Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice! This dish feels like a warm hug after a long day and it always brings back memories of late-night study sessions in college when my roommates and I would whip it up in our tiny kitchen. There’s just something incredibly comforting about fluffy rice, tender shrimp, and those colorful veggies all coming together in a delicious stir-fry.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can toss in whatever leftover veggies you have in your fridge, make it as spicy as you please, and it’s a quick meal that never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder! Now let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started.
What’s in Shrimp Fried Rice?
Shrimp: Of course, the star of the show! I prefer using large, raw shrimp for a meaty bite. Fresh or frozen both work; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Rice: Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice because it’s drier and less likely to clump. If you don’t have leftovers, just make a fresh batch and let it cool a bit.
Soy Sauce: This brings all the umami goodness! I love a good quality low-sodium soy sauce, so I can control the saltiness and still get that rich flavor.
Eggs: They add a nice fluffiness and protein to the dish. Scramble them up right in the pan for that classic fried rice texture.
Vegetables: I like to throw in peas, carrots, and green onions for color and nutrition. You can get creative here—bell peppers, broccoli, or even frozen mixed veggies work great!
Garlic and Ginger: A little minced garlic and fresh ginger make a world of difference in flavor. They add that aromatic layer which is oh-so-good!
Is Shrimp Fried Rice Good for You?
Absolutely! Shrimp is packed with protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. It’s low in calories, making it a great option if you’re watching your waistline.
Vegetables: They provide essential vitamins and fiber, which are wonderful for digestive health. And guess what? You can pack this dish with as many veggies as you like, so feel free to load it up!
However, be mindful of the soy sauce; it does contain sodium, especially if you use regular instead of low-sodium. I always recommend tasting as you go, so you can adjust the saltiness to your liking.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (serves 4)
– 4 cups cooked day-old rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
– 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
– Cooking oil (like vegetable or sesame oil)
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice?
1. **Prepare Your Ingredients:** Start by making sure everything is ready to go. Chop your veggies, mince the garlic and ginger, and whisk the eggs in a bowl.
2. **Heat the Pan:** In a large skillet or wok, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
3. **Cook the Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. **Scramble the Eggs:** In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble until just set, then move them to the side of the pan.
5. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. **Add Veggies and Rice:** Add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring until they’re heated through. Then, add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps as you go.
7. **Combine Everything:** Stir in the cooked shrimp, soy sauce, and green onions. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
8. **Serve It Up:** Plate your delicious shrimp fried rice, garnish with additional green onions, and enjoy this tasty dish!
Let’s Add Some Flavor!
Feel free to spice things up with some chili flakes or sriracha if you like a kick! You can also use other proteins like chicken or tofu, or throw in some pineapple for a sweet tropical twist. Leftover fried rice is just as good – if not better – the next day!
I really hope you give this Shrimp Fried Rice a try. It’s such an easy and satisfying dish to whip up on a busy weeknight. If you do, let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
