Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice is a tasty, quick meal that brings the flavors of the sea right to your plate. The juicy shrimp mixed with garlic and fluffy rice makes it hard to resist!
It’s great for a busy day when you want something satisfying without too much fuss. I love how the garlic fills the kitchen with an amazing smell—you’ll want to dig in right away!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This kind of rice is perfect for fried rice because of its fluffy texture. If jasmine rice isn’t available, use long-grain rice or basmati. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled beforehand for the best results.
Shrimp: I recommend using medium shrimp, but feel free to switch it up with shrimp of any size. If you can’t eat shrimp, cooked chicken or tofu works great too as an alternative protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can be used as a substitution, but aim for fresh when possible.
Green Onions: These add a pop of color and freshness! You can swap them with chives if that’s what you have at hand. The white parts are for cooking, while the green parts are best for garnish.
Oyster Sauce: It boosts flavor but is optional. A splash of soy sauce can replace it if needed. For a vegan option, use a plant-based alternative like mushroom soy sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Fried Rice is Not Mushy?
The key to great fried rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice holds more moisture and can become mushy. Ideally, cook your rice a day before, let it cool, and refrigerate it. If that’s not possible, spread fresh rice onto a baking sheet and let it cool for 30 minutes before using.
- Use a hot skillet or wok to prevent sticking.
- Break up any rice clumps with your spatula.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
This way, you’ll achieve that perfect stir-fried texture!
How to Make Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, refrigerated)
- 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for weekdays or whenever you’re craving something flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp. Season them with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant but watch closely to avoid burning.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs quickly until they are almost cooked through.
4. Add the Rice:
Next, add the cooked rice to the skillet. It’s important to break up any clumps using your spatula, and stir well to combine the rice with the scrambled eggs, garlic, and onions.
5. Season the Fried Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice mixture. Mix everything evenly and taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Final Steps:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and give everything a good stir to ensure the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice!
Can I Use Fresh Rice for This Recipe?
While you can use fresh rice, it’s best to use day-old rice, as it dries out a bit in the fridge, making it less sticky and perfect for frying. If you must use freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely and spread it out on a baking sheet to reduce moisture before using.
Can I Substitute the Shrimp?
Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your preference, you can use cooked chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary for different proteins.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like some heat, consider adding chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while stir-frying. You can also serve it with sriracha on the side for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little oil to a skillet and warm the rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it, adding a splash of water before covering to retain moisture.
