This Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice is a tasty mix of fluffy rice, juicy shrimp, and lots of garlic. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a filling meal any night!
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just stir-fry everything together in one pan! I often serve it with a side of veggies for a colorful plate. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old jasmine or long-grain rice works best, as it’s drier and fries up nicely. If you don’t have day-old rice, it’s okay to use freshly cooked rice; just make sure it’s cooled down. A good alternative is basmati rice for a slightly different flavor.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp is perfect for this dish, but you can swap it for cooked chicken or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein. Frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw it before cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh really makes the dish shine!
Eggs: Two eggs add richness but feel free to skip them if you want a lighter dish or if you’re vegan. You can add scrambled tofu instead for texture.
Fish Sauce: It adds a lovely umami flavor, but if you’re avoiding fish, soy sauce or a little extra soy sauce can be a good substitute.
How to Perfectly Stir-Fry Rice?
Stir-frying rice can be tricky, but following these steps will help you achieve delicious, non-soggy rice.
- Use cold, day-old rice; fresh rice can clump together.
- Make sure your pan is hot enough; this helps give the rice a nice texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a large batch, do it in batches.
- Break up clumps gently when adding rice to ensure even frying.
- Keep everything moving! Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
By following these tips, you’ll master the art of stir-frying rice in no time! Enjoy your shrimp garlic fried rice!
How to Make Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes of cooking time. So in about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and filling meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
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 until fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma! Be careful not to let the garlic burn; you want it golden, not brown.
3. Scrambling the Eggs:
Next, push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan. On the other side, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently using a spatula until they are just set. Don’t cook them too much; they will continue to cook as you mix!
4. Stir-Frying the Rice:
Now, add the chilled cooked rice to the pan and break up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the eggs, garlic, and rice are well combined. This step is crucial for getting everything heated up evenly.
5. Combining the Shrimp:
Return your cooked shrimp to the pan. Drizzle the soy sauce and fish sauce (if using) evenly over the rice. Toss everything together well, mixing the flavors so they can meld beautifully. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
6. Final Adjustments:
Before serving, taste your shrimp fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if you like. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat.
7. Garnishing & Serving:
Finally, garnish your shrimp fried rice with the green parts of the chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy this delicious, savory meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and garlicky shrimp fried rice!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works great in this recipe. Just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. Both will provide a similar savory flavor to your fried rice.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, or any other veggies you like. Just chop them small and add them to the pan when you sauté the garlic for even cooking.