This Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal! It combines juicy shrimp and tender steak with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a hint of soy sauce that brings it all together.
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. I love using leftover rice—makes it even easier! Plus, you get surf and turf in one dish. Can’t beat that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old cooked rice works best as it’s drier, helping to prevent clumping. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice, spread it out to cool, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Quinoa or cauliflower rice also makes great low-carb options!
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp are both good choices. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can substitute with chicken or tofu. I love using shrimp for its quick cooking time and sweet flavor.
Steak: Sirloin and ribeye are perfect, but you can also use flank steak or even a stir-fry beef mix. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using chicken breast or a plant-based meat substitute.
Sauces: Soy sauce gives that classic flavor. If you’re gluten-free, choose tamari instead. The optional oyster sauce adds depth; you can skip this or use hoisin sauce as an alternative.
How Do I Get My Fried Rice to Taste Great?
A key to great fried rice is ensuring everything is well-cooked and flavors are balanced. Here are some tips:
- Use high heat to keep the ingredients moving and avoid steaming them.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to mushy rice. If you have a lot, fry in batches.
- Be careful with your seasoning; it’s better to start light with soy sauce and add more gradually.
- Let the rice sit in the pan undisturbed for a few moments to get a nice sear on it.
With these tips, your shrimp and steak fried rice will be flavorful and satisfying every time!
Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (optional; such as carrots and peas)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, adds depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red chili slices or hot sauce for garnish/serve alongside (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. The key is to have all your ingredients ready so you can quickly stir-fry everything together. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Steak:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry the steak for about 3-4 minutes or until it’s browned to your liking. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside with the steak.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Then, sauté the minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and translucent, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
4. Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the garlic and onions to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side and scramble them until just set. This will only take a minute or so!
5. Mixing It All Together:
Add the cooked rice to the pan, along with the cooked steak and shrimp. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to break up any clumps of rice.
6. Seasoning Your Fried Rice:
Next, stir in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste your dish, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed.
7. Adding Final Touches:
Toss in the chopped green onions and any mixed vegetables you’re using, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your fried rice hot, garnished with optional chili slices or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick if you like it spicy!
Enjoy your delicious, easy shrimp and steak fried rice! It’s full of flavor and sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s peeled and deveined before cooking. If you’re using frozen shrimp, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly under cold running water before adding it to the skillet.
What if I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No problem! If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 15-20 minutes to help it dry out slightly, which prevents clumping during frying.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and steak. Substitute with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for even warming, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven heating.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
