What is Shrimp Fried Rice?

Shrimp fried rice is a flavorful, stir-fried dish combining shrimp, rice, and vegetables with a mixture of soy sauce and seasonings. Originating from Chinese cuisine, it has become a popular dish around the world due to its savory taste and versatility. The rice is typically cooked ahead of time, and the shrimp is seasoned and sautéed to perfection. The combination of tender shrimp and crispy fried rice makes for a hearty meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

How To Make Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe?

Making Chinese shrimp fried rice at home is a simple yet rewarding process. First, cook and cool the rice, preferably a day before, so it’s dry enough for frying. Heat a wok with oil and fry the shrimp until they turn pink and juicy. Remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same wok, sauté minced garlic, diced onions, and vegetables like carrots and peas. Push the vegetables to the side, crack in a couple of eggs, and scramble them quickly. Add the rice and stir everything together. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sesame oil to flavor the mixture. Finally, toss the shrimp back into the wok and stir until the ingredients are well combined. Garnish with chopped scallions for added freshness and serve hot.

Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
• 200g of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

What Kind of Shrimp Should Be Used for Fried Rice?

The best shrimp for fried rice is medium to large-sized shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined before cooking. Fresh shrimp works great, but frozen shrimp can also be a good alternative if fresh isn’t available. Ensure to thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Look for shrimp labeled as “jumbo” or “large” to get nice, bite-sized pieces in the fried rice. Opt for raw shrimp as pre-cooked shrimp may get rubbery when re-cooked during stir-frying. Wild-caught shrimp is often recommended for its superior flavor, but farm-raised shrimp can work as well. Shrimp should be sautéed quickly at a high temperature to maintain a tender texture, and they should be added to the fried rice near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Making Homemade Best Shrimp Fried Rice:

1. Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky for fried rice. Use cold, leftover rice to ensure it fries up nicely without clumping.
2. Cook Shrimp Separately: Sauté the shrimp first and remove them from the pan before frying the rice. This ensures that the shrimp stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
3. High Heat is Key: Cook over high heat to get that smoky, wok-tossed flavor in the rice. It gives the dish a slightly crispy texture and enhances the taste.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if needed to prevent the rice from steaming instead of frying.
5. Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These are essential for authentic flavor, but be mindful not to add too much as it can make the rice soggy. Add a bit at a time while stirring.

Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

To make shrimp fried rice quickly, start with leftover rice, which saves time and ensures the right texture. Thaw frozen shrimp ahead of time if needed, and have all ingredients prepped and ready. Begin by heating oil in a wok or large pan, and stir-fry the shrimp until cooked through—this should take just 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and scramble eggs in the same pan. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, and stir-fry for a minute. Toss in the rice, breaking up any clumps, and pour in soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes, add the shrimp back in, and give it a final toss. Within 15 minutes, your shrimp fried rice is ready to serve, making it a perfect quick meal option.

Conclusion:

Chinese Shrimp fried rice is a delightful and versatile dish that can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients. Its perfect balance of flavors, combining succulent shrimp, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables, makes it a favorite across many cuisines. Whether you’re making a quick meal or cooking for a gathering, shrimp fried rice offers a delicious, satisfying option. By following key tips like using day-old rice and cooking at high heat, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with variations and enjoy this classic dish any time!

Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
200g of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped scallions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice: Use day-old, cold jasmine rice to avoid clumping when frying.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in a wok or pan. Add shrimp and sauté until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, crack two eggs and scramble them until fully cooked.
Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, garlic, peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add Rice: Add the cold rice to the wok. Break up any clumps and stir-fry with the vegetables.
Season: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
Add Shrimp: Toss the cooked shrimp back into the wok and stir everything together.
Serve:  Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Tips for Best Results:
Use day-old rice for the best texture.
Cook shrimp separately to avoid overcooking.
Cook on high heat to get the perfect smoky flavor.

---

For more delicious recipes like this, visit Somen Cooking House’s homepage and explore a variety of healthy and tasty meal ideas.