Save Sizzling heat and the savory aroma of toasted garlic define this Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice, a dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal. Perfectly sautéed shrimp and fluffy jasmine rice come together with vibrant vegetables for a balanced and satisfying experience that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a lazy weekend lunch.
Save The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the high-heat cooking method that imparts a subtle smoky depth. By searing the shrimp first and then layering the aromatics, you create a foundation of flavor that is absorbed by every single grain of rice.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 300 g (10 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Rice: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- Vegetables: 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 spring onions, sliced; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Aromatics & Sauces: 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional Garnishes: Extra sliced spring onions; Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with a pinch of salt.
- Step 2
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Sauté the onion, carrot, and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Toss well to coat the rice evenly.
- Step 6
- Stir in the peas and most of the spring onions. Return the shrimp to the wok and fold gently to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is hot.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra spring onions and lime wedges if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, always use day-old, chilled rice; fresh rice contains too much moisture and can lead to a mushy consistency. Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before you start to achieve that signature stir-fried finish. Use a sturdy spatula to break up any rice clumps quickly so they can toast evenly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this dish by swapping the shrimp for diced chicken or firm tofu for a different protein profile. To make the recipe shellfish-free, substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu and replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian-friendly mushroom-based stir-fry sauce. Always double-check labels for hidden allergens like soy or mollusks.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this flavorful rice hot, garnished with a generous handful of fresh spring onions and a bright squeeze of lime. For added richness, top each portion with a crispy fried egg. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the savory seafood and garlic notes.
Save With 355 calories and 17 grams of protein per serving, this Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice is a nutritionally balanced choice that doesn't compromise on flavor. Whether you are a seafood lover or just looking for a quick kitchen win, this dish is certain to satisfy.
Recipe Q&A
- → Why should I use day-old rice?
Day-old chilled rice has a lower moisture content, preventing clumping during stir-frying. Fresh, warm rice releases too much moisture and becomes mushy rather than achieving that desirable fluffy, separated-grain texture.
- → How do I know when shrimp is cooked perfectly?
Shrimp turns opaque pink and curls slightly when cooked through, typically taking 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp becomes rubbery and tough. Remove it immediately once pink throughout.
- → Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, chop vegetables and mince garlic up to 2 hours before cooking. Keep shrimp refrigerated until ready to cook. Preparing mise en place speeds up the actual cooking process significantly.
- → What's the best oil for high-heat stir-frying?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil work best for high-heat cooking due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil, which burns at stir-fry temperatures and imparts unwanted flavors.
- → How can I make this shellfish-free?
Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast, cooked tofu, or tempeh using the same cooking method. Replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom-based alternatives for depth of flavor.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complement the garlic and seafood beautifully. Alternatively, serve with a light cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a side of edamame for balanced meal composition.