There are moments in the kitchen that change how I think about cooking. One such moment was when I first made garlic butter shrimp fried rice. It was an ordinary weeknight, and I had leftover rice to use.
I wanted to make it special. As the shrimps sizzled with garlic and butter, my mouth watered. The smell filled my home, making me happy.
This easy shrimp fried rice didn’t just fill my stomach. It filled my heart with warmth and comfort. It became my go-to recipe for a gourmet treat. Ready to discover how you can create this delightful dish?
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice is a tasty dish. It mixes shrimp with garlic butter. This makes a savory meal perfect for any time.
The shrimp adds protein, and the garlic butter makes it rich. This dish is great as a main or side. It’s loved for its mix of flavors and textures.
In every bite, you get garlic, shrimp, and fried rice. It’s not just filling, but also smells great. It’s a classic comfort food that looks and tastes amazing.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
To make the best garlic butter shrimp recipe, you need the right ingredients. This dish is tasty and flexible, depending on what you have. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy shrimp fried rice.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): 0.5 lb
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic (minced): 5 – 6 cloves
- Onion (chopped): 1/4 onion
- Cooked rice (preferably cold): 2 cups
- Eggs (lightly beaten): 2 eggs
- Salt: a pinch
- Pepper: a pinch
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Add-ins for Customization
For a personal touch, add different ingredients to your garlic butter shrimp stir-fry. Try adding:
- Vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers
- Other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil
- Seasonings like sesame oil or spices like paprika
This garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe is very flexible. Each ingredient makes a rich and satisfying meal. I love to make it any time of the day!
Benefits of Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
Making flavorful garlic butter shrimp fried rice is great. It’s a quick one-pan meal ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish is packed with shrimp, a protein-rich food. It’s good for a healthy diet. So, it’s a tasty and nutritious choice.
This recipe is also very flexible. I can add leftover veggies or grains to it. It works with basmati, brown rice, or quinoa. This makes it fit many tastes and diets.
Using garlic adds health benefits too. Garlic has antioxidants that help our health. With butter, it makes a flavorful and healthy dinner.
Garlic butter shrimp fried rice is a versatile meal. It satisfies hunger and offers many flavor and texture options.
How to Prep Your Ingredients
Getting your ingredients ready is key to making tasty garlic butter shrimp fried rice. A tidy kitchen helps you cook better and enjoy it more. Let’s look at how to prep your shrimp, veggies, and rice.
Defrosting and Marinating the Shrimp
First, thaw 8 ounces of small raw shrimp. You can put them in the fridge overnight or thaw them in cold water in 10-20 minutes. Don’t use hot water, as it can cook the shrimp too much. Once thawed, marinate the shrimp.
Use kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch to make the shrimp tender.
Preparing the Vegetables and Rice
Then, work on your veggies and rice. Cook 2½ cups of white rice with 4 cups of stock a day before. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This ensures the rice is perfect for fried rice.
Mince 2 green onions and set them aside. Use 3/4 cup of frozen peas and carrots for color and nutrition. These prepped veggies make your garlic butter fried rice recipe better.
With everything ready, making this garlicky shrimp recipe will be quick and easy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Raw Shrimp (shelled and deveined) | 8 ounces |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cooking Oil (Peanut, Canola, or Rice Bran) | 3 tablespoons |
| Large Eggs (beaten) | 3 |
| Green Onions (minced) | 2 |
| Frozen Peas and Carrots | 3/4 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Dark Toasted Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
Making garlic butter shrimp fried rice is a fun journey. I’m excited to share my guide with you. This dish serves four and is ready in under an hour. It’s great for busy weeknights.
Here’s how I make this tasty meal:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the flavor begins!
- Add 10 ounces of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they’re pink and cooked through, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, toss in 1½ heads of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 4 beaten eggs, letting them solidify slightly before scrambling them into the mix.
- Add 5 cups of cooled cooked white rice, mixing everything well. Don’t forget to incorporate the shrimp back into the pan for that savory kick!
- Season your dish with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, ⅛ teaspoon of ground white pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully and the dish is heated through.
This garlic butter shrimp fried rice is more than a meal. It’s an experience with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Each serving has about 321 calories. It’s a good choice for lunch or dinner. Feel free to try different veggies or sauces to make it your own!
Tips for the Perfect Fried Rice Texture
Getting the texture right is key for a great fried rice. The rice’s state is very important. With a few tips, your homemade fried rice can taste like it’s from a restaurant.
Using Leftover Rice vs. Freshly Cooked Rice
Leftover rice is usually the best choice. Fresh rice can be too wet and soggy. Leftover rice makes each grain fluffy and separate.
I like to use day-old, chilled rice. It gives the best results. It helps the rice fry evenly and taste better.
Importance of Cold Rice for Frying
Cold rice is essential for a non-clumpy dish. It makes the grains firm up. This helps them crisp nicely when fried.
If I prep rice the day before, it’s always better. It reduces moisture and gives a great texture. Heating it in a hot wok keeps the grains separate. This makes every bite of your fried rice delicious.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
To make a tasty garlic butter sauce, start by melting unsalted butter in a skillet. Heat it over medium. Once it bubbles, add minced garlic and cook until it smells good.
This step makes the butter taste rich. It’s the base for the dish.
Seasoning is key for a great garlic butter sauce. Add a little salt and pepper. This makes the sauce taste balanced and good.
The sauce makes the shrimp and rice taste even better. It coats everything well, mixing flavors together.
Here’s a quick overview of what goes into making the sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic (adjustable based on preference)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
Trying new things with Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice is fun. You can use different proteins for your taste. Here are some cool ideas to try.
Alternatives to Shrimp
There are many proteins you can use instead of shrimp. Here are some:
- Chicken: A classic choice, tender chicken pieces can enhance the dish’s heartiness.
- Beef: Sliced beef adds rich flavors.
- Pork: Ground or diced pork brings a savory twist.
- Tofu: For a plant-based option, firm tofu soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy flavors provide depth and texture.
- Salmon or fish: These options lend a unique flavor profile.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
I love adding veggies to fried rice. For a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp and add veggies and tofu. Some great additions are:
- Mushrooms: Their meaty texture makes them a great substitute.
- Bell peppers: Colorful and sweet, they brighten any dish.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Classic choices that add flavor and nutrition.
- Spinach: Adds a burst of greens.
For vegan fried rice, use plant-based butter substitutes. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal that fits your diet.
| Protein Option | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | Savory, briny | Tender |
| Chicken | Mild, savory | Juicy |
| Beef | Rich, savory | Firm |
| Pork | Sweet, savory | Tender |
| Tofu | Neutral, absorbs flavors | Soft or firm |
| Mushrooms | Earthy, savory | Meaty |
Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
Enjoying garlic butter shrimp fried rice is better with the right sides. Try crispy spring rolls for a crunchy bite. Or, go for steamed veggies for freshness and nutrients.
A light salad with greens and citrus dressing is also great. It adds a refreshing touch. Plus, miso soup can make the meal cozy and flavorful.
Here’s a quick overview of some delightful side dishes for garlic shrimp fried rice:
- Crispy Spring Rolls
- Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
- Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Asian Slaw with Ginger Dressing
- Miso Soup
| Side Dish | Description | Complementing Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Spring Rolls | Lightly fried rolls filled with vegetables and proteins | Crunchy, savory |
| Steamed Broccoli and Carrots | Brightly colored vegetables cooked to tender perfection | Fresh, mild |
| Cucumber Salad | Chilled cucumbers tossed with a light sesame dressing | Crisp, refreshing |
| Asian Slaw | Shredded veggies with a zesty ginger dressing | Crunchy, tangy |
| Miso Soup | Warm, comforting broth with tofu and seaweed | Umami, soothing |
Storing and Reheating Leftover Fried Rice
Storing fried rice leftovers is easy. Use an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheating it brings back its flavor and texture.
Reheating on the stove is my favorite. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist. It’s ready in about seven minutes.
The oven is great for big batches. Preheat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with foil and it’s ready in 20 minutes.
Microwaving is quick too. Add water for each cup of rice. It’s hot in two to three minutes. But, don’t reheat rice more than once.
| Reheating Method | Time Required | Moisture Preservation |
|---|---|---|
| Skillet | 4 minutes | Add splash of water or soy sauce |
| Oven | 18-20 minutes | Add 2 tablespoons of liquid |
| Microwave | 2-3 minutes | Add 1 spoonful of water per cup |
| Air Fryer | 6-8 minutes | N/A |
Always cover the dish when reheating. This keeps the rice moist. These tips help me enjoy fried rice at its best.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
This garlic butter shrimp fried rice is amazing. It’s quick to make, ready in just 5 minutes. It’s great for a weeknight dinner when you’re in a rush.
This dish is easy to make and perfect for any meal. It’s great for when you have guests. Each serving has 264 calories, with protein and healthy fats.
This recipe is perfect for any time. It’s great for family dinners or fancy parties. It has delicious flavors and cooks fast.
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 264 per serving
- Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal
Every bite is a reason to love garlic butter shrimp. It’s perfect for any meal, big or small. It’s always ready for any occasion.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
This shrimp fried rice recipe is a mix of amazing flavors. The shrimp are tender and the garlic butter is rich. It’s a dish that makes everyone happy.
This recipe is easy on the wallet and can be made to please many. Using frozen shrimp makes it even cheaper. It has about 308 calories per serving, so it’s good for a treat.
It’s perfect for any meal, from a quick dinner to a big event. The flavors and textures are always a hit. Try it and see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen.
