Hey there! I’m a huge fan of Chinese takeout, and shrimp fried rice has always been my go-to order After years of ordering and making this dish at home, I’ve learned exactly what goes into making the perfect plate of shrimp fried rice. Let me break it down for you in this comprehensive guide!
The Core Ingredients You’ll Always Find
The Must-Haves
- Rice: Day-old cooked rice is absolutely crucial (trust me, I learned this the hard way!). Fresh rice gets way too mushy.
- Shrimp: About 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp for a standard recipe
- Eggs: Usually 2-3 eggs, scrambled into the mix
- Basic Vegetables:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Onions (usually yellow or white)
- Green onions (for garnish)
The Flavor Makers
- Essential Sauces:
- Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons)
- Sesame oil (1-2 tablespoons)
- Aromatics:
- Minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
- Fresh ginger (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Secret Ingredients That Make It Special
I’ve discovered some game-changing additions that really elevate homemade shrimp fried rice
- Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce
- Chili Oil: Adds a nice kick without overwhelming heat
- Honey: Just a tablespoon balances all the savory flavors
- Yum Yum Sauce: A must-try topping!
Quick Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Mix together
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp each: garlic powder, paprika, sesame oil
Nutritional Breakdown
For those watching their macros, here’s what you’re getting in a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 |
| Protein | 32-34g |
| Carbs | 45-47g |
| Fat | 15-45g |
Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Fried Rice
- The Rice Rule: Always use day-old rice! This is like, super important y’all. Fresh rice = mushy mess
- High Heat is Your Friend: Keep that wok or skillet HOT
- Cook in Stages: Don’t throw everything in at once
- Season the Shrimp First: Adds way more flavor than seasoning at the end
- Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here are some oopsies to watch out for:
- Using fresh, hot rice (guilty!)
- Overcrowding the pan
- Adding too much soy sauce
- Overcooking the shrimp
- Not prepping ingredients beforehand
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!):
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge
- Reheat with a splash of water to prevent drying
The Bottom Line
Shrimp fried rice is one of those dishes that’s actually pretty simple once you know the basics. The key is really in using the right ingredients and following proper technique. Whether you’re making it at home or ordering takeout, now you know exactly what should be in that delicious pile of fried rice!
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings and add your own twist – that’s what makes cooking fun!
Fried Rice and Shrimp
- Sesame Oil – This adds a subtle nutty taste.
- Shrimp – You’ll need one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe.
- Ginger – Opt for freshly grated ginger instead of ginger powder for a strong, bright, slightly tangy flavor.
- Veggies – Yellow onion and frozen mixed vegetables create an authentic homemade shrimp fried rice recipe.
- Eggs – Scrambled to your desired doneness, these add flavor and extra protein to the dish.
- Rice – I use brown rice, but white rice also works. Just make sure it has been cooked and cooled!
- Soy Sauce – Adds extra depth and a salty, umami taste. Again, feel free to substitute tamari or coconut aminos if needed.
- Mayo – This forms the base of the sauce. I prefer to use an avocado oil mayo, but regular mayo or Greek yogurt will also work.
- Ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness and creates the orange color we look for with yum yum sauce.
- Melted Butter – I recommend using unsalted butter. This adds richness and helps create a thinner consistency.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds a sweet, slightly tangy taste.
- Seasonings – Paprika, ginger powder, and garlic powder enhance the savory flavor of the sauce and add just a touch of heat.
Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients
- Butter – I recommend using unsalted butter to avoid an overpoweringly salty taste.
- Garlic – For the best taste, use whole garlic cloves, not pre-minced varieties.
- Soy Sauce – Feel free to substitute tamari or coconut aminos if preferred.
The Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe I Can’t Live Without
FAQ
What does shrimp fried rice have in it?
Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients
Shrimp: A pound of peeled and deveined shrimp should be enough to make four servings. Frozen vegetables: Frozen peas, frozen carrots, and frozen corn add color and nutrients. Garlic: Take the flavor up a notch with two cloves of garlic (or more, to taste).
What ingredients are there in fried rice?
- ⅔ cup chopped baby carrots.
- ½ cup frozen green peas.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- 1 clove garlic, minced, or to taste (Optional)
- 2 large eggs.
- 3 cups leftover cooked and chilled white rice.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil, or to taste.
Is Chinese shrimp fried rice healthy to eat?
- Fried shrimp can be a tasty and enjoyable food, but it is not generally considered to be a very healthy choice due to the high fat and calorie content.
- Fried foods are high in calories because they are cooked in oil, which adds extra fat to the food.
- Fried shrimp are also high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
What is the difference between fried rice and Chinese fried rice?
Fried rice for westerners often use soy sauce for savory flavoring. However, the fried rice dishes for Chinese people tend to use salt and meat instead of soy sauce. Common meats in a stereotypical Cantonese fried rice dish are shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork (char Siu), eggs, peas, carrots and green onion.