This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is perfect for busy nights! With tender shrimp and colorful veggies, it’s quick to whip up. Just throw everything in one pan and enjoy a tasty meal!
I love how this dish comes together in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice! A sprinkle of soy sauce, and dinner is ready—talk about a speedy supper! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice works best as it holds together nicely. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry a bit. You can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
Shrimp: Large shrimp is great for this dish, but you can use any size. If you’re out of shrimp, consider using chicken, tofu, or even veggies like bell peppers, which pair well with this recipe.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil. Olive oil can work too, but it has a lower smoke point and can alter the flavor slightly.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have green onions, chives or shallots can be good alternatives.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor, but it’s optional. You can skip it or use hoisin sauce or even a bit of soy sauce for additional flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice Isn’t Mushy?
The key to fluffy fried rice is using day-old rice! Fresh rice tends to be sticky, perfect for dishes like risotto, but for fried rice, par-cooked and cooled rice gives you that ideal texture. If using fresh rice, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature.
- Spread cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool to dry a bit.
- Use a spatula to break up any clumps before adding to the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—if you need to, fry in batches to keep it cooking evenly.
With these tips, your shrimp fried rice will be deliciously golden and perfectly textured! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe For Busy Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy shrimp fried rice takes about 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced carrots to the pan and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the frozen peas and corn (if using) and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the veggies are heated through.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Let the eggs scramble until just set, then mix everything together in the pan.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice! Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together. Make sure the rice is evenly heated through.
6. Season the Dish:
Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and give everything a good stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan along with the chopped green onions. Stir all the ingredients together for an additional minute to warm the shrimp and let the flavors meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and serve your delicious shrimp fried rice immediately. Enjoy this quick, colorful, and flavorful meal perfect for busy nights!
FAQ: Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works just fine. Cook it just like you would with frozen shrimp, making sure it turns pink and opaque before removing it from the pan.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No worries! If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes to reduce stickiness. This helps it fry up nicely without clumping.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time based on how long each vegetable takes to soften.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, or heat it in a skillet with a little oil to revive the flavors!
