This Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a delightful mix of juicy shrimp and tender steak, all tossed with colorful veggies and fluffy rice. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor!
I love making this dish because it’s perfect for using up leftovers. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? Your taste buds will be dancing with joy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Using chilled, cooked rice helps keep the grains separate, which is great for frying. If you don’t have white rice, feel free to use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you could substitute chicken or tofu for a different protein that fits your taste!
Steak: You can use flank steak, sirloin, or any steak cut you prefer. For an even easier option, consider pre-cooked beef to cut down on cooking time.
Vegetable oil: Can be swapped with sesame oil for extra flavor. However, use it sparingly as it has a strong taste. Olive oil is another option, but it may change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Proteins without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp and steak correctly is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to get it right:
- For shrimp, cook until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Overcooking makes them rubbery.
- For steak, sear until it’s browned on the outside and still tender inside. Depending on thickness, this can take about 2-4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
By removing the proteins before adding rice, you avoid overcooking them while heating everything through in the final steps. This way, everything comes together beautifully!
Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably chilled)
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Sliced chili or hot sauce for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to cook. In just 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the shrimp, lightly seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.
2. Searing the Steak:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Now, toss the steak cubes into the hot pan. Sear them until they are browned and cooked to your preference, which can range from about 2-4 minutes depending on the thickness of the cubes. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside with the shrimp.
3. Sautéing Veggies:
Next, lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté these until they become fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
4. Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the sautéed onions and garlic to one side of the pan. In the empty space, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently until they are just cooked through.
5. Adding the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice! Add it to the pan, breaking up any clumps and stirring to thoroughly combine the rice with the eggs and onion mixture.
6. Mixing in Proteins and Sauces:
Return the cooked shrimp and steak to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, along with the optional oyster sauce and black pepper. Give everything a good mix and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the rice to heat through.
7. Finishing Touches:
Finally, add the chopped green onions to the pan. Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt or extra soy sauce if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your shrimp and steak fried rice hot, with optional sliced chili or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side for any added heat. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal!
FAQ: Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp and Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp and steak properly before cooking. You can thaw shrimp quickly by running them under cool water or leaving them in the fridge overnight. For steak, it’s best to thaw in the fridge overnight as well.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
You can easily switch to plant-based proteins! Substitute the shrimp and steak with tofu or tempeh, and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
What Should I Do with Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry in a pan with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to chop them finely and add them to the pan early in the cooking process so they have enough time to soften.
