This Chinese shrimp fried rice recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something delicious and easy to make at home. With tender shrimp, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this better-than-takeout shrimp fried rice.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:

• 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g leftover cold rice
• 3 tsp carrots, finely diced
• 2 tsp green peas
• 1 onion, cubed
• 4 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Green onion, chopped, for garnishing

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tsp white pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Prep the shrimp:
   • Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and cleaned. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Dice the vegetables:
   • Finely dice the carrots and cube the onion. If using fresh green peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat the oil:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the shrimp:
   • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and ½ tsp paprika, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Eggs

1. Cook the vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add 4 tsp of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the diced carrots, green peas, and cubed onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
2. Scramble the eggs:
   • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them until fully cooked. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them with the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Shrimp

1. Add the cold rice:
   • Break up the leftover cold rice with your hands or a fork to separate the grains. Add the rice to the skillet and stir-fry, mixing it well with the vegetables and eggs. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat the rice through.
2. Return the shrimp to the skillet:
   • Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish

1. Make the sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and ½ tsp white pepper.
2. Add the sauce to the rice:
   • Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and shrimp. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Cook until heated through:
   • Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the rice is slightly crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Garnish the shrimp fried rice with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
2. Serve hot:
   • Serve the shrimp fried rice hot, either on its own or with additional soy sauce on the side.

Cook’s Notes

• Rice: Using leftover cold rice is key for fried rice, as it helps prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.
• Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be tender and juicy.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

Add ½ cup of diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.

Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice

Increase the amount of garlic in the recipe for a more pronounced garlic flavor.

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Replace the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli and zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

3. Can I use freshly cooked rice?

If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool for about 20 minutes before using it in the recipe to prevent clumping.

4. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or simply increase the amount of soy sauce.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients, like oyster sauce, are also gluten-free.

This better-than-takeout Chinese shrimp fried rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home. With its tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends!