This Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and yummy meal that brings together colorful veggies and tender shrimp in a warm, fluffy rice. It’s the perfect way to use up any leftovers!
Making this dish feels like a mini cooking party. Just toss everything in the pan and watch the magic happen! I love adding a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for fried rice. If you don’t have jasmine, you can use basmati or even long-grain white rice. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled first—day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky!
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are ideal for this dish, but feel free to use large shrimp or even shrimp that are fresh or frozen. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can try chicken, tofu, or a mix of your favorite veggies instead.
Frozen Peas: Peas add a lovely pop of color and sweetness. If you don’t have them, corn or diced bell pepper can work too. Just make sure to cook them through before adding to the rice.
Eggs: They add protein and creaminess. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to create a similar texture.
How Can I Ensure My Fried Rice Stays Fluffy?
To keep the rice light and fluffy, using day-old rice is key! Fresh, hot rice tends to clump together. When cooking, remember to:
- Cook the rice and let it cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Use a high heat when frying to help quickly fry the rice and minimize excess moisture in the pan.
- Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula while adding it to the pan, ensuring even cooking.
Following these tips will give you that perfect fried rice texture everyone loves!
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For Flavor:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 20 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal whenever you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they’re fully cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Scrambling the Eggs:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are just cooked through, then transfer them to the plate with the shrimp.
3. Sautéing Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Sauté the sliced white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. This step adds a delicious aroma to the dish!
4. Cooking the Rice:
Now, increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir well to break up any clumps, ensuring the rice heats through and mixes with the aromatics.
5. Combining Ingredients:
Next, fold in the thawed peas, scrambled eggs, and cooked shrimp, mixing everything gently to combine.
6. Flavoring Your Fried Rice:
Pour the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir continuously, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated in the sauces. This step is where all the flavors come together!
7. Final Seasoning:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add in the green parts of the green onions and give it a last gentle stir to combine.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your shrimp fried rice hot. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish!
This shrimp fried rice is a delightful mix of tender shrimp, fluffy egg, bright peas, and savory flavors, making it a favorite for many. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp can be used in place of frozen shrimp. Just make sure to devein and peel them before cooking. The cooking time will still be about the same—2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No worries! You can freshly cook your rice; just let it cool completely before adding it to the pan. Spread the freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly and get rid of excess moisture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a skillet on low heat or microwave it until warmed through. You can add a little splash of water or soy sauce to help prevent dryness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just chop them up small and sauté them with the green onion and garlic to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the rice.
