Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines flavor with simplicity, this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is just what you need! Here are some reasons why you’re going to love it:
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Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
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Perfect for Beginners: This recipe requires no fancy skills, making it great for anyone new to cooking. Just follow the steps, and you’ll impress your family or guests.
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Ideal for the Whole Family: Shrimp Fried Rice is a crowd-pleaser! It’s tasty enough for adults and simple enough for kids to enjoy.
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Economical: Using simple and affordable ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies too.
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Customizable: One of the best things about fried rice is that you can modify it based on what you have at home. You can add more veggies or even change the protein!
The Necessary Ingredients
To make this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 small chopped white onion
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 beaten eggs
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
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Shrimp: Fresh shrimp works best, but you can also use pre-cooked shrimp. Just remember to reduce the cooking time to avoid rubbery shrimp.
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Rice: Leftover rice is perfect for this dish since it’s drier and won’t get mushy. If you don’t have leftovers, make sure your rice is cooled completely before frying.
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Veggies: If you don’t have peas and carrots, feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli are fantastic options!
How to Prepare the Easy Shrimp Fried Rice step by step
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Preheat the Skillet
Begin by preheating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. This ensures that your ingredients cook evenly and don’t stick.Pro Tip: Make sure to use a non-stick skillet if possible. It makes cooking and cleaning up much easier!
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Cook the Shrimp
Add the vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet.Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to achieve that lovely sear.
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Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and thawed peas and carrots. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until tender.Pro Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
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Scramble the Eggs
Make space in the skillet by pushing the veggies to one side. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, mix everything together in the skillet.Pro Tip: Scrambling the eggs separately helps prevent them from becoming rubbery by allowing them to cook evenly.
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Add Rice and Shrimp
Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the cold cooked rice and the shrimp back into the skillet. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir well until everything is heated through.Pro Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be moist and clump together.
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Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped green onions before serving. This adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color!Pro Tip: To make it even more aromatic, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
Serving Suggestions
The Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: A refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or a light white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) pairs well.
- Sides: Serve with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick enough for a busy weeknight yet flavorful enough for guests.
- Special Occasion Meal: Dress it up with gourmet shrimp or additional toppings for a fancy dinner.
Serving Tips
- Serve hot directly from the skillet for a fun family style meal.
- Consider a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or lime wedges on the side for an added zing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Easy Shrimp Fried Rice fresh, follow these storage methods:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Type of Container: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to keep it fresh.
Freezed
- If Possible: Fried rice can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Packaging: Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to steam it slightly if it’s too dry. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure you achieve the best results, keep these golden rules in mind:
- Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice is key to preventing a mushy fried rice.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on shrimp to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Always Season: Remember to taste and adjust seasoning at each step for the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice can be easily customized to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
- For a spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon of chili paste or diced fresh chili peppers to the veggies for a kick.
- For a vegan version: Replace the shrimp with tofu and use flax eggs instead of beaten eggs to keep it plant-based.
- Add more veggies: Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas can provide added color and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if my rice is too sticky?
A: If your rice clumps together and is sticky, it might be too fresh. Use cold, day-old rice for better results. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool it down before using.
Q: Can I use other types of proteins?
A: Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make my fried rice more flavorful?
A: Beyond soy sauce, you can add oyster sauce, garlic, or ginger for enhanced flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten up the dish.
Q: My shrimp turned out rubbery, what happened?
A: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
Q: Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meal in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes! You can include any veggies you like. Just adjust the cooking time based on their texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
With these tips and tricks, your Easy Shrimp Fried Rice will be a hit at your dining table! Enjoy the savory flavors and delightful textures as you gather with friends and family over this classic dish. Happy cooking!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients Â
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp works best but pre-cooked shrimp can be used; reduce cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed Can substitute with seasonal vegetables.
- 3 eggs, beaten Scramble to prevent rubbery texture.
- 3 cups cooked rice Use cold, day-old rice for best results.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add vegetable oil to the skillet, then season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until pink. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and thawed peas and carrots for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Push the veggies to one side and scramble beaten eggs in the space until fully cooked, then mix everything together.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add cold cooked rice and shrimp back to the skillet, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, stir until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.