This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is perfect for a fast and tasty meal! Made with fresh shrimp, rice, and colorful veggies, it’s ready in a flash!
I love how quickly this dish comes together – just stir-fry everything in one pan! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This rice gives a nice texture to the dish. If you don’t have jasmine rice, feel free to use long-grain rice or even brown rice, but remember that cooking times may vary.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is fantastic, but frozen works just as well! Make sure to thaw it beforehand. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken or tofu can also be great substitutes.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is versatile, using sesame oil adds a lovely flavor. Coconut oil is another alternative, especially if you’re looking for a different taste.
Peas and Corn: Frozen veggies make preparation easy! Substitute with bell peppers or broccoli for a different twist.
Eggs: For a vegetarian option, you can leave out the eggs, or replace them with scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick and can be easy if you keep a few things in mind. First, don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures even cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp, as this helps achieve that beautiful pink color.
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curled. Remove them promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Remember, shrimp cook fast! Keep an eye on them to get that perfect tender texture.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Day-Old Rice?
Day-old rice is excellent for fried rice because it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and let it dry for about 30 minutes before using.
- When you add the rice to the pan, break apart any clumps with a spatula.
- Let it cook for a couple of minutes before stirring, allowing it to crisp slightly at the bottom.
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 1 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and simple! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking. In just about 25-30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same pan, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until they’re just cooked. Once they’re done, take them out and set them aside with the shrimp.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced carrot, frozen peas, and corn to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, cooking until the veggies are tender but still retain a bit of crunch.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked rice. Break up any clumps and mix it well with the veggies. Cook for about 2 minutes to heat the rice through.
6. Bring it All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), mixing everything thoroughly to ensure that each ingredient is evenly coated.
7. Season and Stir-Fry:
Add salt and black pepper to taste, and stir-fry again for another minute to blend all the flavors beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. Enjoy your delightful and quick Shrimp Fried Rice!
This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick meal packed with flavors. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein as well!
FAQ for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Can I Use Fresh Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, but day-old rice is recommended because it’s drier and holds up better in stir-frying. If you need to use fresh rice, let it cool and spread it on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to reduce moisture before adding it to the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute it with chicken, beef, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken and beef will need to be cooked through completely, while tofu should be added at the same time as the eggs for a nice texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it in short intervals while stirring, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of oil to revive the flavors.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize the fried rice with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even bok choy work great. Just make sure they’re chopped finely and added at the right time to ensure they remain crisp.
