I have always thought that homemade meals can be a delightful experience, and my Easy Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a perfect example of that. I remember the first time I made fried rice at home. The aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone who walked by wanted to sneak a taste. Now, I can’t help but smile when my family gathers around the table, ready to dig in. This dish is not just tasty, but it also brings joy and togetherness.
Ingredients for Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
To make this delicious dish, I recommend gathering the following ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
Servings: 4 servings
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup peas and carrots (fresh or frozen)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame oil (optional, for drizzling)
Equipment Needed:
How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
This recipe is simple and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Cooking fried rice is all about timing and high heat. Here’s my step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice
First, using day-old rice makes a huge difference. Fresh rice tends to be sticky and clumps together. Leftover rice dries out a bit, so it’s perfect for frying. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook it in advance and spread it on a baking sheet to cool. This will give it a firmer texture.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent. This step truly helps build flavor.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Carrots
Next, add the peas and carrots to the skillet. If using frozen vegetables, give them a moment to thaw. Stir everything together until the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. In an empty spot, crack the eggs. Stir eggs gently until they are fully scrambled. Then, mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
Step 6: Put It All Together
Now, it’s time to add the rice! Gently break apart any clumps and add it to the pan. Toss everything together while making sure the rice gets coated with oil. Keep the heat high for that perfect fried rice texture.
Step 7: Flavor It Up
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice. Stir again to ensure the rice absorbs all that savory goodness. If needed, season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 8: Add the Shrimp and Final Touches
Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Stir everything until well combined. If you love a little extra flavor, drizzle some sesame oil on top.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot right from the skillet! It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy! This dish is great on its own, but you could pair it with an additional side salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe is Better Than Takeout
I have had my fair share of takeout, but there’s something uniquely special about homemade shrimp fried rice. The freshness of the ingredients stands out, and I get to customize it according to my preferences. I can add more vegetables, adjust spices, or skip the shrimp altogether when I’m not in the mood.
Tips for Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
To get it just right every time, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years.
- Day-Old Rice is Key: This tip cannot be stressed enough! Freshly made rice will result in a mushy texture.
- High Heat is Important: Keeping the heat high allows the rice to fry rather than steam.
- Keep Ingredients Prepared: Having your ingredients chopped and ready to go is vital for quick cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a big batch, consider cooking it in two smaller batches to avoid steaming.
Variations of Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
One of the joys of fried rice is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations I enjoy:
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Omit the shrimp altogether and load it up with your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Chicken or Beef Fried Rice: Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or beef for a different protein.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add some chili sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Fried Rice: Use coconut oil for cooking and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Reheating Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
If you happen to have leftovers, storing fried rice is super easy. I like to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water and use the microwave or heat it in a skillet over low heat. This helps revive some moisture.
Can I Freeze Fried Rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice! I love making extra batches to pull from the freezer later. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Enjoying Your Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice
Homemade shrimp fried rice is an excellent meal option when you want something quick, satisfying, and delicious. I love that I can whip it up in no time, and my family loves that they have a comforting, tasty dish on the table.