Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and beloved Chinese dish, perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner. This recipe showcases tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic seasonings combined in less than 30 minutes. Ideal as a standalone meal or paired with other Asian-inspired dishes, it's a versatile favorite in many households.
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The secret to outstanding Shrimp Fried Rice lies in using cold-cooked rice, which prevents mushiness and ensures each grain is perfectly stir-fried. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds with its savory-sweet flavors but also offers a nutritious blend of protein and veggies.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful one-pot meal, this recipe is an easy, satisfying choice for any day of the week.
Discover a Variety of Shrimp Recipes:
- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Fried Shrimp
- Shrimp Scampi
- Shrimp Ceviche
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Shrimp Fried Rice, you'll need everyday pantry items along with key Chinese seasonings, all readily available at Asian markets. Here's what you'll require:
- Shrimp: Brings a wonderful seafood flavor and boosts protein. Whether you have large jumbo shrimp or something smaller, any size is fine. Just ensure they're deveined and shelled before cooking.
- Rice: Choose from white, brown, basmati, or jasmine Rice. I've used medium-grain white rice, but all these varieties are great, particularly if it's leftover rice that's cooled down, preventing clumping for a crispier, evenly cooked stir-fry.
- Sauces: We'll be using soy sauce for its classic salty and savory notes, dark soy sauce to add a rich color and depth, and a bit of chili sauce for a spicy touch.
- Vinegar: It's all about balancing flavors and adding a tangy zest. You can pick from rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or plain vinegar.
- Veggies: Adding fresh peas, corn, and carrots not only gives a burst of color but also introduces a subtle sweetness.
- Aromatics: Ginger and garlic are essential for their depth, warmth, and inviting aroma.
- Sesame Oil: This gives a distinct nutty and aromatic flavor that's a hallmark of Chinese cooking. If you don't have it, any neutral oil will do the trick.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice at Home?
Dive into the visual journey of creating our Shrimp Fried Rice with our step-by-step photos and video. Witness each ingredient come to life in this flavorful dish, guiding you to culinary success. Let's get cooking!
Explore a World of Flavored Rice Dishes:
- Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Nasi Goreng
- Chicken and Rice
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Mexican Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ lb Shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder, ½ tsp for shrimp + ½ tsp for rice
- 1 tbsp Ginger, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup Carrot, chopped
- ¼ cup Green Peas
- ¼ cup Corn
- 4 cups Cooked Rice, day old cold rice preferred
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce
- 3 tbsp Sesame Oil, or other cooking oil of your choice
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- Spring Onions, to garnish
Instructions
To Make Shrimp Fried Rice
- Begin by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the shrimp, spreading them out evenly. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then gently stir until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside for later.
- In the same wok, now on high heat, add a bit more oil along with the ginger and garlic. Sauté these until they become aromatic and fragrant.
- Next, add the carrots, green peas, and corn to the wok. Stir-fry these vegetables until they become crisp and tender.
- Create a space in the center of the wok and add the eggs. Let them set for a moment, then scramble them thoroughly. Once scrambled, mix them evenly with the vegetables.
- Now, introduce the cooked cold rice to the wok along with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and a bit of salt. Add the shrimp back in and mix everything together thoroughly. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the rice gets a nice, crispy texture.
- To finish, sprinkle some spring onions over the top as a garnish. Then, take the wok off the heat. Your delicious Shrimp Fried Rice is now ready to be enjoyed!
To Serve
- Enjoy this scrumptious Shrimp Fried Rice as a standalone dish or pair it with other delightful Chinese recipes. For more serving options, refer to the serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Seasoning Matters: Don't skimp on seasoning quality. It's the secret to those rich, authentic flavors in your Chinese rice dishes.
- Choosing the Right Oil: Go for sesame or soybean oil for that genuine, earthy taste in your stir-fry.
- Rice Done Right: I've used medium-grain white rice, but feel free to experiment. Leftover rice works wonders, but freshly cooked rice chilled for at least 2 hours or refrigerated for 30 minutes is also great.
- Veggie Variety: Mix it up with your favorite veggies like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, beans, corn, or snap peas for added color and crunch.
- Cookware Counts: A high-quality wok or iron skillet brings that authentic, restaurant-style flavor to your dish. If you don't have one, a regular pan can still do a great job.
- Heat is Key: For a crispy texture, stir-fry on high heat.
- Prep is Paramount: Since everything happens fast in stir-frying, have all your ingredients ready to go beforehand.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Delve into our assortment of rice and stir-fry recipes, featuring a spectrum of dishes that range from classic shrimp specialties to vibrant Chinese stir-fries. Each recipe is a global culinary adventure perfect for those who love to explore diverse flavors and cooking styles.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Fried Rice is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with other Chinese cuisine for a fuller meal experience. Consider these pairing options:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: The tangy and sweet flavors of this dish complement the savory notes of the fried rice.
- General Tso's Tofu: A vegetarian option that brings a spicy and sweet contrast, enhancing the flavors of the shrimp rice.
- Stir-fried or Roasted Vegetables - A simple and healthy side dish, stir-fried or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, bok choy, or snow peas would provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of Shrimp Fried Rice.
- Egg Drop Soup: This classic soup offers a light and soothing balance to the hearty fried rice.
- Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables, they provide a delightful crunch and variety in texture.
- Beef Broccoli: The rich and savory flavors of the beef pair excellently with the lighter shrimp rice.
- Kung Pao Chicken: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this spicy dish is a fantastic complement.
- Szechuan chicken: Another spicy and flavorful Chinese dish, makes a perfect match with its spicy kick.
Storage Suggestions
For optimal taste, enjoy this Shrimp Fried Rice fresh. If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to a day. Reheat using a microwave or stovetop, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly differ from the freshly made dish.
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