This Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal that combines juicy shrimp with fragrant garlic. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic sizzling away? It makes my kitchen feel like a restaurant! I love serving it with a sprinkle of green onions on top for a fresh kick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This type of rice is fragrant and becomes fluffy when cooked. If you can’t find jasmine rice, you can substitute it with basmati or long-grain rice. Just make sure it’s cooked and chilled for best results.
Shrimp: Use medium shrimp for a good bite. If you’re allergic or don’t like shrimp, try diced chicken or tofu for protein options that fit well in this dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always better! I personally love adding a bit more for extra garlic goodness.
Green Onions: They add fresh flavor and color. You can also use chives or leeks if you have them on hand. Just slice them thin like green onions!
Oyster Sauce: This is optional but really adds depth. If you need a substitute, soy sauce or teriyaki sauce can work, but you may lose some of that briny flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Fried Rice Without Clumping?
A common challenge is getting fried rice to not clump together. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect fluffy texture:
- Use day-old rice: Freshly made rice has moisture that can make it sticky. Chill it in the fridge overnight to dry out a bit.
- Break up clumps: When adding rice to the pan, gently break up any clumps with your spatula. This helps it fry evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, consider frying in two batches to allow for proper cooking and browning.
- High heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to quickly sauté everything, ensuring the rice gets a nice fry without overcooking.
With these tips, you’ll create a scrumptious shrimp garlic fried rice that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Prepare Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 10-12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice recipe will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal in just about 20 minutes total. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. When done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring quickly to avoid burning the garlic. You want it fragrant but not brown.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and gently scramble them using a spatula for about 1-2 minutes until just set. Be careful not to overcook them.
4. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then introduce the cooked rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and mix with the flavors.
5. Combine and Flavor:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Next, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), white pepper, and salt to taste. Mix everything together well for even flavor distribution, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Once all ingredients are mixed and heated through, remove the pan from heat. Garnish your delicious shrimp garlic fried rice with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
7. Serve:
Serve hot and enjoy your tasty shrimp garlic fried rice! You can also add a wedge of lime or a sprinkle of chili for those who like a bit of heat.
Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or quickly thaw them by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Kind of Rice is Best for Fried Rice?
Day-old jasmine rice is ideal as it has dried out a little, reducing stickiness. If you don’t have day-old rice, cook fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and cool it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using it.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute shrimp with tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Replace the egg with additional tofu or omit it entirely for a delicious vegetarian option.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently in a pan with a splash of oil to help refresh the rice.
