Shrimp fried rice is a popular and delicious dish that many people enjoy. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we will share a quick and easy recipe for making shrimp fried rice using cooked shrimp. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 2 cups of cooked rice
– 1 cup of cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup of diced onion
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing the cooked rice. If you don’t already have cooked rice, you can cook it according to the package instructions and set it aside to cool. Cold rice works best for fried rice as it prevents the grains from becoming mushy.
Next, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them if they haven’t been prepped already. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, depending on what’s readily available.
Cooking the Shrimp Fried Rice
Now that all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking!
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Allow the eggs to cook for a few seconds until they start to set.
4. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scramble the eggs, breaking them up into small pieces. Continue cooking until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft and moist.
5. Mix the cooked eggs with the onions and garlic, and add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry everything together for another minute or two until the vegetables have thawed and become slightly tender.
Adding the Shrimp and Rice
6. Now it’s time to add the cooked shrimp and rice to the skillet. Make sure the shrimp is fully thawed if using frozen shrimp.
7. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, distributing the sauces evenly throughout the rice and shrimp mixture. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preferences.
8. Continue stir-frying everything together for a few more minutes, making sure the rice is heated through and the flavors have melded together nicely.
9. Season the shrimp fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the shrimp fried rice is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and serve it hot. It’s a versatile dish that can stand on its own or be paired with other Asian-inspired dishes.
You can garnish the shrimp fried rice with some chopped green onions for an added fresh flavor and vibrant color. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can also top it with some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Shrimp fried rice is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite Asian mains such as stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, or sesame beef.
Conclusion
Making shrimp fried rice with cooked shrimp is a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up in no time. By following this simple guide, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Remember, feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. So get to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and start enjoying the deliciousness of homemade shrimp fried rice!