Spicy Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice in 15 Minutes Dish

Ready to whip up a delicious meal in just 15 minutes? My Spicy Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice is packed with bold flavors and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, like shrimp, garlic, and colorful veggies, you can serve a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Whether you need a quick dinner or a fun meal prep option, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup cold cooked jasmine rice
– 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
– 2 green onions, sliced thinly
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
In this recipe, I use cold cooked jasmine rice. It’s best to use rice that is a day old. This rice has a firmer texture and helps avoid clumping. For protein, I choose shrimp. They cook quickly and add great flavor. You can also use chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Next, I add garlic and onion. These aromatics create a rich base for the dish. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Green onions give a fresh crunch and a hint of sharpness.
For seasoning, I use soy sauce and sriracha. The soy sauce adds saltiness while sriracha brings heat. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor. The beaten egg gives a creamy texture and binds everything together.
Finally, I top the dish with fresh cilantro. It adds brightness and a pop of color. This combination of ingredients makes the dish flavorful and fun to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Preparation
1. Heating the oil: Start by heating sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This shows it’s hot enough for cooking.
2. Sautéing aromatics: Add minced garlic and diced onion to the hot oil. Stir them for about a minute. You want the garlic to smell good and the onion to turn a bit clear.
3. Cooking the shrimp: Next, toss the shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and look opaque when done. This means they are cooked all the way through.
Mixing Ingredients
4. Adding vegetables: Now, add the diced red bell pepper. Stir it in and cook for another 2 minutes. You want the pepper to be soft and colorful.
5. Incorporating the rice: Carefully add the cold jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any big clumps as you mix. Make sure all the ingredients blend well together.
6. Seasoning the mixture: Drizzle soy sauce and sriracha over the rice. Stir it thoroughly to coat all the rice and veggies. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed.
Final Touches
7. Scrambling the egg: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg until it’s fully cooked. Then, mix it all in with the rice.
8. Garnishing the dish: Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Fold in the sliced green onions. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
– Using day-old rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice. It dries out a little, which keeps the grains separate. Fresh rice can clump together and get mushy.
– Adjusting spice levels with sriracha: You can control the heat by adding sriracha. Start with a little, then add more if you like it spicy. This way, you can customize your meal.
– Importance of a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. It allows you to stir-fry easily and keeps everything from burning. This makes your cooking a lot simpler.
Cooking Techniques
– Stir-frying quickly: Quick stir-frying keeps your shrimp tender. It also cooks the veggies just right—crisp but not raw. Keep your ingredients moving in the pan.
– Maintaining the right heat: Heat is key! You want hot oil before adding ingredients. This helps lock in flavors and gives you that nice sear on the shrimp.
– Prepping ingredients in advance: Get all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Chop, measure, and have everything at hand. This makes cooking quick and fun, cutting down on stress.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change the protein in your fried rice. Try chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Both options taste great and add different flavors.
For veggies, you can mix in peas or diced carrots. These add color and crunch. You can also use frozen vegetables if you’re short on fresh ones.
If you want to lower the sodium, go for low-sodium soy sauce. It works well and keeps the taste yummy.
Flavor Enhancements
Add lime juice for a fresh burst of flavor. It makes the dish bright and zesty.
You can also try different herbs like cilantro or basil. They add a nice touch and change the taste.
Don’t be afraid to play with sauces too! Teriyaki or oyster sauce can give your fried rice a new twist. Experiment and find what you love best!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your spicy garlic shrimp fried rice fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Make sure to eat it within three days for the best taste.
When you reheat, use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover it. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This keeps the rice moist. If you use a skillet, add a splash of water. Stir it often until it’s hot.
Freezing Fried Rice
You can freeze leftover fried rice for later. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn.
To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave. Just defrost it on low power. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water if it seems dry. Stir until it’s hot throughout. Enjoy your meal again!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp cooks quickly and tastes great in this dish.
What if I don’t have jasmine rice?
If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use any long-grain rice. Brown rice or basmati rice work well too. Just ensure the rice is cold and cooked.
How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the shrimp and egg. Use tofu or tempeh instead. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture.
You now have a clear guide to making delicious shrimp fried rice. We covered key ingredients, from cold cooked jasmine rice to vibrant veggies. The step-by-step instructions ensure you cook it perfectly, with tips to enhance flavor and texture. Remember, you can personalize this dish by swapping proteins and adjusting spices. Store leftovers wisely, and enjoy them later. Fried rice is simple yet versatile. Dive into this dish, have fun, and make it your own.
