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When it comes to fried rice, one of the most critical components is the rice itself. For optimal texture, it is highly recommended to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can lead to a clumpy consistency when fried. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out slightly, allowing each grain to remain separate and achieve that coveted fried rice texture. If you don’t have day-old rice on hand, you can prepare fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and let it cool for about 30 minutes to mimic the texture of day-old rice.

Quick Shrimp Fried Rice for Busy Nights

Discover the joy of cooking with Shrimp-tastic Quick Fried Rice! This easy and flavorful dish combines succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Using day-old rice ensures the ideal texture, while the mix of nutrients from shrimp and veggies promotes a balanced meal. Learn tips for cooking rice, prepping ingredients, and personalizing flavors to create your own delicious variations. Enjoy the fun of quick, satisfying cooking!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for the best texture)

8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn are excellent choices)

2 large eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced thinly

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: Sriracha or chili flakes for an extra kick of spice

Instructions
 

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and prep all the ingredients. Make sure your cooked jasmine rice is ready, and the shrimp are cleaned and deveined. Since this dish cooks quickly, having everything prepped in advance is key.

    Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

        Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. After the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender yet still vibrant.

          Scramble the Eggs: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them, cooking until they are fully set and no longer runny.

            Combine Ingredients: After the eggs are scrambled, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break apart any clumps of rice and mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice combines well with the vegetables and eggs.

              Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and incorporate all the flavors. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together for another 1-2 minutes, just to heat through. Taste your fried rice and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Sriracha, if desired.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove your skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and tasty shrimp fried rice!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4