If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is the answer. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, the combination of succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and a rich soy garlic butter sauce creates a harmonious balance that will satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
For the Protein:
- 1/4 lb protein (preferably gulf shrimp for an authentic twist)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp avocado oil
For the Veggies:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium onion
- 7 scallions (separate the green and white parts)
For the Soy Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 stick of Kerrygold butter
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 3 tsp light soy sauce
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups day-old rice
Additional Ingredients:
- TSP of Soy Garlic Butter (for coating the protein during cooking)
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (for frying the garlic and veggies)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp MSG
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp garlic butter (to finish the dish)
- Green part of the scallion (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Protein:
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss your shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1/2 tsp avocado oil. Allow the seasoning to set aside while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
- Garlic: Peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Carrot and Onion: Dice 1 medium carrot and 1 medium onion.
- Frozen peas: half of a bag
- Scallions: Separate the white and green parts from 7 scallions. The white parts will add a savory note during cooking, while the green parts will serve as a fresh garnish.
3. Make the Soy Garlic Butter:
- Combine Ingredients: Melt 1/2 stick of Kilgor butter in a small saucepan. Add 3 grated garlic cloves and 3 tsp of light soy sauce. Allow the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious sauce that will elevate your shrimp and rice.
4. Cooking the Shrimp:
- Sauté: In a pan over medium heat, cook your seasoned shrimp until they are just done. Add a teaspoon (TSP) of the prepared soy garlic butter during the cooking process to coat the shrimp with flavor.
- Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
5. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Infuse the Oil: In the same pan, add 3 tbsp of avocado oil. Fry the minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Veggie Medley: Add the diced carrots, onions, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
6. Incorporate the Rice:
- Warm the Rice: Add 1 1/2 cups of day-old rice to the pan, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. A drizzle of avocado oil helps to keep the rice from sticking while infusing it with flavor.
- Eggs: Crack 2 eggs directly into the pan. Scramble them into the rice mixture, ensuring they are well combined.
7. Final Seasoning and Assembly:
- Season: Add 1/2 tsp light soy sauce, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/4 tsp MSG, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt to the rice.
- Enhance the Flavor: Stir in 1 tbsp garlic butter to tie all the flavors together.
- Reintroduce the Protein: Fold the cooked shrimp back into the rice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and texture.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Finish: Garnish the dish with the green parts of the scallions.
- Serve: Enjoy your Shrimp Fried Rice hot, and relish every bite of this hearty, delicious meal.
Cooking Tips
- Day-Old Rice: Using day-old rice is key for a perfect fried rice texture. Fresh rice tends to be too soft and may clump together.
- Protein Variations: While this recipe highlights shrimp, feel free to substitute with chicken, tofu, or beef to suit your taste.
- Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create an extraordinary meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own!
Happy cooking!
