Shrimp Fried Rice

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright delicious, this Shrimp Fried Rice is exactly what you need! Picture this: tender shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce all coming together in one perfect dish. The best part? It’s a complete meal all on its own, packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of seasoning. You can serve it up as a quick dinner, or pair it with your favorite side. And the best part—it’s super easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered ordering takeout!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Fried Rice

Quick & Easy:

This recipe comes together in no time. With a little prep and a hot skillet or wok, you’ve got yourself a satisfying meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

Full of Flavor:

The combination of savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and a burst of garlic and ginger makes every bite a flavor explosion. The shrimp add a sweet and tender bite, and the veggies give the dish a nice crunch.

One-Pan Wonder:

One skillet, minimal clean-up, and all the flavors you crave. It’s as simple as tossing everything together and letting it cook to perfection.

Customizable:

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. You could even add in some scrambled eggs for extra richness!

Budget-Friendly:

Using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this dish is easy on the wallet but big on flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and affordable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Shrimp Fried Rice:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, these little guys bring sweetness and protein to the dish. You can peel them ahead of time to save yourself some work.
• Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice, as it’s less sticky and cooks up fluffier.
• Vegetables: A mix of carrots, peas, and onions adds both color and texture. You can easily swap these for any veggies you prefer!
• Garlic & Ginger: These two flavor bombs make the base of the dish. Fresh is always best, but you can use powdered ginger and garlic if that’s what you have.
• Soy Sauce: For the savory, umami flavor that ties everything together.
• Sesame Oil: A little bit of sesame oil adds richness and depth, giving the dish that authentic fried rice taste.
• Egg: Optional, but scrambling an egg into the fried rice adds a creamy texture and richness.
• Green Onions: These add a touch of freshness and crunch to finish off the dish.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this flavor-packed dish? Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, if necessary. Chop up the vegetables into small pieces, and make sure your rice is ready to go (preferably day-old rice for the best texture). If you’re using eggs, scramble them and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Then, toss in the carrots and peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add the day-old rice to the skillet with the veggies, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything around for about 2-3 minutes to ensure the rice is evenly heated and starts to crisp up a bit.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the rice evenly. If you’re adding scrambled eggs, toss them in now, and mix them into the rice until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, just to heat everything through.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch, and your Shrimp Fried Rice is ready to serve!

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice

• On its own: This dish is hearty enough to be a main course by itself. Serve it with a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh salad for extra flavor and texture.
• With stir-fried vegetables: If you want to load up on veggies, pair it with a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
• As a side dish: If you’re serving it as a side, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork.
• With a fried egg on top: For an extra indulgent touch, top the fried rice with a fried egg for some richness and extra protein.

Additional Tips

Use Day-Old Rice:

Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s less sticky and holds up better to the frying process. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Make it Spicy:

For some heat, add a bit of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the mix. You can also throw in some chopped red chili peppers when sautéing the veggies for an extra kick.

Customize the Veggies:

You can easily swap out the carrots and peas for other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms. Just make sure the veggies are chopped small enough to cook quickly.

Make it Even More Flavorful:

For an extra umami punch, consider adding a drizzle of oyster sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I add other proteins like chicken or beef?

A2: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a different protein.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A3: Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and add more veggies or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version of this fried rice.

Q4: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A4: Yes, brown rice will work great. Keep in mind it might take a little longer to cook, so adjust accordingly.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?

A5: To make it spicy, add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies to the dish. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

A6: Yes! Allow the rice to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to eat.

Q7: How do I prevent the rice from being too mushy?

A7: Use day-old rice if possible, and make sure to cook the rice in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will help keep the rice from getting mushy.

Q8: Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option?

A8: Yes! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and it’ll give the fried rice just the right amount of flavor.

Q9: Can I add scrambled eggs to the fried rice?

A9: Absolutely! Scrambled eggs are a classic addition to fried rice. Simply scramble them in the skillet before adding the rice.

Q10: How do I make sure the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

A10: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become tough.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Fried Rice is everything you need in a meal: quick, easy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—but without the wait! Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or whenever you need a comforting, delicious dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, and the best part is, it’s all made in one pan. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy this easy, tasty dish!

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