If you’re looking to whip up some magic in the kitchen within just 20 minutes, this Shrimp Fried Rice is your go-to recipe! Packed with juicy shrimp, vibrant veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that truly satisfies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Shrimp Fried Rice comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The blend of ginger, garlic, and fresh shrimp delivers a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with proteins and veggies, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice are simple ingredients that pack a punch! Each component brings its unique flavor to the table and contributes to the delightful aroma and texture of the final dish.
- Large shrimp: Fresh shrimp add a sweet and savory element that’s hard to resist.
- Avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking, it imparts a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Cooked white rice: Use day-old or cooled rice for the best texture.
- Tamari soy sauce: Offers depth and umami while keeping the dish gluten-free.
- Frozen peas and carrots: No-thaw needed, adding color, crunch, and a nutritional boost.
Variations
Feeling adventurous or need to tailor the recipe to dietary needs? The beauty of Shrimp Fried Rice lies in its adaptability. Here are a few suggestions to suit your unique preferences.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed vegetarian delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to give your dish a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or cilantro for an aromatic Southeast Asian flair.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by placing your deveined large shrimp into a medium bowl. Sprinkle them with kosher salt and ground white pepper to enhance their natural flavors. Set them aside to marinate gently as you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Warm up two tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, arrange the shrimp in a single layer; give them 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a delightful pink, then flip for just 30 seconds more. Quickly remove them to a plate, making sure they don’t overcook.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in diced onion, the white parts of scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry them briefly, just until fragrant, allowing all the deep flavors to meld and intensify.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Introduce the frozen peas and carrots straight into the wok. No need to thaw—stir-fry these beauties for a couple of minutes until they’re perfectly warmed through.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Slide the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs onto the other. Scramble them quickly until they’re soft and fluffy, then mix them back in with the veggies.
Step 6: Stir-Fry Rice and Combine
Add the cooked rice, returning shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Keep the wok moving as you stir-fry everything together until well incorporated and warmed through, ensuring the rice doesn’t clump.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
At the final moment, stir in the vibrant green tops of the scallions. Serve your Shrimp Fried Rice hot, ensuring each bite is a delightful mix of tastes and textures.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Fried Rice
- Rice Preparation: Use leftover cold rice for perfect grain separation and avoid mushiness.
- Searing Shrimp: Make sure your pan is hot enough; shrimp should sizzle on contact to develop a nice caramelized color.
- Balance of Aromatics: Don’t be shy with ginger and garlic — they elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce Amounts: Start light with tamari and adjust after tasting to ensure your Shrimp Fried Rice isn’t overly salty.
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a hint of lemon zest over the shrimp fried rice. These little touches add a bright and nutty dimension, complementing the main flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Shrimp Fried Rice with a fresh cucumber salad or a simple miso soup. These sides provide a refreshing counterbalance to the savory richness of the rice, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves. This tropical presentation not only looks stunning but also infuses a subtle sweetness, enhancing the dish’s overall complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact while ensuring a satisfying meal is just a quick reheat away.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the shrimp fried rice. Once cooled, transfer it into a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It should last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, adding a splash of water if needed. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier twist. Ensure it’s fully cooked and chilled, as this helps prevent clumping during stir-frying.
-
What if I don’t have a wok?
No worries! A large non-stick skillet works perfectly well. Just ensure it’s hot enough to properly sear the shrimp and fry the rice.
-
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Absolutely. Substitute shrimp with your favorite plant-based protein and use tofu scrambled in place of eggs.
-
Can I make this dish less salty?
To lower the salt content, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also add more vegetables to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice is a true crowd-pleaser and a quick fix for those busy evenings or lazy weekends. Don’t wait another moment to try it — you’re going to adore the simplicity and savory satisfaction it brings to your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintShrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, it combines juicy shrimp, seasoned rice, and fresh aromatics to create a satisfying meal that can easily be customized with your favorite veggies and sauces.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
For the Rice and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 green scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
For the Eggs and Seasoning
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with salt and white pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 30 seconds, until just opaque. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Veggies: Add frozen peas and carrots directly from the freezer. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the wok, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble until softly set, about 1 minute.
- Stir-Fry the Rice and Shrimp: Add cooked rice, cooked shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the wok. Stir thoroughly and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is evenly heated and combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Toss in the green parts of the scallions before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using cold, cooked rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variety.
- Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil to taste for more or less seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1354mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 177mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *