Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rice: Jasmine rice gives a nice aroma and texture. If you don’t have it, long-grain white rice works too. Brown rice is another option, but it might need extra cooking time, so keep that in mind!

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Make sure it’s thawed before cooking. For a change, you could use chicken or tofu instead if you’re looking for different proteins.

Steak: Ribeye and sirloin are my favorites for this recipe due to their tenderness. You can substitute with flank steak or even ground beef if you prefer something more budget-friendly.

Vegetable Oil: I recommend vegetable oil for its high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil are also great. If you want a unique flavor, try sesame oil, but use it sparingly.

What’s the Best Technique for Cooking Perfect Fried Rice?

The key to fantastic fried rice is starting with dry, cold rice, ideally day-old. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. If you must use it, spread it out to cool before frying.

• Cook your proteins (steak and shrimp) first, and set them aside. This helps keep them juicy.
• Don’t crowd the pan! Fry in batches if necessary; this way, everything gets evenly cooked without steaming.
• Cook the vegetables just until they’re tender. You want them to retain some crunch!
• Finally, when you mix everything, ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor.

With these tips and ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a delicious homemade shrimp and steak fried rice!

Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Rice:

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water

For the Proteins:

• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-size cubes

For Cooking:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

For the Veggies:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

For Flavor:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red chili slices or chili flakes (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

The total time for this easy shrimp and steak fried rice is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch so your rice doesn’t get too sticky. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water, bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Set the rice aside and let it cool. If you have day-old rice, it’s perfect for this dish!

2. Prepare Shrimp and Steak:

Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until it’s browned but tender. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of oil, then add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set it aside with the steak.

4. Cook the Vegetables and Eggs:

Add the last tablespoon of oil to the pan. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 2 minutes. Add the white parts of the green onions and the optional peas and carrots, stirring for another 2 minutes until the veggies soften a bit.

5. Scramble the Eggs:

Push the vegetable mixture to the side of the pan, creating an empty spot. Pour the beaten eggs into this space and scramble them until fully cooked. They should be soft and fluffy.

6. Combine Fried Rice:

Now, add the cooled rice into the pan with the scrambled eggs and veggies. Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice with your spatula. Once mixed, return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet, ensuring everything is combined well.

7. Add Seasonings:

Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the fried rice and feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as desired.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once combined, remove the pan from heat. Garnish the dish with the chopped green parts of the green onions and optional red chili slices for some heat.

9. Enjoy!

Serve your delicious shrimp and steak fried rice hot! You can enjoy it plain or with a small side of chili oil or sauce for dipping. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice works best as it is drier and less sticky, creating the perfect texture for fried rice. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool and spread it out on a baking sheet for a bit to dry it out before using.

Can I Substitute the Proteins?

Yes! If you don’t have shrimp or steak on hand, you can easily substitute them with chicken, pork, or tofu. Just make sure to cook the protein thoroughly. You can also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam the rice and prevent it from drying out.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Feel free to customize your fried rice with your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even corn are great additions. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.