Spicy Drunken Shrimp

Thai cuisine lovers, this one’s for you. Spicy Drunken Shrimp is the perfect blend of heat, sweet, umami, and zesty lime – all stirred up in a sizzling skillet and served hot over jasmine rice. This quick and flavorful seafood dish captures the essence of street-style Thai cooking, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main. With just a few staple pantry sauces and fragrant ingredients like garlic, ginger, chili, and Thai basil, you’ll whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in 20 minutes. Each bite brings a bold kick of flavor and aroma that lingers pleasantly, leaving your taste buds craving more. Add a squeeze of lime and some fresh herbs to balance the richness, and you’ve got a standout dish with minimal fuss.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Lime wedges, to serve

Directions:

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

2. Add garlic, chili, shallot, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink.

4. Stir in oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar.

5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

6. Remove from heat and stir in Thai basil and lime juice.

7. Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with cilantro and extra lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Spicy Drunken Shrimp: Bold Thai Flavor in Every Bite

When it comes to vibrant, bold, and exciting flavors, few cuisines hit the mark quite like Thai food. One of the best examples of that perfect balance of heat, umami, sweetness, and herbal freshness is Spicy Drunken Shrimp. This dish isn’t just a feast for the senses it’s a lightning-fast meal that can elevate any weeknight dinner or impress your guests without hours in the kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll explore the origin of the dish, what makes it unique, flavor profiles, pairing ideas, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Whether you’re a home cook looking to expand your flavor portfolio or a Thai food enthusiast, you’re in for a treat.

What Is Spicy Drunken Shrimp?

Despite the name, Spicy Drunken Shrimp doesn’t actually contain alcohol. The term “drunken” in Thai cuisine, particularly in dishes like “Pad Kee Mao” (Drunken Noodles), usually refers to the wild intensity of flavor the kind that metaphorically knocks you off your feet like a stiff drink.

This dish is a spin-off of that same fiery profile. It typically features shrimp quickly stir-fried with garlic, chili, ginger, and Thai basil, then coated in a sticky, savory sauce made from oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and just a hint of sugar for balance. The result is an umami-bomb dish with layered heat and aromatic depth that clings to each shrimp.

The Magic of Thai Basil and Aromatics

One of the defining traits of Spicy Drunken Shrimp is the liberal use of aromatics. Thai cooking isn’t shy with flavor, and this recipe embraces that wholeheartedly.

• Garlic is used generously, often chopped coarsely or smashed to release its full pungency.

• Ginger, with its peppery bite, complements the shrimp and adds a warming undertone.

• Chili peppers bring the fire, and the level of spice can be adjusted depending on your tolerance.

• Thai basil, with its slightly anise-like, peppery flavor, adds a cooling herbal note that perfectly offsets the heat and saltiness.

The real magic happens when all of these elements hit a hot pan and start to sizzle. The aroma is unmistakable a little sweet, a little spicy, and undeniably mouthwatering.

Why Use Shrimp?

Shrimp is the perfect protein for this dish because it cooks incredibly fast, absorbs flavor quickly, and has a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the bold sauce. Plus, shrimp is widely available, affordable, and often sold pre-cleaned, making it ideal for busy home cooks.

If you’re looking to mix things up, this recipe can also work well with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. However, shrimp remains the traditional and most common choice for its flavor and quick cook time.

The Sauce: Umami Meets Sweet Heat

The sauce is the heart of any stir-fry, and in the case of Spicy Drunken Shrimp, it’s all about balance.

• Oyster sauce delivers deep umami and a velvety richness.

• Fish sauce adds saltiness and depth.

• Soy sauce and dark soy sauce bring salinity and a caramel color.

• Brown sugar lends a hint of sweetness that rounds out the spiciness and helps the sauce cling to each shrimp.

Once these sauces hit the hot pan and combine with the garlic, ginger, and chili, they create a glaze that coats the shrimp and fills your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma.

What to Serve with Spicy Drunken Shrimp

This dish is bold and flavorful, so it pairs best with simple, neutral sides that allow the shrimp to shine. Here are a few ideas:

Jasmine Rice

This is the classic pairing. The slightly floral aroma and soft texture of jasmine rice make it the perfect base to soak up the spicy-sweet sauce.

Rice Noodles or Vermicelli

For a more substantial meal, toss the shrimp over rice noodles. You can even add sautéed vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or bell peppers.

Coconut Rice

If you want to add a touch of sweetness and richness, coconut rice is a lovely variation. The creamy undertones of coconut milk temper the heat of the shrimp.

Cucumber Salad

A crisp, refreshing Thai cucumber salad with lime, vinegar, and a touch of sugar offers a cool contrast to the heat of the main dish.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Spicy Drunken Shrimp

Even though this dish is relatively simple, a few cooking tips will help you get restaurant-quality results at home:

1. Use high heat. Stir-frying is all about fast cooking at high temperatures. Use a wok or large skillet and make sure it’s hot before adding the ingredients.

2. Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly usually 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat.

3. Prep everything in advance. Once the cooking starts, it moves fast. Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you turn on the heat.

4. Customize the heat level. Not a fan of spicy food? Simply use fewer chili slices or substitute with a milder pepper.

A Dish for All Seasons

One of the most convenient aspects of Spicy Drunken Shrimp is its year-round versatility. In the summer, it makes for a fast, satisfying meal that doesn’t require heating up your oven. In the colder months, its warmth and spice are deeply comforting. And because it cooks so quickly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weekdays when takeout might seem tempting.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in protein, making this dish a good option for those seeking a balanced yet flavorful meal. Additionally, garlic, chili, and ginger all offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Thai basil is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used in Southeast Asian medicine for digestive and stress-related issues.

While the dish does use sauces that are higher in sodium, you can moderate their quantities or use low-sodium versions if dietary restrictions are a concern.

Conclusion:

Spicy Drunken Shrimp is more than just a quick dinner it’s a celebration of Thai flavors that come together in perfect harmony. With its bold combination of heat, garlic, herbs, and umami, it’s the kind of meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, spice up your usual dinner routine, or simply want something soul-warming and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flexible, and absolutely delicious.

Add it to your rotation, and you’ll soon see why Spicy Drunken Shrimp has become a favorite in kitchens around the world. Serve it over jasmine rice, garnish with fresh lime and herbs, and let your taste buds take a trip to Thailand no passport required.