Delicious Homemade Shrimp Fried Rice

 

Delicious Homemade Shrimp Fried Rice

If you're a fan of quick and tasty meals, look no further than this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe. In just under thirty minutes, you can whip up a dish that surpasses takeout in both flavor and satisfaction. Succulent shrimp mingle with perfectly seasoned fried rice, carrots, peas, onions, and fluffy eggs. Not only does this recipe offer a delectable dining experience, but it also puts you in control of the sodium and fat content of your fried rice.

Mastering the Art of Shrimp Fried Rice: Tips and Tricks

Preparation is Key:

To ensure the success of this recipe, start by cooking your rice one to two days in advance. Storing it in the fridge allows the rice to become cold and dry, enhancing its texture. Leftover Chinese takeout rice works exceptionally well for this purpose.

Shrimp Perfection:

Begin by prepping the shrimp – peel, remove tails, and devein them. Ensure the shrimp are dry, then sprinkle both sides with a touch of Chinese Five Spice for added flavor and vibrant color. In a large skillet, heat vegetable and sesame oil, cooking the shrimp for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Set aside, covering them to keep warm.

Veggie Symphony:

In the same skillet, add more oils and toss in chopped carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Follow with the addition of peas, garlic, ginger, and green onions. After 30 seconds, push the veggies aside and scramble the eggs until light and fluffy. Transfer everything to a plate, covering to maintain warmth.

Rice Magic:

Add the cold rice to the pan in an even layer, drizzling it evenly with soy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side, working in small batches. Place the cooked rice in a bowl as you finish each batch. Once done, reintroduce everything to the skillet, heating it up briefly – be cautious not to overcook the shrimp.

Helpful Recipe Tips:

Stay Prepared: With stir fry, speed is crucial. Have all your ingredients close at hand and in the order of use. Five Spice Delight: While optional, Chinese Five Spice adds a delightful dimension to the dish. Chill the Rice: Opt for well-chilled, long-grain leftover rice, preferably jasmine rice, for the best results. Fresh rice tends to be moist and may clump. Embrace Imperfection: Stir fry is forgiving, allowing for slight errors in cooking time. Enjoy the process! Symphony of Sounds: The crackling, sizzling, and popping of the rice in the hot skillet is a sign that everything is going according to plan. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like broccoli, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or zucchini. Protein Variations: This versatile recipe works well with alternative proteins such as chicken or ham. Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power. Freezing Options: To freeze, cool completely, then spoon into a sturdy freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge overnight and reheating in the microwave at reduced power.

Don't hesitate! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a special, wholesome dinner with this homemade shrimp fried rice. Your culinary prowess will be celebrated, and the praises will surely follow!

Delicious Homemade Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of medium-large fresh shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, tails removed, and deveined
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of optional but recommended Chinese Five Spice
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or canola oil
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 1/4 cups of frozen peas
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
• 3 chopped green onions
• 3 large eggs
• 4 cups of chilled, cooked rice
• 3–5 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preparing the Shrimp:

• Gently toss the dried shrimp with Chinese Five Spice.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Cook the shrimp until pink, flipping halfway through (approximately 1-1 1/2 minutes per side).
• Plate, cover, and keep warm.

2. Veggie Ensemble:

• Heat another 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chopped carrots for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add peas, garlic, ginger, and green onions; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Push veggies aside, add eggs, scramble, and transfer everything to a plate, covering to retain warmth.

3. Rice Perfection:

• Add 1-1 1/2 cups of cold rice to the skillet over medium-high heat in an even layer.
• Sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
• Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Work in batches, plate, cover, and keep warm after each batch.

4. Final Fusion:

• Combine all elements in the skillet and heat on low for about 1-1 1/2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Expert Tips:

Swift Movements: Stir fry demands agility. Ensure all ingredients are within reach and in a logical order for seamless execution. Five Spice Magic: While optional, Chinese Five Spice adds a delightful dimension to your culinary masterpiece. Chill the Rice: Opt for well-chilled, long-grain leftover rice, such as jasmine rice, for optimal stir-fry texture. Embrace Imperfection: Stir fry is an art that welcomes minor variations in cooking time – enjoy the creative process. Auditory Delight: The crackling, sizzling, and popping of rice in the hot skillet signify a successful frying process. Customize Your Creation: Experiment with diverse vegetables like broccoli, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or zucchini for a personalized touch. Protein Palette: Explore beyond shrimp – this versatile recipe pairs well with chicken or ham. Leftover Love: Store any remaining delights in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating with ease in the microwave. Freezing Wisdom: For future cravings, freeze your culinary creation for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating in the microwave at reduced power.