Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Shrimp fried rice is a beloved dish that combines savory flavors with delicate shrimp and fresh vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, shrimp fried rice is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
- Rice: 3 cups, cooked and preferably cooled (day-old rice works great)
- Vegetables: 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and diced bell peppers)
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Green Onions: 3, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the rice in advance and allow it to cool to prevent it from becoming sticky when stir-fried.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet, creating a space in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into the space and cook, stirring gently, until the eggs are fully scrambled and cooked through.
- Combine Rice and Shrimp: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat the rice evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through.
- Add Shrimp and Final Seasoning: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp fried rice!
Tips for Success:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice works best for stir-frying as it has a firmer texture and doesn’t clump together.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying is done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while maintaining their crispiness.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation.
Conclusion:
Shrimp fried rice is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate restaurant-quality shrimp fried rice right in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful twist on a classic Asian-inspired favorite!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!