This Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a delicious mix of tender shrimp and juicy steak, all tossed with fluffy rice and colorful veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights!
Who can resist a one-pan meal that’s full of flavor? I love how I can whip this up in no time—just throw everything in the pan and let it sizzle! Yum!
Serving it with a sprinkle of green onions makes it look fancy, but honestly, it tastes amazing all on its own. It’s a go-to for a tasty dinner with friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Use cooked jasmine or long grain rice, and ideally, it’s best to use day-old rice. This helps achieve a fluffy texture as fresher rice can be too sticky. If you’re short on time, you can make rice in the morning and let it cool completely before using it.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp works well for this recipe, but you can use any shrimp size. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them first. If you’re allergic, try using tofu or veggies instead!
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are tasty choices, but any steak cut will do. For a lighter option, substitute with chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit various diets.
Eggs: Eggs provide protein and richness. If you want to keep it egg-free, you can skip them or use scrambled tofu for a vegan version.
Vegetables: Customize your veggies! I like adding colored bell peppers or bok choy for extra crunch and flavor. If you have any leftovers in the fridge, toss them in!
How Can I Perfectly Cook My Shrimp and Steak?
Cooking shrimp and steak quickly and efficiently is key to keep them tender in fried rice. Remember these tips:
- **Steak:** Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Let it rest before adding it back to prevent further cooking.
- **Shrimp:** Sauté quickly in the same pan until pink—2-3 minutes usually suffices. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them!
- **Eggs:** Scramble them just until set; they will cook more during assembly. Adding them to the hot rice ensures they blend nicely and don’t dry out.
By managing the cooking of each component separately, you keep all the proteins juicy and flavorful while achieving a delicious fried rice consistency!
Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or long grain rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red chili slices or sauce for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time. With the ingredients prepped and organized, making this flavorful fried rice is quick and straightforward!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak and Shrimp:
Start by seasoning the steak cubes with a little bit of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes and sear them for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned but still slightly pink inside. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer it well done. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque. This usually doesn’t take long, so keep an eye on them! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside with the steak.
3. Cook the Eggs:
If needed, add a bit more vegetable oil to the pan. Then, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them in the pan. Cook just until they’re set, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
Now, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and the onions are softened.
5. Add Vegetables (Optional):
If you’re using carrots and peas, add them to the pan now. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. This adds colorful veggies and extra texture to your fried rice!
6. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir-fry the rice, breaking up any clumps and mixing well with the veggies, until it’s heated through and slightly toasted—about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked steak, shrimp, and scrambled eggs back into the pan, mixing everything together carefully.
8. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to season your fried rice! Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and toasted sesame oil. Stir everything thoroughly and taste to adjust any salt and pepper as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious shrimp and steak fried rice with the sliced green parts of the green onions. Serve hot with optional red chili slices or chili sauce on the side for those who like a bit of heat.
This dish comes together quickly and delivers a wonderful combination of tender steak, succulent shrimp, and flavorful fried rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
While you can use fresh rice, it’s best to let it cool completely and spread it out to prevent it from being too sticky. Day-old rice has drier grains, making it easier to stir-fry without clumping together.
What Can I Substitute for Steak and Shrimp?
If you want to make this meal lighter or cater to dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or tofu. You can also use any other seafood you like, such as scallops or fish, instead of shrimp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for about 1-2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender but still crisp.
