This shrimp fried rice is a speedy and tasty dish that will brighten up your meal in no time! With fresh shrimp, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a winner.
It’s super easy to make—just stir-fry everything together! I love how this meal comes together quickly. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice because it’s drier and helps prevent clumping. If you don’t have leftover rice, quick-cook some and let it cool for a bit before using.
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with chicken, tofu, or even veggies for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Oil: I usually use vegetable oil, but any neutral oil works well. Canola or sunflower oil are great substitutes! You can also use olive oil for a twist, though it has a stronger flavor.
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can leave them out or use scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
Vegetable Mix: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli based on what you have at home or prefer.
How Can I Ensure My Fried Rice is Flavorful and Not Mushy?
The key to great fried rice is technique! Start with day-old rice to prevent mushiness. If using fresh rice, let it cool completely and spread it out to dry. When cooking, make sure to keep the heat high and stir-fry quickly.
- Cook your shrimp first, then set them aside. This prevents overcooking.
- Scramble the eggs separately; it helps them stay fluffy.
- Ensure you’re using high heat when combining ingredients; this gives a nice bit of char and enhances flavor.
- Keep everything moving in the skillet to avoid sticking and burning.
Following these tips will lead to a delicious and perfectly textured shrimp fried rice every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 pound (about 225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes for cooking, for a total of around 20 minutes! It’s a quick and easy meal you can whip up on a busy evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same pan, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until they’re just set, then take them out of the pan and set them aside with the shrimp.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes, until they become fragrant and translucent.
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, stir in the diced carrots, green peas, and corn kernels (if using). Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Combine the Rice:
Now, add the cooked white rice to the pan. Stir everything together well, breaking up any clumps of rice with your spatula to combine all the ingredients evenly.
6. Add Back the Shrimp and Eggs:
Return the shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Gently stir and fold them into the rice and vegetable mixture.
7. Season and Final Touches:
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the rice. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the rice evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final stir-fry for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is nicely mixed and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy your quick and flavorful shrimp fried rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess water in the pan while cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No problem! If you don’t have day-old rice, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to dry out a bit. This will help prevent clumping in your fried rice.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize your fried rice! You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces and cooked until tender before adding the rice.
How Can I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
To store leftovers, cool the fried rice completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or stir-fry it in a pan with a little oil.
