This Shrimp Fried Rice is a colorful dish packed with tasty shrimp, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice. It’s quick to make and so satisfying!
Every time I make this dish, I feel like a chef! It’s super easy to whip up, and it’s a great way to clear out the fridge. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If you have dietary restrictions, consider using tofu or cooked chicken as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Rice: Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice because it’s drier and prevents clumping. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and let it cool completely or spread it on a tray to cool faster.
Vegetable Oil: I like to use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower for frying. You could substitute with sesame oil for a nuttier taste, but use it sparingly as it’s stronger in flavor.
Eggs: Besides eggs, you can try scrambled tofu for a vegan version. Season it with turmeric for color and flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini can be delightful additions!
How Do You Keep the Rice From Clumping Together?
Getting perfectly fluffy rice is crucial for fried rice. Here are some tips to help:
- Use day-old rice if you can, as it’s drier. Freshly cooked rice is usually too moist.
- Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before using. This helps reduce clumping.
- When adding the rice to the pan, break up any clumps with your hands or a fork to ensure even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat to help evaporate any moisture remaining in the rice.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (including green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful shrimp fried rice takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. If you’re using day-old rice, you’ll save some time on cooling too. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—this will only take about 30 seconds, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
3. Adding the Vegetables:
Add the diced carrots, peas, and optional corn to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally to mix everything up.
4. Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until just cooked. This usually takes about a minute.
5. Mixing in the Rice:
Add the chilled rice to the pan. Gently break up any clumps and mix everything together thoroughly.
6. Seasoning the Dish:
Stir in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce. Toss everything together so the rice is coated evenly.
7. Bringing it All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Mix everything well and cook for another minute to heat through.
8. Final Touches:
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious shrimp fried rice is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy every bite. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly place them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
If you don’t have day-old rice, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just allow it to cool completely before frying to reduce moisture. Spreading it out on a baking sheet can help it cool faster.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it or warm it in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the shrimp and eggs, and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tofu for protein. You can also incorporate some additional flavors, such as sesame oil or soy sauce, to enhance the taste.
