Shrimp Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Shrimp Fried Rice. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also a fantastic way to use leftover rice and vegetables. With its tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and satisfying rice, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat. Plus, you can customize it with whatever you have on hand, making it incredibly versatile. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!
Reasons to Love Shrimp Fried Rice
There are countless reasons to adore this Shrimp Fried Rice. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder that saves on cleanup time. The combination of shrimp and vegetables makes it a healthy choice while still being hearty and satisfying. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those who want a quick yet delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is bound to impress!
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 teaspoons vegetable oil (divided into 1 teaspoon and 2 teaspoons)
- 1 large Vidalia onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Recommended Tools
- Wok or large skillet – Ideal for stir-frying and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
- Spatula – For stirring and flipping the ingredients effortlessly.
- Measuring spoons – To accurately measure your oils and sauces.
- Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping veggies and other ingredients.
Shrimp Fried Rice Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined, and your rice is cooked and cooled (day-old rice works best). Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and have your peas and carrots ready.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Add the chopped Vidalia onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Peas and Carrots
Next, add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the vegetable mixture. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything thoroughly.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the two eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Once cooked, mix the eggs into the rice.
Step 7: Add Shrimp and Seasoning
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat. If desired, garnish your Shrimp Fried Rice with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal hot!
In-Season Swaps
- Seasonal Vegetables – Feel free to swap out the frozen peas and carrots for fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Protein Alternatives – If shrimp isn’t your thing, try adding diced chicken or tofu for a different protein source.
- Rice Varieties – While jasmine rice is traditional, brown rice or cauliflower rice can make for a healthier alternative.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
One of the best parts of making Shrimp Fried Rice is that it can be easily customized. Feel free to add in any leftover proteins or vegetables you have on hand. This dish is perfect for cleaning out the fridge while creating a delicious meal. Additionally, using day-old rice results in a better texture, as it dries out a bit and prevents clumping when frying.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop your vegetables and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked shrimp can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works well, just make sure to thaw them before cooking. This will save you time and make the prep process easier.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Jasmine rice is a great choice due to its fluffy texture, but you can also use basmati or even brown rice if you prefer a healthier option. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled beforehand.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and eggs, and add more vegetables or tofu for protein. You can also use a plant-based soy sauce alternative for seasoning.
What should I serve with Shrimp Fried Rice?
Consider serving this dish with a side of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Gnocchi or a light salad to balance the meal. It also pairs nicely with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.
Serve with These
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne
- Steamed vegetables
- Spring rolls
- Hot and sour soup
Time to Try It
Now that you have the complete guide to making Shrimp Fried Rice, it’s time to get into the kitchen and whip up this flavorful dish. With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and mouthwatering taste, you won’t regret diving into this recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!
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Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined, and your rice is cooked and cooled (day-old rice works best). Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and have your peas and carrots ready.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Add the chopped Vidalia onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Add the cooked jasmine rice to the vegetable mixture. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything thoroughly.
- Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the two eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Once cooked, mix the eggs into the rice.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat. If desired, garnish your Shrimp Fried Rice with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal hot!
Notes
- Feel free to use day-old rice for better texture.
- Add any leftover proteins or vegetables for customization.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
