Shrimp Fried Rice is a delightful and versatile dish that combines succulent shrimp with the comforting goodness of fried rice, packed with vegetables and flavored with a blend of soy and oyster sauces. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, transforming it into a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it:
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice: Cold, leftover rice is ideal as it fries better and doesn’t become mushy.
- 1 cup shrimp: Peeled and deveined, ready to cook.
- 2 eggs: Beaten, adding richness and texture to the dish.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables: Such as diced carrots, peas, and corn, adding color and nutritional value.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for a fragrant base.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that essential umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Chopped green onions: For garnish, adding a fresh, sharp bite (optional).
- Sesame oil: For drizzling, giving a rich, nutty finish to the dish (optional).
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Make sure your rice is cold and grains are separated. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- In the same pan, add the beaten eggs. Stir gently until they’re fully cooked. Remove and set them aside with the shrimp.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the mixed vegetables. Cook until they’re just softened.
- Combine and Fry:
- Add the cold rice to the pan with the vegetables, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Season:
- Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice, stirring well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Shrimp and Eggs:
- Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together, cooking for another minute or two until everything is well mixed and heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the shrimp fried rice to serving dishes. Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with a little sesame oil if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
This Shrimp Fried Rice is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can be turned into a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy!