Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your home kitchen. This simple and quick recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. The combination of succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful Dish: The careful blend of seasonings and fresh ingredients ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can use leftover rice and add any vegetables you have on hand, making this recipe adaptable to your pantry.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it an excellent option for family dinners.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal choice.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe), you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large wok or skillet
- Medium bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large wok or skillet: Ideal for stir-frying as it provides enough surface area for even cooking and allows for easy tossing of ingredients.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing and seasoning shrimp before cooking, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware, allowing for better control during cooking.
Ingredients
For this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe), gather the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ small onion (diced)
- 2 green scallions (thinly sliced (white and green parts separated))
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
For the Rice
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink, then flip them over. Cook for another 30 seconds until fully opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on a plate.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
In the same pan, add diced onion, the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
Add frozen peas and carrots. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Stir-fry for about 1 to 2 minutes until they are warmed through.
Step 5: Cook Eggs
Move the vegetable mix to one side of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs. Quickly scramble them using your spatula until they’re soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Stir-Fry Rice, Seasoning, and Shrimp
Add cooked rice, seared shrimp, tamari soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil into the pan. Stir-fry everything together until heated through—about two minutes.
Step 7: Garnish with Green Onions
Finally, stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice!
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Serving shrimp fried rice is a delightful experience that brings together flavors and textures in every bite. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance the meal.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A light, refreshing salad can balance the savory flavors of shrimp fried rice. Consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed in a sesame dressing.
Add Soy Sauce
- Drizzle some extra soy sauce on top just before serving. This adds an additional layer of flavor and saltiness that complements the dish beautifully.
Serve with Lime Wedges
- Lime wedges placed next to the shrimp fried rice provide a zesty kick. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish brightens up the flavors significantly.
Top with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate the presentation as well.
Garnish with Cilantro
- Fresh cilantro can be used as a garnish for those who enjoy its unique taste. It adds freshness and enhances the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Pair with Sweet Chili Sauce
- For those who like a bit of heat, serve shrimp fried rice with sweet chili sauce. It provides a sweet and spicy contrast that many love.
How to Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Perfecting shrimp fried rice is all about technique and using quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky and fries better, giving you that ideal texture.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking over high heat helps achieve that signature wok hei flavor, which gives shrimp fried rice its distinct aroma.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to prevent steaming, ensuring each ingredient gets nicely cooked and retains its flavor.
- Flavor Layering: Season each component as you cook (e.g., shrimp, veggies) for depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- Add Protein Variety: Mixing in other proteins, such as chicken or tofu, can make your meal more hearty and diverse.
- Fresh Aromatics: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor; dried options can’t match their potency.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Shrimp fried rice pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp add crunchiness and are great for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
- Hot & Sour Soup: This classic soup offers a flavorful contrast that warms the palate while enhancing your Asian dining experience.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious side that’s easy to prepare and balances out the richness of the fried rice.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light and simple soup made with beaten eggs creates a comforting pairing without overpowering the main dish.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables are perfect for sharing alongside shrimp fried rice.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A tangy salad made from cucumbers tossed in vinegar brings brightness to your meal, making it feel lighter.
- Grilled Zucchini Skewers: These skewers are easy to make and add a smoky flavor that complements stir-fried dishes well.
- Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish introduces probiotics along with spicy notes, adding complexity to your meal’s flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Shrimp Fried Rice, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using wet rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, resulting in clumpy fried rice. Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool before frying.
- Overcooking shrimp. Cook shrimp until just opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery. Keep an eye on them, as they only need a couple of minutes.
- Skipping prep work. Not having all ingredients prepped leads to uneven cooking. Chop and measure everything before you start cooking for a smoother process.
- Crowding the pan. Adding too much at once lowers the pan’s temperature, causing steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary for better texture.
- Neglecting seasoning. Under-seasoned fried rice can be bland. Season each layer as you cook to build flavor throughout the dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Shrimp fried rice can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Shrimp Fried Rice or have specific questions, here are some frequently asked questions that can help.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
What type of rice is best for Shrimp Fried Rice?
Day-old white rice is ideal as it’s drier and less sticky compared to freshly cooked rice.
How do I customize my Shrimp Fried Rice?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or swap shrimp for chicken or tofu based on your preference.
Is Shrimp Fried Rice healthy?
Shrimp fried rice can be healthy if you control the portion sizes and use leaner ingredients like lots of veggies and less oil.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is the perfect solution for a quick, satisfying meal that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. This recipe combines tender shrimp with colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, creating a delicious dish that can be on your table in just 20 minutes. It’s not only ideal for busy weeknights but also customizable to suit your preferences with any leftover ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy this family-friendly, protein-packed dish that promises to please both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In the same pan, stir-fry onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add peas and carrots; stir-fry until heated through.
- Push veggies aside; scramble beaten eggs until fluffy.
- Stir in cooked rice, shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
