Craving a quick and delicious meal? You’re in the right place! My Savory Shrimp Fried Rice recipe combines fresh flavors and easy steps, making dinner a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or family, this dish satisfies every time. I’ll guide you through what you need, how to cook, and some tasty tips to make it your own. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure together!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 cup jasmine rice (cooked and cooled)
– 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
– Lime wedges for garnish
– Extra green onions for a pop of color
Nutritional Information
This shrimp fried rice recipe serves four people. Each serving contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 3g
This dish is a great source of protein and is balanced with vegetables. Enjoy it as a filling meal any time of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Shrimp
To start, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Make sure the heat is medium-high. Add the shrimp and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. When they are done, remove them from the pan and set them aside. This step ensures your shrimp stay juicy and flavorful.
Cooking the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes. You want them to smell good and look translucent. Next, add the diced bell pepper and the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. This mix of colors adds great taste and nutrition.
Combining Ingredients and Final Touches
Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the veggies. Add the cooled jasmine rice next, breaking any clumps. Stir everything well. Pour in the soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil, then toss in the cooked shrimp. Mix until everything is hot and well combined. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or sriracha to taste.
Enjoy this simple and savory shrimp fried rice that is sure to impress!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Rice Perfectly
To make great shrimp fried rice, start with jasmine rice. Cook it ahead of time. Use 1 cup of water for every cup of rice. After cooking, let it cool. This helps the rice grains stay separate. If you don’t cool the rice, it can turn mushy. You can also use day-old rice for best results. It’s drier and works well in stir-frying.
Enhancing Flavor with Condiments
Soy sauce is key for flavor. Use 3 tablespoons to season your fried rice. If you like heat, add sriracha, starting with 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty taste. Mix these in to boost the dish. You can also add lime juice for a fresh zing. Just squeeze some lime wedges on top before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is overcrowding the skillet. This can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook the shrimp and veggies in batches if needed. Another mistake is not seasoning the rice. Always add salt and pepper to enhance taste. Lastly, don’t skip the green onions. They add crunch and freshness. Remember, small details make your shrimp fried rice shine!
Variations
Substitutions for Rice and Protein
You can use different types of rice for this dish. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. For protein, shrimp is tasty, but chicken or tofu works well too. Just cook them like the shrimp. Adjust the cooking time for chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Adding Extra Vegetables or Spices
Feel free to add more veggies! Broccoli, snap peas, or corn add color and crunch. Try adding spices like ginger for warmth or chili flakes for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro for extra flavor. Just aim for a good balance.
Making it Vegetarian or Vegan
To make this dish vegetarian, remove the shrimp and eggs. Use tofu or tempeh instead. For a vegan option, skip the eggs and add more veggies. You can also try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps it healthy and delicious for everyone!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your shrimp fried rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture buildup. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. Aim to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat your shrimp fried rice in a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. This method keeps the rice from getting dry. If you use a microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Freezing Shrimp Fried Rice
You can freeze shrimp fried rice for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Be sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. Frozen shrimp fried rice lasts up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked shrimp. Just cook them first. Heat a skillet and add oil. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds great flavor and texture.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
I recommend jasmine rice for fried rice. It has a nice aroma and fluffy texture. You can use leftover rice, too. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Let it cool for better results.
How can I make shrimp fried rice spicier?
To add heat, mix in more sriracha. You can also add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. A little heat can boost the dish’s flavor and excitement.
In this article, we covered the key ingredients for shrimp fried rice, from shrimp to veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect cooking. We explored tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. You can even try variations like making it vegan. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheating them right.
Experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey, and have fun with shrimp fried rice!
