Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Fried Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and protein. The shrimp adds a sweet and savory flavor, while the vegetables bring a crunchy freshness to the dish. The rice soaks up all the delicious seasonings, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re craving a classic takeout favorite or want to impress guests with a homemade dish, Shrimp Fried Rice is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)

• 1/2 cup onion, diced

• 1/2 cup carrot, diced

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for a nutty aroma)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the peas and garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir-Fry the Rice:

3. Scramble the Eggs:

   • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the beaten eggs to the empty side and scramble until fully cooked, breaking them up into small pieces as they cook.

4. Add the Rice:

   • Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together to combine with the eggs and vegetables.

5. Season the Rice:

   • Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil (if using), and ground black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the sauces and mix in the shrimp.

6. Finish Cooking:

   • Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and the shrimp is well distributed throughout the dish.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the Shrimp Fried Rice with lime wedges on the side for a touch of freshness, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap in any vegetables you like—bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby corn work wonderfully in this dish.

• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the rice as it’s cooking.

• Switch Proteins: You can substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, to suit your taste preferences.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Shrimp Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

2. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

While fresh rice can be used, day-old rice is preferred because it has a firmer texture, which makes it less likely to become mushy when stir-fried.

3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can skip the eggs if you prefer a vegan version, or you can use tofu as a substitute for added protein.

4. How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?

Make sure the rice is well-cooked and cooled before stir-frying. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly before adding it to the pan.

5. Can I add more sauce to the rice?

Yes, feel free to add more soy sauce or oyster sauce to suit your taste. Just be careful not to make it too salty.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Shrimp Fried Rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it with a little splash of soy sauce or water to keep it moist.

7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice for a heartier, more nutritious dish. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before stir-frying.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can stir in some sriracha sauce, chopped fresh chili peppers, or chili garlic sauce.

9. Can I add pineapple to the fried rice?

Yes, adding small chunks of pineapple can give the dish a sweet and tangy twist, complementing the savory flavors of the shrimp.

10. Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze shrimp fried rice for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Shrimp Fried Rice is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, lunch, or meal prep. The combination of shrimp, vegetables, and savory seasonings makes for a delicious, well-balanced meal that can be customized to your taste. Whether you make it spicy, add extra veggies, or enjoy it as-is, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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