This shrimp garlic fried rice is a quick and tasty meal! Loaded with juicy shrimp and fragrant garlic, it’s perfect for using up leftover rice.
I love making this dish when I’m short on time. Just fry everything together, and you have a satisfying meal in no time! It’s hard to resist a second helping. 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is perfect for this recipe since it’s drier and fries better without getting mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can make fresh rice, but let it cool first.
Shrimp: I love large shrimp for a hearty bite. If shrimp isn’t available, you could swap it out for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too. For extra zing, you could add some minced ginger.
Vegetables: I often add frozen peas or mixed vegetables for color and nutrients. If you want more crunch, diced bell peppers or carrots are great! Feel free to skip them if you prefer it simple.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice Isn’t Mushy?
Using day-old rice is key to keeping your fried rice from becoming mushy. When rice sits in the fridge, it dries out a bit, making it perfect for frying. Here’s what you can do:
- If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Use high heat when frying to get that nice fried texture without steaming the rice.
- Keep stirring the rice to ensure even cooking but avoid over-stirring as it can break the grains.
These tips will help you achieve that deliciously fluffy fried rice texture!
How to Make Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (thawed)
- Optional garnish: extra green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need a few minutes for prep and about 15 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. When done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for later.
2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté everything for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, add your beaten eggs to the pan. Stir gently and scramble them until they’re almost cooked through. This should take just a couple of minutes.
4. Add the Rice:
Time to add the star of the show! Throw in the cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps as you stir-fry everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and well mixed with the eggs and garlic.
5. Season and Add Veggies:
Pour in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. If you’re using peas or mixed vegetables, toss them in now, and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. This helps everything blend nicely together!
6. Toss in the Shrimp:
Return the shrimp to the pan, carefully mixing everything together to ensure the shrimp is heated through and evenly distributed among the rice. You’re almost there!
7. Final Touches:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions for freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out the shrimp garlic fried rice while it’s hot. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a few extra green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried rice!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp is delicious and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or even coconut aminos for a lighter, sweeter flavor. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as these alternatives may vary in saltiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, or you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to sauté them for a few minutes before adding the rice so they cook through. Enjoy mixing it up!
