Shrimp Fried Rice is a dish that dances in your mouth like a culinary cha-cha, combining succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice into a plate of pure joy. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you sauté garlic and ginger, luring everyone in with promises of deliciousness that are impossible to resist.
When I think of Shrimp Fried Rice, I’m instantly transported back to my college days when my roommate and I discovered this recipe during our quest to avoid ramen for the umpteenth time. The sizzle of shrimp meeting hot oil became our symphony, filling the tiny apartment with scents that made us feel like gourmet chefs instead of broke students. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute party dish, this fried rice is always a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Fried Rice is not only quick and easy to whip up but also packed with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds
- You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it versatile for any occasion
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning and perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that saves you from endless dishes afterward!
Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cooked Jasmine Rice: Use day-old rice if possible; it holds up better in frying and prevents mushiness.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Green Onions: Chopped finely to add a fresh burst of flavor right at the end of cooking.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and corn makes for quick prep without sacrificing nutrition.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for maximum flavor impact; these two are the dynamic duo in Asian cuisine!
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control saltiness while still packing a savory punch.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash adds depth and an aromatic finish that will leave you craving more.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the green onions, mince garlic and ginger, and ensure your shrimp are thawed if frozen.
Step 2: Heat Up That Pan
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Heat until shimmering before adding minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Toss in the shrimp and cook for about three minutes or until they turn pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside—don’t worry; they’ll return soon enough.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Those Veggies
Add another splash of oil if necessary. Toss in your frozen mixed vegetables along with half the green onions. Stir-fry for about two minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Introduce your cooked jasmine rice into the pan. Break up any clumps as you stir everything together nicely with veggies.
Step 6: Season It Up
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil while mixing everything well. Finally, add back the shrimp along with remaining green onions. Stir-fry for an additional two minutes until everything is combined beautifully.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional soy sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice that’s sure to impress friends or treat yourself on a cozy night in!
You Must Know
- This delightful shrimp fried rice is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug on a plate
- Customize your ingredients easily, and watch as vibrant colors and aromas bring your dinner table to life
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your shrimp in a hot wok until they turn pink. Remove them and sauté vegetables next. Cook your rice while the shrimp cool, then combine everything together for that perfect one-pan experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions, or throw in some pineapple chunks for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect shrimp fried rice, ensure your rice is day-old for the best texture
- Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of frying
- Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Sometimes I make this dish when friends come over, and their eyes light up as they take that first bite—it’s like instant joy served on a plate!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Shrimp Fried Rice?
To make delicious shrimp fried rice, you’ll need cooked rice (preferably day-old), fresh shrimp, vegetable oil, soy sauce, garlic, and green onions. Additionally, you can include vegetables like carrots and peas for added flavor and nutrition. Using cold rice helps achieve that signature fried texture. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don’t forget to add an egg for creaminess!
How long does it take to cook Shrimp Fried Rice?
Cooking shrimp fried rice typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Start by sautéing the shrimp until they turn pink, then add your vegetables and rice. Stir-frying everything together usually takes just a few minutes. This recipe is quick and perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a last-minute dinner option.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Fried Rice?
Yes, using frozen shrimp is completely acceptable when making shrimp fried rice. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can run them under cold water in a colander or let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. This technique saves time and makes meal preparation more convenient without sacrificing taste.
What type of rice is best for Shrimp Fried Rice?
The best type of rice for shrimp fried rice is long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. These varieties have a lower starch content, which prevents clumping and allows each grain to remain separate after cooking. Day-old rice works best because it dries out slightly in the fridge, enhancing the dish’s texture during stir-frying.
Conclusion for Shrimp Fried Rice :
In conclusion, shrimp fried rice offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it a popular choice among seafood lovers. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Whether you use fresh or frozen shrimp, this dish is adaptable to your preferences. Remember to use day-old rice for the best results and enjoy creating your own version at home!
Shrimp Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine to your table. Featuring succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. The delightful aroma of garlic and ginger fills the air, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients: chop green onions, mince garlic and ginger, and thaw shrimp if frozen.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil until shimmering.
- Sauté minced garlic and ginger for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 minutes until pink; remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry frozen vegetables with half of the green onions for about 2 minutes.
- Add cooked rice to the pan; break up clumps while stirring to combine with veggies.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well before adding back shrimp and remaining green onions.
- Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
