Welcome to a journey of taste filled with nostalgia and surprises. This spicy shrimp fried rice recipe will take your taste buds on a trip to the land of spices. Balancing the heat with the delicate flavors of shrimp and rice, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort food with a kick.
The key ingredients for this recipe, such as shrimp and rice, are readily available in most supermarkets. However, ingredients like Asian fish sauce or red pepper flakes might need a bit of a search. These are generally found in the international food aisle. If you can't find them locally, they are also available online. These ingredients are crucial to achieving the authentic flavors of the dish.
Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Brown rice: This is used as the base of the dish, providing a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture.
Large shrimp: The star of the dish. They offer a sweet and delicate flavor, balancing the heat of the spices.
Chili powder, Paprika, Garlic powder, Cayenne pepper: These spices create the heat in the dish, giving it the 'spice' factor.
Egg whites and whole egg: They add a rich, creamy texture to the rice.
Onion, Garlic cloves, Scallions: These aromatics provide depth of flavor.
Sesame oil: It gives a distinct nutty flavor to the dish.
Red pepper flakes: They add an extra kick of spiciness.
Soy sauce, Asian fish sauce: These sauces bring a umami flavor, adding complexity to the overall taste.
One reader, Jennifer Delossantos says:
This spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are explosive, and the shrimp is perfectly seasoned. The combination of spices and the addition of sesame oil give it an amazing kick. It's now a staple in my recipe collection. Highly recommended for anyone who loves bold flavors!
Techniques Required for Making Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Seasoning the shrimp: Mix the shrimp with cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl to evenly coat the shrimp.
Cooking the eggs: Heat a wok over medium-high heat, spray with oil, and cook the eggs for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing the aromatics: Increase the heat to high, add sesame oil to the hot wok, and sauté the onions, scallion whites, garlic, and hot pepper flakes for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cooking the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the wok and sauté until they are no longer translucent, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Frying the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and let it brown on the bottom for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir and then add the cooked egg, soy sauce, and fish sauce, mixing well for about 2 minutes.
Finishing the dish: Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the rice, then serve and enjoy!
How To Make Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
You only need 5 minutes to prep this savory shrimp fried rice loaded with plump shrimp, tender and spicy-seasoned rice, all stir-fried for a heartier dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsbrown rice,leftover, cooked
- 1lblarge shrimp,peeled, deveined
- ½tspchili powder
- ½paprika
- ½garlic powder
- ⅛tspcayenne pepper
- ¼tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper,to taste
- 2large egg whites,beaten
- 1large whole egg,beaten
- ½medium onion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,diced
- 5medium scallions,chopped, whites and greens separated
- oil spray
- 1tbspsesame oil
- 1tspcrushed red pepper flakes,or more to taste
- 4tspsoy sauce,or more to taste
- 1tspAsian fish sauce,or more soy sauce
Instructions
-
In a bowl, season the shrimp with cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
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In a hot wok, over medium high heat, spray a little oil, then cook the eggs for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
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Increase the heat to high, then when hot, add the sesame oil and sauté the onions, scallion whites, garlic, and hot pepper flakes for about 1 to 2 minutes.
-
Add the shrimp, then sauté until no longer translucent, 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Add the rice, then leave in the skillet to let the bottom brown, for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir, then add add the egg, soy sauce and fish sauce, mixing well for about 2 minutes.
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Sprinkle the greens of the scallions over the rice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 718.71kcal
- Fat: 14.31g
- Saturated Fat: 2.31g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.72g
- Carbohydrates: 115.22g
- Fiber: 6.14g
- Sugar: 1.42g
- Protein: 30.95g
- Cholesterol: 189.38mg
- Sodium: 1115.95mg
- Calcium: 149.33mg
- Potassium: 696.02mg
- Iron: 3.68mg
- Vitamin A: 99.67µg
- Vitamin C: 6.06mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
When cooking the shrimp, be sure to not overcook them as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. Also, when adding the rice to the pan, let it sit for a few minutes without stirring. This allows the rice to get a nice crispy bottom which adds a great texture to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting the cooking process to streamline the cooking process.
Use frozen shrimp: Save time by using pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp, which can be quickly thawed and used in the recipe.
Rice cooker: Utilize a rice cooker to effortlessly cook the brown rice while you focus on preparing the other components of the dish.
One-pot meal: Consider using a large skillet or wok to cook the entire dish in one pot, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Leftover rice: Utilize leftover cooked rice from a previous meal to skip the rice cooking step and expedite the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free alternative to brown rice that adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture to the dish.
large shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to create a heartier and more budget-friendly version of the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: Paprika and cayenne pepper combined can replicate the heat and flavor of chili powder.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder can enhance the dish with a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt to provide a similar level of salinity to the dish.
egg whites - Substitute with tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to egg whites, adding a creamy texture and protein to the dish.
whole egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to whole egg, providing binding properties and a nutty flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions to provide a milder and sweeter flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar pungent flavor.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions to add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil to provide a nutty flavor and high smoke point for stir-frying.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, can be used to replace soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
asian fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and anchovy paste: A combination of soy sauce and anchovy paste can replicate the savory and umami-rich flavor of Asian fish sauce.
Best Way to Present This Delicious Shrimp Dish
Elevate the dish with garnishes: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil to add color and visual appeal.
Incorporate a modern plating technique: Utilize a ring mold to create a neat and compact mound of the spicy shrimp fried rice at the center of the plate. This technique adds a professional and refined touch to the presentation.
Balance the elements on the plate: Ensure that the dish is visually balanced by placing the shrimp fried rice at the center and arranging the garnishes and additional components in a harmonious and visually appealing manner around the plate.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the spicy shrimp fried rice in a sleek, minimalist bowl or plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish, elevating the overall dining experience.
Create a focal point: Arrange the shrimp in a visually appealing manner on top of the rice, ensuring that they are the focal point of the dish and draw the eye to the center of the plate.
Essential Tools for Making Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel with high, sloping sides, ideal for stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, and more.
- Bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and marinating the shrimp.
- Whisk: Used for beating the eggs and combining the egg whites and whole egg.
- Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and scallions.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: Used for browning the rice and sautéing the shrimp and vegetables.
- Spatula: Essential for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet.
- Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring the spices and seasonings.
- Cooking spray: Used for greasing the wok and preventing sticking.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping and stirring the shrimp and rice in the skillet.
How To Store and Freeze Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored.
- To freeze the spicy shrimp fried rice, transfer the cooled rice to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen fried rice can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat the fried rice, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
- If the reheated fried rice seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it and restore its texture.
- For best results, consume the reheated fried rice within 1-2 days of thawing. Do not refreeze previously frozen fried rice, as this can lead to a loss of texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Stovetop method: heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the leftover spicy shrimp fried rice and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Be sure to break up any clumps of rice and stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Microwave method: place the leftover spicy shrimp fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth before microwaving to help rehydrate it.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover spicy shrimp fried rice in an even layer on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the rice to crisp up slightly.
Air fryer method: preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spicy shrimp fried rice in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check that the shrimp is heated through before serving. If the rice seems dry, you can always add a small amount of oil, water, or chicken broth to help rehydrate it and restore its texture.
Random Fact About Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
The spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with various vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Shrimp is a great source of protein and is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for this dish. The combination of spices and sauces in this recipe adds a depth of flavor and a spicy kick to the dish. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Is Making Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
This spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp, brown rice, and vegetables, are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of simple spices and seasonings also keeps the cost down. With an approximate cost of $15, this dish can easily feed a family of four. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its affordability, delicious flavors, and nutritional value.
Is Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
The spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a few areas for improvement. Here's why:
Positives:
- Brown rice is used, which is a whole grain and provides more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and high in essential nutrients like iodine and selenium
- The recipe includes vegetables like onions, garlic, and scallions, which add flavor and beneficial compounds
Negatives:
- The recipe calls for oil spray and sesame oil, which can increase the overall fat and calorie content
- Soy sauce and fish sauce are high in sodium, which may be a concern for those watching their salt intake
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, or opt for a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on the salt content
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients
- Consider using a mix of whole egg and egg whites to reduce the cholesterol content while maintaining protein
- Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance flavor without relying heavily on salt, such as ginger, cilantro, or lime juice
By incorporating these changes, you can elevate the nutritional value of this spicy shrimp fried rice recipe while still enjoying its delicious flavors. The key is to strike a balance between taste and health, making small adjustments that add up to a more wholesome meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
This spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of aromatic spices and succulent shrimp creates a dish that is both satisfying and full of depth. The use of brown rice adds a nutty undertone, while the addition of scallions and garlic infuses the dish with a fresh, savory aroma. The balance of heat from the cayenne pepper and the subtle sweetness of the shrimp makes this dish a standout. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful representation of Asian-inspired cuisine and is sure to impress with its bold and vibrant flavors.
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Why trust this Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe:
This spicy shrimp fried rice recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover. The combination of succulent shrimp and aromatic spices like chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder creates a tantalizing flavor profile. The addition of sesame oil and soy sauce enhances the umami notes, while the use of whole egg and egg whites adds a rich and creamy texture. With the perfect balance of heat and savory elements, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience.
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