This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a flavor-packed dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal. We’re talking tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all infused with a fiery kick from chili powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. It’s a satisfying and customizable dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, with minimal prep and cook time.
- Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of spices and aromatics creates a bold and delicious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy and Customizable: Packed with protein and vegetables, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fiery and flavorful fried rice:
- Cooked brown rice: Leftover rice works best for fried rice, as it has a drier texture that prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder: A trio of spices that adds warmth, smokiness, and savory depth.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a fiery kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Kosher salt: To taste.
- Fresh black pepper: To taste.
- Egg whites and whole egg: Adds protein and richness to the dish.
- Medium onion: Chopped, for sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Diced, for aromatic intensity.
- Scallions: Chopped, with whites and greens separated, for flavor and garnish.
- Oil spray: For cooking.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds another layer of heat.
- Soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari): Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Asian fish sauce: Adds a unique umami depth. Can be substituted with more soy sauce.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Step 1: Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, season the shrimp with cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a hot wok or large skillet, spray with oil and cook the beaten eggs, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Increase the heat to high, add the sesame oil, and sauté the onions, scallion whites, garlic, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Rice
Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque. Add the cooked rice and allow it to brown slightly on the bottom. Stir in the cooked eggs, soy sauce, and fish sauce, mixing well.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Add the scallion greens and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its sloped sides and high heat capacity.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: Taste and adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your liking.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy Meal: This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main course.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a healthy and delicious lunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of cooked rice?
It’s best to use cooked rice for this recipe, as fresh rice will take longer to cook and may not achieve the desired texture.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, peas, or broccoli florets, along with the onions and scallions.
There you have it! A quick, flavorful, and spicy recipe for Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
PrintSpicy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables are stir-fried with a blend of spices for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (diced)
- 5 medium scallions (chopped, whites and greens separated)
Protein
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 large egg whites (beaten)
- 1 large whole egg (beaten)
Pantry
- 3 cups leftover cooked brown rice
- 1/2 teaspoon each of chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper (to taste)
- Oil spray
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 4 teaspoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce (or more soy sauce)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, season shrimp with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with oil and cook the egg whites and whole egg separately, stirring, until set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Increase heat to high. Add sesame oil to the wok and sauté onions, scallion whites, garlic, and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp to the wok and stir-fry until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Rice: Add cooked rice to the wok and allow the bottom to brown slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cooked eggs, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix well for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Stir in scallion greens and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use cold, leftover cooked rice.
- If you don’t have a wok, you can use a large skillet.
- You can adjust the amount of spices to your preferred level of heat.
- If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use more soy sauce instead.
- Garnish with additional chopped scallions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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