Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Teriyaki Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect solution! This simple dish packs a flavorful punch and can be on your table in no time. With fresh shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and savory teriyaki sauce, it’s sure to impress your family. Join me as I share the easy steps to whip up this delicious meal that will make any weeknight feel special!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This teriyaki shrimp fried rice comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich flavor that elevates the dish.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein, making this recipe versatile for any palate.
- One-Pan Wonder: This dish is cooked all in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice (1 cup)
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
- Teriyaki sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
- Green onions (3, chopped)
- Mixed vegetables (1 cup - peas, carrots, corn)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Eggs (2, beaten)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
To make teriyaki shrimp fried rice, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The rice is the base of this dish, and jasmine rice works best. It gives a light, fragrant flavor. You should use shrimp that is peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory taste. Soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil gives a nutty aroma. Green onions provide a fresh crunch. Mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn, bring color and nutrition.
You will also need garlic to enhance the flavor. The eggs add protein and richness. Finally, salt and pepper balance the dish. Sesame seeds make a lovely garnish, adding crunch.
This combination of ingredients makes every bite a delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice
To cook jasmine rice, rinse one cup under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch. Combine the rinsed rice with two cups of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then remove it from heat and let it sit for ten minutes. Using day-old rice is crucial. It helps the rice stay separate and not clump together when frying.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, add the shrimp. Cook them for around three to four minutes. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque.
Scrambling the Eggs
Now, push the shrimp to one side of the skillet. Pour in two beaten eggs in the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. This takes about one to two minutes. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the shrimp to combine their flavors.
Adding Vegetables
Next, add one cup of mixed vegetables to the skillet. You can use peas, carrots, and corn. Cook them for two to three minutes. Stir often to ensure the vegetables heat evenly. This step adds color and nutrition to your dish.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the cooled rice. Pour in the rice along with two tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly. Make sure the rice gets well-coated with the sauces. This adds flavor and makes the dish shine.
Final Touches
Lastly, add three chopped green onions for freshness. Stir to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional two to three minutes until everything is heated through. If you like, let the rice crisp slightly at the bottom. Serve your teriyaki shrimp fried rice hot, garnished with sesame seeds for a lovely touch.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing Your Rice
Jasmine rice is the best choice for teriyaki shrimp fried rice. It has a soft and sticky texture. This rice absorbs flavors well, making each bite tasty. If you can't find jasmine rice, you can use long-grain rice or basmati rice. Both work fine but may give a different texture.
Perfect Cooking Techniques
Heat plays a big role in stir-frying. Use medium-high heat to cook your shrimp and veggies fast. This keeps them crisp and bright. To avoid soggy rice, make sure your rice is cool before adding it to the pan. Day-old rice is ideal since it dries out a bit.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more flavor with different seasonings. Consider adding ginger for a nice zing. A splash of rice vinegar can also brighten the dish. For garnishing, use sesame seeds and extra green onions. They add color and crunch, making your meal look great.
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture and flavor, use rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add great color and crunch.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding chili sauce or red pepper flakes if you like your fried rice a bit spicier.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or additional green onions for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Variations
Protein Substitutions
You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken adds a hearty taste while tofu offers a great vegan option.
- For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
- Tofu should be firm and diced. Pan-fry it for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Adjust cooking times for these proteins. Chicken takes longer, while tofu cooks faster. This way, you keep your meal quick and tasty.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables. Fresh veggies not only taste great but also add color and nutrition.
- Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in spring.
- In winter, carrots, spinach, or even kale work well.
For a vegan twist, stick to mixed vegetables like peas, corn, and carrots. They add flavor and texture without losing the essence of the dish.
Flavor Customizations
Different sauces can change the flavor profile. If you want a sweet touch, use teriyaki sauce as in the recipe. For a spicy kick, try sriracha or chili paste.
- You can reduce the teriyaki sauce for a stronger soy flavor.
- Add sesame oil for a nutty taste.
Adjust heat levels with spices. If you love spice, toss in some red pepper flakes. This lets you create your perfect bowl of fried rice!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your teriyaki shrimp fried rice fresh, follow these steps:
- Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Use an airtight container to store it.
- Refrigerate within two hours to avoid spoilage.
- It will last up to three days in the fridge.
For best results, consider using glass containers. They do not stain and help keep flavors intact.
Reheating Fried Rice
Reheating fried rice is easy if you follow these methods:
- Use a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir frequently until heated through, about five minutes.
You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one minute. Stir and heat again until warm.
Serve the reheated rice with extra green onions or sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and enhances flavor.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for fried rice?
The best shrimp for fried rice is medium to large shrimp. These shrimp hold their shape well and cook quickly. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined. I prefer using wild-caught shrimp for better taste and texture.
Can I make teriyaki shrimp fried rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can make teriyaki shrimp fried rice ahead of time. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free with a few swaps. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. The teriyaki sauce may also have gluten, so check the label. There are many gluten-free options available in stores.
How do I make fried rice less sticky?
To reduce stickiness in fried rice, use day-old, cold rice. Freshly cooked rice has more moisture, making it sticky. Also, make sure to spread the rice out to cool before cooking. This helps dry it out and makes it easier to fry.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize your fried rice with any vegetables you love. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly. Adding more veggies boosts nutrients and flavor!
This recipe for teriyaki shrimp fried rice offers a simple and tasty meal. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tasty variations. You can easily swap proteins and veggies to suit your taste. Store leftovers well and reheat them for best quality. With a few simple tips, you’ll impress family and friends with your cooking. Enjoy your delicious, homemade dish and feel confident while you make it!
