!

Congratulations! Your Thai Seafood with Basil is now ready to be enjoyed. Spoon it over your favorite rice and get ready to be transported to the heart of Thailand with every delicious bite! Be careful! basil can be really fast to get black. You can add the basil after you move the seafood to the plate tho!

Sharing is a sign of love

If you enjoy or recook this recipe, let me know your result by uploading pictures and tagging us on Instagram at Much.butter and Pinterest. For cooking videos, check it out and subscribe to our Youtube page. you can join our email for the latest idea menus.

Thank you, your supports are so much appreciated 💕

IF YOU LOVE SEAFOOD, SEE OTHER IDEAS HERE:

1. Seasoned Tuna with Coconut Milk Sauce
2. Grilled squid hotdog skewer
3. Sheet-pan roasted Salmon and Vegetables with creamy Parmesan garlic sauce
4. Cereal Butter Prawn