The smell of sizzling shrimp mixed with fragrant jasmine rice can transport you to a bustling market in Southeast Asia. Shrimp fried rice is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed adventure that dances on your taste buds, combining juicy shrimp, veggies, and soy sauce into a delicious symphony. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m reminded of my college days when I would invite friends over for “fancy” dinners. Little did they know, shrimp fried rice was my secret weapon—quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, and I guarantee it will have everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp fried rice offers effortless preparation that suits busy weeknights
- Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it visually appealing for any occasion
- The blend of flavors creates a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and comforting
- This dish is versatile enough to incorporate leftover proteins or vegetables from your fridge
I still remember the first time I served shrimp fried rice at a potluck. My friends were skeptical at first, but after one bite, they were hooked!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jasmine Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture; it prevents clumping and allows the grains to separate beautifully.
Raw Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Mixed Vegetables: A colorful blend of carrots, peas, and bell peppers adds nutrition and visual appeal.
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs give richness and enhance the dish’s overall texture.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without compromising flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; don’t skip this step!
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end enhances flavor with its nutty aroma; use sparingly for balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
Prepare Your Rice: Start by cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions. For best results, allow it to cool completely before using. This helps keep each grain distinct.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp when oil shimmers; cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the skillet.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Sauté until vegetables are tender-crisp—about 3-5 minutes—and enjoy the wafting aroma.
Add Eggs: Push veggies to one side of the skillet; pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently until set, then mix everything together.
Combine Ingredients: Return shrimp to the skillet along with cold jasmine rice. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; stir-fry until heated through—around 5 minutes—ensuring everything is well combined.
Add Green Onions: Finally, toss in chopped green onions and give one last stir before serving hot. The burst of color will make your dish pop!
Enjoy your homemade shrimp fried rice on its own or pair it with crispy spring rolls for an unforgettable meal!
You Must Know
- Shrimp fried rice is a fantastic dish that brings together flavors and textures for a delightful meal
- The sizzling shrimp with fragrant rice creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
- It’s quick to make, perfect for using up leftover rice or veggies
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best shrimp fried rice, start by cooking the shrimp first, then sauté the vegetables while keeping everything warm in a separate pan. This timing ensures each ingredient shines in flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your shrimp fried rice! Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, add different veggies like bell peppers or snap peas, or experiment with various sauces for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect shrimp fried rice, use cold, day-old rice; it prevents mushiness
- Always season gradually—tasting as you go ensures balanced flavors
- A hot wok creates that coveted smoky flavor; keep things moving to avoid sticking
Memories of sharing this shrimp fried rice with friends always bring a smile; they can never get enough of its savory goodness!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal for achieving fluffy fried rice.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute shrimp with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice, all stir-fried to perfection with aromatic garlic and a touch of soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this delicious meal is sure to impress family and friends alike. With its blend of textures and tastes, shrimp fried rice is more than just food; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to be explored!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare your jasmine rice according to package instructions and cool completely.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add cooking oil. Once hot, add shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Sauté until tender-crisp (3-5 minutes).
- Push veggies to one side, pour in beaten eggs into the empty space, and scramble until set. Mix everything together.
- Return shrimp to the skillet along with cold jasmine rice. Add soy sauce and sesame oil; stir-fry for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Toss in chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: For best results, use day-old rice to prevent mushiness. Customize by swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu or adding different vegetables like snap peas.
