Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's also healthy and quick to make? Look no further! This shrimp fried rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend lunch. Packed with protein-rich shrimp and vibrant vegetables, this dish is a fantastic example of healthy eating without compromising on taste. Forget takeout; this homemade version is surprisingly easy, customizable, and far healthier than restaurant options. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Stir-fry the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the broccoli and carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Add the Peas and Eggs: Stir in the peas and cook for 1 minute. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice and shrimp to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and well combined.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and healthy shrimp fried rice!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Fried Rice:
- Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, making it ideal for fried rice. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly before using.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Chicken Fried Rice: Substitute cooked chicken for the shrimp.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables like tofu or mushrooms.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra spice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced and nutritious meal. The exact nutritional values will depend on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
This easy shrimp fried rice recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend get-together. The best part? It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this flavorful and healthy fried rice!