Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further than this Shrimp Thai Fried Rice recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a healthy and delicious meal prep option. Forget takeout – this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Let’s dive into this incredibly satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, adds authentic Thai flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Instructions:
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Prep your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your vegetables are chopped and your rice is cooked and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother. Pre-cooked shrimp is a great time-saver!
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Stir-fry the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the bell pepper: Toss in the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Combine the rice and shrimp: Add the cooked rice, shrimp, and frozen peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through.
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Create the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
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Toss and serve: Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir-fry for another minute, until everything is well combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Thai Fried Rice:
- Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is slightly drier and will fry up better than freshly cooked rice, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of ingredients, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder dish, omit them entirely or use a smaller quantity.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas.
Delicious Variations:
- Chicken Thai Fried Rice: Substitute cooked chicken for the shrimp.
- Vegetable Thai Fried Rice: Omit the shrimp and add a variety of your favorite vegetables.
- Spicy Thai Fried Rice: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 10-15g
This Shrimp Thai Fried Rice is a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delightful dish, and don't forget to share your culinary creations with us!