Traditional Shrimp Fried Rice

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Traditional Shrimp Fried Rice is a beloved classic that brings together the perfect balance of savory flavors and delightful textures. It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients, saving you a trip to the store.
  • Flexible and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
  • Great way to use leftover rice, minimizing waste.
  • Packed with protein from shrimp and eggs, making it a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
3 green onions, chopped
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients Explained

Shrimp adds a sweet, succulent protein that pairs beautifully with the rice. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. Jasmine rice is perfect for fried rice due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, especially when chilled. Peas and carrots mix brings in color, sweetness, and nutritional value. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish. The eggs provide richness and bind the ingredients together. Soy sauce gives the dish its signature umami flavor, while sesame oil lends a toasted, nutty aroma. Vegetable oil is used for frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly. Garlic and ginger infuse the dish with depth and warmth, making every bite exciting. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can be too sticky.
  • Ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough to prevent the rice from sticking.
  • Customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

Detailed Instructions

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, lay the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them until they turn pink and are opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for later.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics for about 30 seconds, just until they're fragrant and releasing their lovely aromas.

Now, stir in the peas and carrots. Cook them until they’re tender, which should only take a few minutes. Once done, push the veggie mixture to one side of the skillet to make room for the eggs.

Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble them gently until they’re just set. Mix the scrambled eggs with the veggies, breaking them up a bit if needed.

Add the chilled jasmine rice to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together until the rice is well coated and heated through. Make sure the rice is nicely separated and coated with the sauces.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss in the chopped green onions, and give everything a good mix. Let the flavors meld together for a minute or two. Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve your shrimp fried rice hot, straight from the skillet for the best experience.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking until tender.
5. Push the vegetable mixture to the side and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling until just set.
6. Mix the eggs with the veggies and add the chilled rice.
7. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring until everything is well combined.
8. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the green onions, and toss everything together.
9. Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp fried rice pairs wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or steamed bok choy for a complete meal. A side of spring rolls or dumplings can also complement the dish well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, brown rice is a great alternative, adding a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
You can substitute it with a little peanut oil or simply omit it. However, sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture.

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