High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice

High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice: A Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Recipe

As a home cook, I’ve always been on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious, but also budget-friendly and packed with nutrients. My latest obsession is High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice, a dish that has become a staple in my kitchen, along with Almond Butter Protein Chia Pudding .online/high-protein-baked-cod-with-lemon-orzo/”>High-Protein Baked Cod With Lemon Orzo .online/low-calorie-high-protein-shrimp-salad/”>Low-Calorie High-Protein Shrimp Salad .online/high-protein-coconut-protein-bites/”>High-Protein Coconut Protein Bites and High-Protein Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites.online/almond-butter-protein-chia-pudding/”>Almond Butter Protein Chia Pudding.online/high-protein-baked-cod-with-lemon-orzo/”>High-Protein Baked Cod With Lemon Orzo .online/low-calorie-high-protein-shrimp-salad/”>Low-Calorie High-Protein Shrimp Salad.online/high-protein-coconut-protein-bites/”>High-Protein Coconut Protein Bites. After testing this recipe five times, I finally got it just right. Friends always ask me for this recipe after trying it at dinner parties, and I’m more than happy to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice

High in protein from shrimp, eggs, and soy sauce
Packed with fibre and vitamins from vegetables and brown rice
Cost-effective and can be made in large batches for meal prep
Customizable with your choice of vegetables and seasonings
Fast cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights

High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice

15 min prep · 30 min cook · 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cooked brown rice (preferably day-old rice)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Scallions, chopped (optional)

Tip: Use leftover cooked brown rice to make this recipe even more budget-friendly. You can also customize the mixed vegetables to your liking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large frying pan or skillet
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. I love the smell of garlic cooking in the pan – it’s like a warm welcome to a delicious meal!
Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. You’ll hear the vegetables sizzling and smell the sweet aroma of cooking vegetables.
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them with a spatula until they’re cooked through. The eggs will start to set and look like fluffy clouds.
Add the cooked brown rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and eggs for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. You’ll hear the rice crackling and smell the nutty aroma of toasted rice.
Add the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re pink and cooked through. I love the sound of the shrimp sizzling in the pan – it’s like music to my ears!
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for another minute until the sauce is evenly distributed. You’ll smell the savory aroma of the sauce and see the glaze forming on the shrimp.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve immediately.

Tips From My Kitchen

Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make it difficult to stir-fry. Using day-old rice ensures it’s drier and easier to work with.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so make sure to remove them from the heat when they’re just pink and cooked through. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
Stir-fry in batches: If you’re making a large batch of High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice, stir-fry the ingredients in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. This ensures each ingredient cooks evenly and prevents the dish from becoming soggy.
Use a variety of vegetables: Mix and match different vegetables to add colour, texture, and flavour to the dish. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not in season.
Customize the seasonings: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil to your taste. You can also add other seasonings like sriracha or curry powder to give the dish a unique flavour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan: Stir-frying too many ingredients at once can lead to a soggy, undercooked dish. Stir-fry in batches to ensure each ingredient cooks evenly and prevent overcrowding the pan.
Wrong temperature: Heat the pan to the right temperature (medium-high) to achieve a nice sear on the ingredients. If the pan is too hot, the ingredients will burn; if it’s too cold, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Skipping the rest time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld together and the ingredients to redistribute. This ensures a satisfying, balanced flavour in each bite.

What to Serve With High-Protein Shrimp Fried Rice

Cucumber slices or kimchi for a refreshing side dish
Steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious vegetable accompaniment
Grilled chicken or turkey for added protein and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have day-old rice?

You can use freshly cooked rice, but make sure to stir-fry it with a bit more oil to prevent it from sticking together. Alternatively, you can cook the rice the night before and refrigerate it overnight before using it in the recipe.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein source. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the recipe with your favourite ingredients. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to the stir-fry.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or tofu, to increase the protein content. You can also use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce to add flavour.