Shrimp Fried Rice

Prepare the Ingredients (10 minutes)

1. Wash and Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and set them aside. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of cooking and eating.
2. Cook the Rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 3 cups of white rice according to the package instructions and set it aside. Using day-old rice is ideal as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

Cook the Shrimp and Vegetables (6 minutes)

1. Heat the Oil: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Allow the oil to heat up for about a minute.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add Shrimp and Vegetables: Add the defrosted peas and carrots mixture and the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Combine the Ingredients (10 minutes)

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Stir to combine well.
2. Add Rice and Sauce: Stir in the cooked white rice and the soy sauce-sesame oil mixture into the skillet. Sauté for about 4 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.

Cook the Egg (2 minutes)

1. Create Space for the Egg: Push the rice and shrimp mixture to one side of the skillet, creating space for the egg.
2. Cook the Egg: Add the whisked egg to the empty side of the skillet. Stir the egg constantly until it is almost fully cooked. Then, fold the egg into the rice mixture to distribute evenly.

Garnish and Serve (2 minutes)

1. Garnish: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions over the top of the Shrimp Fried Rice. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the Shrimp Fried Rice immediately while it’s hot. Enjoy this quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Fried Rice

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s less sticky, making it easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
• High Heat Cooking: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients. This helps in achieving the characteristic slight crispiness in the rice.
• Customization: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even some pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
• Protein Variation: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken, beef, or tofu.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Fried Rice is a versatile and quick dish that brings together the rich flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic with the delightful textures of shrimp and vegetables. It’s a perfect recipe for using up leftover rice and can be customized to your liking with different vegetables and proteins. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also saves you time on those busy evenings. Enjoy making and devouring this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice, and watch it become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.