Description
This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, fluffy brown rice, and a delicious blend of spices and sauces. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal combining savory aromatics, spicy heat, and tender shrimp for a satisfying, colorful stir-fry.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper (to taste)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- ½ medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (diced)
- 5 medium scallions (chopped, whites and greens separated)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
Eggs
- 2 large egg whites (beaten)
- 1 large whole egg (beaten)
Grains and Oils
- 3 cups leftover cooked brown rice
- Oil spray
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sauces
- 4 teaspoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce (or more soy sauce)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper, ensuring they are well coated for a spicy flavor base.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with oil. Cook the beaten egg whites first, stirring occasionally until set, then remove and set aside. Repeat with the whole egg, cooking until just set. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Increase the heat to high and add sesame oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion, scallion whites, diced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the wok and stir-fry continuously until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they cook evenly but stay tender.
- Add Rice: Incorporate the leftover cooked brown rice into the wok. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes so the bottom can brown slightly, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked eggs along with soy sauce and Asian fish sauce. Mix well for about 2 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated with the sauces.
- Serve: Finally, stir in the chopped scallion greens for freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Using leftover cooked brown rice helps achieve a better texture as fresh rice can become mushy.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure fish sauce is also gluten-free.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp before cooking ensures even seasoning and tenderness.
- If you prefer a non-spicy version, omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
