Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
This Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, aromatics, and sauces creates a rich and savory dish.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious choice for dinner.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything is cooked in one pan!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Shrimp Fried Rice efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Provides ample surface area for stir-frying and ensures even cooking.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing and marinating the shrimp before cooking.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ small onion (diced)
- 2 green scallions (thinly sliced (white and green parts separated))
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
For the Rice Mixture
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for another 30 seconds until fully cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
In the same wok or skillet, add diced onion, white parts of the green scallions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry these aromatics for about one minute until they become fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Add frozen peas and carrots directly into the wok without thawing them first. Stir-fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Create space in the pan by moving the vegetable mixture to one side. Pour in beaten eggs on the other side of the pan. Quickly scramble them until they are pillowy soft; then combine with vegetables.
Step 6: Stir-fry Rice, Seasoning, and Shrimp
Add cooked rice along with sautéed shrimp back into the pan. Pour in tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos along with toasted sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for about two minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Garnish with Green Onions
Finally, stir in the green parts of scallions before serving hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Shrimp Fried Rice!
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Serving shrimp fried rice can elevate your dining experience. This quick and flavorful dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its taste. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the fried rice.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy Asian slaw with sesame dressing complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Add a Protein Side
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender, marinated chicken skewers can be an excellent addition for those wanting more protein.
- Tofu Stir-fry: For a vegetarian option, tofu stir-fried with vegetables offers a delicious contrast to the shrimp.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and spicy sauce is perfect for drizzling over shrimp fried rice for extra flavor.
- Soy Sauce: A classic soy sauce on the side allows guests to adjust seasoning to their liking.
Garnish Creatively
- Lime Wedges: Fresh lime wedges add brightness and acidity that enhances each bite of shrimp fried rice.
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkling cilantro on top gives a fresh herbaceous note that elevates the dish.
How to Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
To create the best shrimp fried rice, focus on these tips. With just a few tweaks, you can make this dish even more delicious.
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and helps achieve that perfect texture without clumping together.
- Cook Over High Heat: Cooking quickly over high heat allows for better flavor development and prevents sogginess.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready ensures smooth cooking without interruptions.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste for extra depth of flavor.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end boosts flavor significantly, making each bite irresistible.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
Complementing your shrimp fried rice with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with fried rice.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light egg drop soup offers warmth and pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
- Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings are a delightful addition that enhances the Asian theme.
- Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce: This simple sautéed vegetable brings freshness and a slight bitterness to balance out the meal.
- Garlic Noodles: Rich garlic noodles can serve as a filling side, complementing the flavors of shrimp fried rice without overpowering it.
- Miso Soup: Light miso soup adds umami and warmth, making it an excellent starter alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making shrimp fried rice can be simple, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Sear them just until opaque to maintain a tender texture.
- Using cold rice: Freshly made rice can turn mushy. Use day-old, chilled rice for perfect grains that fry well.
- Skimping on seasoning: A lack of tamari or seasoning can lead to bland fried rice. Use enough soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
- Crowding the pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once can steam rather than stir-fry. Work in batches if needed.
- Not prepping ingredients: Failing to prep before cooking can slow you down. Chop and measure everything beforehand for a smooth cooking process.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Place shrimp fried rice in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread the rice on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Cook until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to making shrimp fried rice, you might have some questions. Here are answers to common inquiries.
How do I make Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) healthier?
Consider using brown rice instead of white rice and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old cooked white rice is ideal as it’s less sticky and fries better than freshly cooked rice.
Can I add other proteins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or tofu can be great additions alongside or instead of shrimp.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand. It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. Give it a try tonight!
Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Fried Rice (Easy 20-Min Recipe) is your go-to solution for a quick, delicious dinner that captures the essence of Chinese takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ small onion (diced)
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Season shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat avocado oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes until pink; remove from pan.
- Add onion, green scallion whites, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add frozen peas and carrots; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Move veggies to one side, scramble beaten eggs on the other side until soft, then mix everything together.
- Stir in cooked rice, shrimp, tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos, and sesame oil; stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with green scallion tops before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
