This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is a tasty meal that you can whip up in no time! Filled with juicy shrimp, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a winning dish for dinner.
I love how fast this recipe comes together—perfect for those busy nights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and delicious? 🍤🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Chilled white rice is key for preventing clumps. If you don’t have white rice, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice. Just note that cooking times might vary!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is wonderful, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Look for peeled and deveined to save time. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or edamame are great alternatives!
Vegetables: The recipe uses peas and carrots, but feel free to swap in your favorites. Bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans can brighten up the dish. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a quick substitute.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs add protein and rich flavor. For a vegan version, chickpea flour mixed with water can be used for a similar texture.
How Can I Get the Rice Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that tasty, crispy texture in fried rice is all about temperature and technique. Start with chilled rice; fresh, hot rice tends to clump together. A few tips:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding the rice.
- Spread the rice out to allow maximum contact with the pan, which helps it crisp.
- Stir occasionally but give it time to sit where it can develop a golden color.
With these steps, you’ll get the delightful texture you want!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably chilled)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll have delicious shrimp fried rice ready in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and firm. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Remove the scrambled eggs and set them aside too.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
4. Add the Veggies:
Add the diced carrots, frozen peas, and optional corn kernels to the skillet. Cook these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
5. Combine with Rice:
Now, add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine the rice with the vegetables. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing some of the rice to get a little crispy on the bottom.
6. Mix in Shrimp and Eggs:
Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce and optional sesame oil. Mix everything well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
7. Season and Garnish:
Taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s just right, remove it from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your easy shrimp fried rice hot and enjoy this delightful meal.
FAQ for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a sealed bag and running cold water over it for about 10-15 minutes.
What Type of Rice Should I Use?
Chilled white rice is ideal for this recipe, as it prevents clumping. However, you can also use jasmine rice or brown rice. Just note that cooking times and absorbency might differ slightly, so adjust accordingly!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the shrimp and using tofu instead. Just cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. You can also load up on more veggies of your choice for added flavor and nutrition.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy it again!
