20 Minute Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of shrimp, vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a personal favorite of mine, often made on weeknights when I want something quick yet flavorful. This meal is perfect for busy families looking for a tasty dinner option without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, making it a great go-to for any occasion. If you’re a fan of fried rice or looking for a new twist on a classic dish, you’ll definitely want to try this recipe! You may also find Busy Mom Hack Fried Rice useful.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One of the top reasons to make shrimp fried rice is its incredible speed and ease of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome meal that both kids and adults will enjoy. The addition of shrimp brings a touch of elegance and protein that elevates it from standard fried rice. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply want a quick dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes. For those seeking more rice ideas, you can explore additional recipes like this 15-minute fried rice as well.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making shrimp fried rice is straightforward and efficient. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process: you’ll season and sear the shrimp, stir-fry your aromatics and vegetables, scramble in the eggs, and finally mix everything together with rice and delicious sauces. Each step contributes to the layered flavors that make this dish shine.
What You’ll Need
To recreate this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 green scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
These ingredients are easily accessible, and you can substitute some if necessary without losing the essence of the dish.
Directions to Follow
- Season the shrimp. In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sear the shrimp. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds, until just cooked through and opaque. Remove to a plate.
- Add the aromatics. Add the onion, white parts of the green onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan, and stir-fry for a minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the veggies. Add the frozen carrots and peas (no need to thaw), and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Cook the eggs. Move the veggies to the side, then add the beaten eggs and quickly scramble them until they are pillowy soft.
- Stir-fry the rice, seasoning, and shrimp. Add the rice, shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and stir-fry until the rice and shrimp are warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions. Stir in the green parts of the green onions before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To serve shrimp fried rice, try plating it in a large bowl or on a flat plate, garnished with fresh herbs or additional green onions for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with side salads or steamed bok choy. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your shrimp fried rice fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, choose a skillet over the microwave for the best texture; add a splash of water to retain moisture and prevent stickiness. If you want to freeze the dish, it can last up to a month, but be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure your rice is thoroughly cooled before frying; freshly cooked rice can become mushy.
- For optimal flavor, use high-quality soy sauce or tamari.
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables or proteins according to your taste preferences.
Creative Twists
If you’re looking to shake things up, consider adding different proteins like chicken or tofu, or experimenting with various sauces like hoisin or oyster sauce. You could also introduce a touch of spice with chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes for a heat version.
Common Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, there’s no problem using frozen shrimp, just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- What type of rice is best to use? Day-old cooked rice is ideal for fried rice dishes, but you can also use freshly cooked rice if necessary; just cool it promptly.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Shrimp fried rice is perfect for meal prepping and can be divided into portions for a grab-and-go lunch.
- How can I make it gluten-free? Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Shrimp fried rice is not only a quick and simple dinner option but also a delicious way to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful dish. If you’re keen to learn more about variations of fried rice, check out this Shrimp Fried Rice – Simply Recipes for more inspiration!
Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds, until just cooked through and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp to a plate.
- Add the onion, white parts of the green onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan, and stir-fry for a minute, until fragrant.
- Add the frozen carrots and peas and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Move the veggies to the side, then add the beaten eggs and quickly scramble them until they are pillowy soft.
- Add the rice, shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and stir-fry until the rice and shrimp are warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the green parts of the green onions before serving.
