Ingredients

1 cup cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup frozen peas and carrots

½ small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp ginger, minced

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

Step 1: If using fresh shrimp, rinse and pat them dry. Prepare the rice in advance and allow it to cool completely; cold rice works best for fried rice.

Step 2: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten egg and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the scrambled egg and set it aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté the chopped onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for 2 minutes until they are softened.

Step 6: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the cooked rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps to ensure even heating.

Step 7: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stirring well to coat the grains evenly.

Step 8: Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir all ingredients together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 9: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Serve the shrimp fried rice hot.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice to avoid soggy fried rice; fresh rice can be too moist and clump together.

For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or a dash of toasted sesame seeds.

Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or mixed seafood for a different protein option.

If you like your fried rice spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy fried rice. It’s best to use day-old rice that has been chilled to achieve the ideal texture.

Is it necessary to cook the egg separately?

Cooking the egg separately helps to scramble it properly without overcooking and mixing too soon. This method allows for better texture and even distribution throughout the dish.