How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making shrimp fried rice is a simple and delicious meal that can be prepared in no more than 30 minutes. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make shrimp fried rice:
Preparing the Ingredients
Before we begin cooking, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 1/2 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Scallions, chopped (optional)
Cooking the Shrimp
In a medium-sized skillet or wok, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 1/2 cup of shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 2: Cooking the Aromatics**
In the same skillet, add 1 small onion, diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger and cook for an additional minute.
Cooking the Rice
Add the 2 cups of cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
**Step 4: Combining the Ingredients**
Add the cooked shrimp, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the rice mixture. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well coated with the sauces and the shrimp is fully incorporated.
Finishing Touches
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped scallions on top (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to keep in mind:
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, making it difficult to stir-fry. Day-old rice is ideal for making shrimp fried rice.
- Customize with vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers, to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more soy sauce or oyster sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less sauce or omit the oyster sauce altogether.
- Add other protein sources: Feel free to add cooked chicken, pork, or tofu to make the dish more substantial.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4-6):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
Making shrimp fried rice is a simple and delicious meal that can be prepared in no more than 30 minutes. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings for a unique twist. Happy cooking!
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cooked rice | 2 cups |
Shrimp | 1/2 cup |
Vegetable oil | 2 teaspoons |
Onion | 1 small |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Ginger | 1 teaspoon |
Soy sauce | 2 teaspoons |
Oyster sauce | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
Salt and pepper | to taste |
Scallions | chopped (optional) |
Timing:
- Cooking shrimp: 2-3 minutes
- Cooking aromatics: 2-3 minutes
- Cooking rice: 2-3 minutes
- Combining ingredients: 2-3 minutes
- Finishing touches: 1 minute
Tips:
- Use day-old rice
- Customize with vegetables
- Adjust the seasoning
- Add other protein sources