Shrimp Fried Rice is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the savory flavors of rice, vegetables, and seasonings.

Originating from Chinese cuisine, fried rice has become a beloved dish worldwide due to its versatility, ease of preparation, and the ability to incorporate a variety of ingredients.

Shrimp Fried Rice is particularly popular for its light yet satisfying taste, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.

This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious Shrimp Fried Rice that is bursting with flavor and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups jasmine rice (or any long-grain rice), cooked and cooled
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool. Using day-old rice is best for fried rice as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming too mushy.

Chill the Rice: For the best texture, let the rice cool completely and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This step helps to dry out the rice, making it ideal for frying.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 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 the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables and Eggs

Sauté Aromatics: In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients

Add the Rice: Add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables and eggs.

Season the Rice: Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.

Add the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix everything together. Add the chopped white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serving the Dish

Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Shrimp Fried Rice to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and chopped fresh cilantro if using.

Add Lime: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.

Chef’s Notes

Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it is drier and less sticky. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least an hour before using.

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or snap peas to suit your taste.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to control the saltiness of the dish.

Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the fried rice. If unavailable, you can use a bit more soy sauce or fish sauce as a substitute.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for the best results.

Eggs: Adding eggs to the fried rice gives it a richer texture and flavor. Make sure to scramble them separately to avoid them becoming too mixed into the rice.

Nutrition Value

The nutritional values for Shrimp Fried Rice can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 3-5g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugars: 2-4g
• Cholesterol: 200-250mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Vitamin A: 30-35% DV
• Vitamin C: 15-20% DV
• Calcium: 10-15% DV
• Iron: 15-20% DV

Conclusion

Shrimp Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender vegetables, and savory rice creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that brings the taste of Asian cuisine to your home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, Shrimp Fried Rice is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

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