Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

This Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe brings the delightful flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. Perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes. With tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice, you won’t want to miss out on this crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste that rivals takeout.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a dish that suits everyone’s tastes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup since everything is cooked in one pan, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To get started with the Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline the process and ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet or wok: Ensures that your rice doesn’t stick and allows for easy tossing of ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the sauce mix and whisking eggs, keeping everything organized.
• Whisk: Helps achieve fluffy scrambled eggs by incorporating air while whisking.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing all ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients

For the Sauce Mix

• 1 tsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Oyster Sauce
• 2 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Water
• 1/4 tsp White Pepper Powder

For the Fried Rice

• 4 Cup Cooked Rice (Jasmine/Basmati), refrigerated
• 1 Cup Small/Medium Shrimp, cleaned, deveined (marinated with 1 tsp Sauce Mix + salt + 1/4 tsp White Pepper Powder)
• 2 Tbsp Butter, unsalted
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil / Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Ginger, minced
• 1 tsp Garlic, minced
• 1 Small Red Onion, chopped
• 1 Cup Frozen Green Peas and Carrots
• As per need Salt
• 1 Scallion / Spring Onion, greens chopped
• 2 Small Eggs
• As per need Salt
• 1/4 tsp White Pepper Powder
• 1/2 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar

How to Make Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Soak rice before cooking for at least an hour.
• Cook rice the night before you prepare the fried rice and refrigerate it.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Mix

• In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, dark soy sauce, water, and white pepper powder.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

• In another bowl, whisk together eggs with salt, white pepper powder, and rice wine vinegar until combined.

Step 4: Marinate the Shrimp

• Marinate shrimp with salt, white pepper powder, and prepared sauce mix. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

• In a non-stick skillet or wok, heat 1 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Remove from pan and keep aside.

Step 6: Scramble the Eggs

• In the same pan used for shrimp, add whisked eggs. Scramble until fully cooked into small pieces. Set aside alongside shrimp.

Step 7: Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables

• Add another tablespoon of butter along with vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in minced ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant.
• Add chopped onion along with frozen peas and carrots. Cook until softened.

Step 8: Combine Everything Together

• Stir in cold refrigerated rice gently breaking any lumps without smashing them.
• Add back cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs; mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 9: Incorporate Sauce Mix

• Pour in remaining sauce mix over rice mixture. Toss everything on high heat until well combined and heated through.

Step 10: Final Touches

• Sprinkle some water over rice if needed; cover briefly to steam slightly if too dry.
• Adjust seasoning if needed with salt or additional oil. Top with spring onion greens before serving.

This easy Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe guarantees deliciousness with restaurant-style flavors right at home! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Serving your Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe can elevate any meal. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors.

Pair with Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A drizzle of soy sauce can boost umami flavor.
• Chili Oil: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, chili oil is a perfect addition.

Serve in Style

• In Bowls: Presenting shrimp fried rice in colorful bowls makes it visually appealing.
• On a Platter: For family-style dining, serve it on a large platter for everyone to share.

Accompany with Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: A side of grilled chicken complements the dish well.
• Fried Tofu: For a vegetarian option, fried tofu adds richness and texture.

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How to Perfect Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Perfecting your Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your fried rice turns out delicious every time.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Refrigerated rice helps prevent mushiness and clumps.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat ensures that the ingredients fry quickly, enhancing flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if needed; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings based on your preference.
• Add Fresh Ingredients Last: Include veggies and herbs at the end to maintain their texture and color.

Best Side Dishes for Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Enhancing your meal with side dishes can make dining even more enjoyable. Here are some great side dishes that pair perfectly with your Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe:

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer.
2. Spring Rolls: These light rolls filled with fresh vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Hot and Sour Soup: A warm bowl of hot and sour soup complements the flavors of fried rice nicely.
4. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings add variety and flavor to your meal.
5. Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry: Lightly seasoned stir-fried broccoli offers a healthy green addition.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles add a delightful twist to your dinner spread.
7. Asian Cucumber Salad: Crunchy cucumbers tossed in vinegar make for a refreshing side dish.
8. Wonton Soup: This savory broth filled with wontons pairs wonderfully with shrimp fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Neglecting to refrigerate rice: Using freshly cooked rice can make your fried rice mushy. Always refrigerate your rice for at least a few hours or overnight for the best texture.
• Overcooking shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long can make it rubbery. Sauté just until it turns pink and opaque, then set aside.
• Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate shrimp can lead to bland flavors. Take a moment to mix shrimp with sauce and seasonings for a taste boost.
• Using cold oil: Adding ingredients to cold oil can cause sticking. Heat your oil until it’s hot before adding garlic and ginger for that aromatic kick.
• Not tossing on high heat: Stir-frying on low heat will steam rather than fry your rice. Use high heat for that signature fried texture and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

• Place cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It will stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce and oyster sauce to ensure this dish is gluten-free.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

What type of rice is best for shrimp fried rice?

Jasmine or Basmati rice works exceptionally well due to their fluffy texture when cooked.

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers or broccoli.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?

Ensure that your rice is cold and properly dried out before frying. Also, avoid adding too much liquid during cooking.

Final Thoughts

The Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe brings the flavors of takeout right into your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly customizable. You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or side, this recipe is sure to delight!