Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that brings joy to the table, then this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is just what you need! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights. It’s perfect for family gatherings or simply when you want a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. The combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and fluffy rice makes this dish a winner every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore shrimp fried rice; it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out any ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s really adaptable!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rice in advance, making this dish even easier during the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The mix of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! These are all easy to find and come together beautifully to create our Easy Shrimp Fried Rice.

For the Fried Rice

• 2 tablespoons canola, vegetable, or avocado oil (divided)
• 16 ounces medium peeled and de-veined shrimp
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup finely diced carrot
• 2 medium garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions (for garnish, if desired)

Variations

One of the best things about Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist!
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cooking them until they turn pink is key; this ensures they are perfectly cooked and tender. Once done, transfer them to a plate to keep warm while we work on the rest!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add the remaining oil along with the diced onions. Let them cook until softened—about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the carrots for another 3 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth of flavor! Finally, toss in your minced garlic and ginger until fragrant; trust me, this aroma will fill your kitchen with deliciousness.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Rice

Now it’s time to add our star ingredient: cooked white rice! Stir it into the veggie mixture and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it gets crisped up. This texture adds that delightful contrast we all love in fried rice.

Step 4: Scramble the Egg

Push your rice mixture to one side of the pan to create a well. Crack an egg into that space and scramble it right there! Once it’s cooked through, fold it into your rice mixture. This step adds richness to your dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now add those lovely peas along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together so all those tasty flavors meld beautifully! Cook for an additional minute before folding back in your warm shrimp. This ensures everything is heated through evenly.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Time to enjoy! Serve your Easy Shrimp Fried Rice hot from the pan topped with chopped green onions if you like. It’s just as beautiful as it is delicious!

And there you have it—your new favorite go-to recipe! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, your Easy Shrimp Fried Rice will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use day-old rice: Refrigerated rice dries out slightly, making it easier to fry without becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice can end up clumping together.

• Prep all ingredients in advance: Having everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking helps you maintain high heat and prevents overcooking the shrimp or vegetables.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if needed allows each ingredient to cook evenly and enhances the flavors without steaming everything together.

• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. This keeps your dish interesting and packed with different textures.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Each soy sauce brand varies in saltiness; taste as you go and adjust the soy sauce or vinegar to suit your palate!

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

Serving your Easy Shrimp Fried Rice beautifully can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can provide a nutty crunch that elevates the texture.
• Cilantro leaves: Fresh cilantro can bring a refreshing lift to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets make a nutritious side that pairs well with fried rice while adding a lovely color contrast.
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a refreshing crunch that balances the warmth of the fried rice.
• Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans make for a great finger food accompaniment, adding both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and complements the Asian flavors of your shrimp fried rice beautifully.

Now that you’re armed with these serving ideas and tips, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with your delightful Easy Shrimp Fried Rice! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze. You can whip up a big batch ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the fried rice cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen fried rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Cover and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little oil if necessary.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Easy Shrimp Fried Rice.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of rice is best for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice?

Day-old white rice is ideal for fried rice recipes. It’s drier and firmer, which helps achieve that perfect texture. However, freshly cooked rice can also work; just let it cool first.

How can I customize my Easy Shrimp Fried Rice?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas. You can also adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice recipe brings joy to your kitchen! It’s such a comforting dish, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with other dishes, I’m sure you’ll love making it as much as I do. Happy cooking!