Did you know making a delicious homemade meal can take just 20 minutes? This easy prawn fried rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick and packed with flavor, thanks to large shrimp, fresh veggies, and spices.
With simple ingredients like avocado oil, eggs, and tamari soy sauce, you can create a tasty meal. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This prawn fried rice can be fully prepared in just 20 minutes.
- It requires basic ingredients, including shrimp, eggs, and rice.
- Each serving packs approximately 450 calories and 14g of protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This dish makes an excellent alternative to takeout for a busy weeknight.
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or sauces.
What is Prawn Fried Rice?
Prawn fried rice is a favorite in Asian cuisine. It’s a mix of cooked rice, prawns, veggies, and seasonings. Ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil add to the flavor.
This dish is great for using up leftover rice. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Carrots and peas are common additions.
Prawn fried rice is also nutritious. Prawns add a lot of protein to the dish. A serving has about 367 calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 367 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Prawns Used | 500 g fresh medium-sized |
| Cooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Oil Used | 4 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 3 eggs |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 10 to 12 cloves, minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium, finely chopped |
| Green Peas | ¼ cup |
| Spring Onion | 4 to 5 stalks, chopped |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Cuisine Type | Chinese |
Making your own prawn fried rice lets you control the ingredients and flavors. It’s a healthier option than takeout. Enjoy a delicious homemade shrimp fried rice that can become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Easy Prawn Fried Rice
Making tasty homemade fried rice needs the right shrimp fried rice ingredients. These ingredients add flavor and make the dish quick and satisfying. Here’s what you need for your Easy Prawn Fried Rice.
Essential Ingredients
The key ingredients for prawn fried rice will make your dish stand out. You’ll need:
- 300g (10.5 oz) medium-sized prawns (shrimp)
- 3 cups (555g) cold, cooked long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati
- 4 large eggs, whisked
- 2 cups (270g) store-bought frozen pea, corn, and carrot mix
- 3 spring onions (scallions), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper for taste
This mix of ingredients gives your dish a rich, umami flavor. Your family will love it, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Optional Add-ins for Personalization
Want to make your dish your own? Add these optional ingredients:
- Diced green beans
- Sweet corn
- Chopped bell peppers
- Chicken or firm tofu as a protein substitute
Using frozen veggies and prawns saves time on busy days. This makes homemade fried rice a great choice, even for those who are picky.
How to Prepare the Rice
Getting your rice right is key for tasty prawn fried rice. Use long grain white rice, like jasmine, for its non-sticky texture. It’s best to chill the rice overnight in the fridge. This makes the grains separate better and avoids a mushy texture.
If you’re short on time, rinse fresh rice with cold water after cooking. This helps prevent the grains from sticking together when frying. Make sure the rice is completely cooled to get the best results. The goal is to keep the rice from getting soggy.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Type of Rice | Preparation Method | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Day-Old Rice | Refrigerated overnight | Non-sticky, ideal for frying |
| Fresh Rice | Rinsed with cold water | Can be sticky if not cooled properly |
The quality of your rice can make or break your prawn dish. For more flavor ideas, try this unleavened bread recipe. It’s a great match for fried rice and will make your meal even better.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Prawn Fried Rice
To make delicious prawn fried rice, follow these steps. This guide helps you cook shrimp right and mix all ingredients for a tasty dish. Each step is important for the perfect flavor and texture.
Preparing the Shrimp
Begin with 200 grams of fresh or frozen prawns. If frozen, thaw them first. Marinate the shrimp in soy sauce and black pepper for 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a wok or skillet and cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes. They should turn pink and look opaque. Don’t overcook to avoid a rubbery texture. Remove and set aside once done.
Cooking the Vegetables
In the same pan, add diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Then, add 3/4 cup of frozen peas and carrots.
Let them cook until tender. These vibrant veggies add color and nutrition to your dish.
Combining All Ingredients
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour in 3 large beaten eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs until just set.
Now, add the shrimp, 4 cups of cooled, cooked basmati rice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of dark toasted sesame oil. Stir-fry until everything is well mixed and heated through.
This dish can be ready in under 20 minutes. It’s quick and enjoyable for any meal. Follow each step carefully to ensure a delicious final dish.
Tips for the Best Prawn Fried Rice
Creating great prawn fried rice is easier with a few key tips. These tips enhance both taste and texture, making cooking simpler. Follow these best tips to make a dish that’s as good as any restaurant’s.
Using Day-Old Rice
Day-old rice is the best choice for prawn fried rice. It’s drier and easier to separate, giving it a restaurant-quality texture. Fresh rice, on the other hand, can be too moist and turn mushy. If you have leftover rice, keep it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Flavor Enhancers: Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Flavor enhancers like soy sauce and sesame oil make your fried rice stand out. Soy sauce adds a savory taste that boosts the dish’s flavor. Sesame oil, especially toasted, adds a rich, zesty flavor. Adjust how much you use to suit your taste.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to try different vegetables in your fried rice. Carrots, green beans, and sweet corn add color and nutrients. You can also add chopped pineapple for a tropical twist. This way, you can make the dish appealing to everyone’s taste.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Day-Old Rice | Using drier rice prevents mushiness and provides better texture. |
| Soy Sauce | Adds savory flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall richness. |
| Sesame Oil | Offers a nutty aroma, adding depth to the final dish. |
| Vegetable Variations | Incorporate different veggies like carrots, peas, or pineapple for diversity. |
Health Benefits of Prawn Fried Rice
Prawn fried rice is great for your health. It has about 329 calories in 198g, which is good for those watching their calories. It’s also low in saturated fat, with just 1g per serving, which is good for your heart.
Prawns add a lot of protein to the dish. One serving has 13g of protein, which is about 26% of your daily need. They also have vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. These help your heart, brain, and skin stay healthy.
Adding colorful veggies to your prawn fried rice makes it even better. They add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Rice gives you energy, and the little sugar and fat make it a balanced meal. Enjoying prawn fried rice means you get both great taste and health benefits.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (198g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 329 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 93mg |
| Protein | 13g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sugar | 1.1g |
| Calcium | 45.54mg |
| Potassium | 166mg |
| Iron | 0.87mg |
| Vitamin A | 63.36mcg |
| Vitamin C | 6.3mg |
Adding prawn fried rice to your diet regularly is a smart choice. It’s a tasty and healthy way to enjoy seafood. Prawns bring many nutritional benefits to your meals.
Serving Suggestions for Prawn Fried Rice
Serving prawn fried rice can make your meal better. Serve it hot in bowls or plates. Add green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch, improving the prawn fried rice presentation.
Pair it with best sides for fried rice for a full meal. Try steamed dumplings or savory spring rolls. A light Asian salad adds a refreshing contrast to the fried rice.
Use colorful vegetables or garnishes for a pretty meal. Sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes are great. They add flavor and nutrition.
Try different sauces for a tasty twist. Chili sauce or soy sauce can add spice. These serving suggestions for prawn fried rice can turn a simple meal into a special feast!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store prawn fried rice well, put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Keeping it fresh is key to its taste and quality.
For reheating fried rice tips, the stovetop is the best way. Heat the rice in a skillet with a bit of water to keep it moist. Stir it to heat evenly and keep the texture right. You’ll get a dish that tastes and feels like new.
The air fryer is also a good choice, making the rice crispy without drying it out. The microwave is quick, but be careful to add water or broth to prevent drying. If you use the oven, adding liquid can help keep the rice moist.
Always reheat the rice once to a very hot temperature to kill bacteria. For the best taste, make fried rice ahead of time and chill it overnight. Use long grain rice like jasmine or basmati for the best results.
| Reheating Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Helps maintain texture and moisture | Requires attention while cooking |
| Air Fryer | Crisps the rice without drying it | May not be available in all kitchens |
| Microwave | Fastest method available | Can dry out the rice unless liquid is added |
| Oven | Allows for larger batches | Tends to dry out fried rice |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect prawn fried rice means knowing what to avoid. Using freshly cooked rice can make it mushy. Day-old rice is better because it’s drier and keeps the grains separate.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. This can make your dish steam instead of fry, losing that special ‘wok hei’ flavor. Keep the heat high and give each ingredient room to cook.
It’s also key to cook the shrimp right. Overcooking makes them tough and chewy. For the best prawn fried rice, cook the shrimp briefly to keep them tender.
Choosing the right rice is important too. Avoid sticky rice like sushi rice. Instead, use medium-grain rice, like Thai jasmine, for the perfect balance of chewiness and moisture.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your fried rice. For more baking tips, check out some great advice to make your dishes even better.
Why Make Homemade Prawn Fried Rice?
Making fried rice at home lets you control flavors, ingredients, and how much you eat. This control makes homemade prawn fried rice a healthier choice than takeout. You can pick fresh, quality ingredients that fit your diet, avoiding additives found in restaurant food.
Learning to make fried rice at home boosts your cooking skills. It only takes 15 minutes to make, with 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. You’ll need ingredients like jasmine rice, king prawns, and various vegetables.
Homemade prawn fried rice is often better for you than takeout. You can make sure it has the right amount of protein, carbs, and vitamins. For example, you can make it with fewer calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats than takeout.
Customizing your dish is a big plus of making homemade prawn fried rice. You can try different flavors and adjust ingredients like garlic, onions, and sauces. This way, you can make it just how you like it.
Conclusion
As you finish this easy prawn fried rice recipe, remember its many benefits. You can make a tasty dish in just 20 minutes. It’s great as a main course or a side, and you can add your favorite veggies or proteins.
Exploring different cooking methods is key. Fried rice has a rich history and is loved worldwide. It lets you try new ingredients, making meals fun. The secret to great prawn fried rice is using fresh ingredients and mastering your technique.
Now, dive into the world of Asian cuisine. This recipe is perfect for impressing others or enjoying a tasty meal. For a special touch, try this homemade gluten-free bagel recipe with your fried rice. It will make your meals even better.
F.A.Q
What makes prawn fried rice different from shrimp fried rice?
Prawn and shrimp fried rice are the same. They use seafood and taste the same. But, the texture and taste can vary based on the seafood’s size and freshness.
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice for prawn fried rice?
Fresh rice is not the best choice. It’s too moist and can turn mushy. Day-old or chilled rice is better for a non-sticky texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for prawn fried rice?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use firm tofu or add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. It’s a tasty and healthy alternative.
How can I customize my prawn fried rice?
Add your favorite veggies like green beans or corn. You can also try different proteins. Don’t forget to play with seasonings for extra flavor.
What are some good sides to serve with prawn fried rice?
Serve it with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a light Asian salad. It makes a complete and fulfilling meal.
How long can leftovers of prawn fried rice be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
What are the health benefits of prawn fried rice?
It’s a healthy choice because prawns are lean protein. They’re also rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3s, good for your heart. Adding veggies boosts fiber and vitamins.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making prawn fried rice?
Avoid using fresh rice and overcrowding the pan. This can make it steam instead of fry. Also, don’t overcook the shrimp. Proper cooking is key for great results.
