Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice preferably day-old and chilled
- 12 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce use low sodium if preferred
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce check for permissible ingredients or substitute with mushroom sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced thinly
- red chili flakes or fresh chili optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are ready to go. Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Have your garlic minced, onion chopped, and peas and carrots thawed. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside. Using day-old chilled rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent. Add the peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes until warmed through.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for a few seconds before scrambling them gently. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add Rice and Sauces
- Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together to combine. Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster (or mushroom) sauce, and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Toss well so every grain is coated with flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Finish with Shrimp and Green Onions
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Stir gently to mix without breaking the shrimp. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and add chili flakes if using.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your shrimp fried rice hot and fresh from the pan. It pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wok
Notes
Use day-old rice for best texture; cook on medium-high heat; do not overcrowd the pan; customize sauces and veggies as desired; use a wok or large skillet for best results.