Shrimp fried rice

shrimp_fried_rice

Shrimp fried rice is a popular dish in China that is a staple in Chinese cuisine. This dish is a perfect example of Chinese cuisine’s ability to utilize simple ingredients in a balanced and delicious way. The full-bodied flavors of the shrimp, the nuttiness of the egg fried rice, and the freshness of the vegetables combine perfectly in this dish.

The origins of shrimp fried rice are not clear-cut, but it is believed to have originated in the southern regions of China such as Guangdong and Fujian. The popular dish was then brought to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants.

One of the reasons why shrimp fried rice is so popular is its versatility. The dish can be served as a stand-alone meal or as a side dish with other dishes such as Kung Pao chicken or sweet and sour pork. The dish is also great for using up leftover rice and vegetables, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

The key to making delicious shrimp fried rice is in the preparation of the ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is the shrimp. It is essential to use fresh, large, and deveined shrimp for the best results. If possible, the shrimp should be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking to add flavor.

The next important ingredient is the rice. Traditionally, long-grain rice is used in Chinese cooking, and the rice should be cooked in advance and left to cool completely before using it in the recipe. Fried rice dishes are best cooked with day-old or leftover rice, as they are already dried, loose and can easily take on the flavors and aromas of the seasonings and spices.

Another essential ingredient in this dish is the vegetables. Common vegetables such as peas, scallions, and carrots, are used in shrimp fried rice, giving it an added crunch and sweetness to the dish.

The dish also requires the use of aromatics such as garlic, shallots, or ginger. These are sautéed in oil before the rice is added, imparting a smoky, nutty flavor to the dish. Eggs are another essential element of this dish, and they are usually beaten and cooked separately before being added to the rice towards the end of the cooking process.

To cook shrimp fried rice, the first step is to sauté the shrimp in a wok or large skillet until they turn pink and are cooked through. The shrimp is then removed from the pan and set aside.

Next, the vegetables are cooked in the same pan along with the garlic or ginger until they are crispy-tender. The eggs are beaten and poured into the pan, being cooked in a similar fashion to scrambled eggs, and mixed with the vegetables.

Finally, the rice is added to the pan with the vegetable-egg mix and sautéed until it is heated through and absorbed all the flavors. The shrimp is then added back to the pan and mixed with the other ingredients. The dish is then served garnished with scallions, cilantro, and sesame oil, adding a layer of complex flavors to this simple but delectable dish.

Shrimp fried rice is a straightforward and delicious recipe that makes a tasty and wholesome meal. It represents the simplicity of Chinese cuisine and the beauty of combining everyday ingredients to achieve something incredible. It’s a perfect meal for a quick weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups of cooked white rice, preferably cooked a day ahead or cold
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp of oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp of sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp of rice vinegar
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  3. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan and add the chopped onion, diced carrot, red bell pepper, and frozen peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

  4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

  5. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the lightly beaten eggs. Scramble until set, then mix with the vegetables.

  6. Add the cooked rice and the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix well and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

  7. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

  8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice!