Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a popular and delicious dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and customize with your favorite vegetables. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory shrimp, vegetables, and rice, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably chilled (day-old rice works best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare 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 until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Add the Rice and Vegetables:

• Push the onions and garlic to the side of the skillet, creating a space in the center.
• Add the beaten eggs to the center and scramble them until they are fully cooked.
• Add the cooked rice, thawed peas and carrots, and cooked shrimp back to the skillet.
• Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice.

4. Season the Fried Rice:

• Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture.
• Sprinkle with ground white pepper if using.
• Stir well to ensure the rice and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauces.

5. Add Green Onions:

• Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the shrimp fried rice to a serving dish.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice

1. Use Chilled Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for a bit before using.
2. Prep Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process goes quickly once you begin.
3. High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures that you get a nice sear on the shrimp and vegetables, adding flavor to the dish.
4. Customize: Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or snap peas. You can also add other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
5. Season to Taste: Adjust the soy sauce and other seasonings to your taste preference. You can also add a splash of fish sauce for extra umami flavor.

Shrimp fried rice is a versatile and satisfying dish that you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make dish with your favorite garnishes and sides!