Shrimp & steak fried rice is a delicious, high-protein dish that combines the succulent flavors of shrimp and steak with the rich texture of fried rice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a hearty meal that’s easy to customize, this dish offers a mix of umami flavors from the steak, tender shrimp, and savory seasonings like soy and oyster sauce. Read on for an in-depth guide to preparing this crowd-pleaser, complete with cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice Ingredients:
To make a stellar shrimp and steak fried rice, use quality ingredients for the best flavors and textures. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Proteins: Shrimp (peeled and deveined) and steak (try ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
- Rice: Day-old jasmine rice, ideally cold, to keep the rice grains firm and separated
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, peas, and carrots for a pop of color and nutrients
- Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and optional hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness
- Other Additions: Eggs for extra richness and green onions for garnish
Ingredient Tips
- Use Leftover Rice: Day-old, cold rice is essential to achieve a non-sticky, slightly crispy texture.
- Choose Quality Steak Cuts: For tender bites, opt for ribeye or flank steak sliced thinly.
- Season Generously: Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth, while oyster sauce brings in a touch of umami.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice
Creating the perfect shrimp & steak fried rice requires a balance of flavors, textures, and timing. Each step in this process helps you achieve that iconic fried rice taste with tender shrimp, juicy steak, and perfectly crisped rice. Let’s break down the cooking process to ensure success.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces. This keeps the meat tender and easy to chew. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Set aside.
- Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Remove the shells and veins if needed, then pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice onions, carrots, and other vegetables you want to use. Set aside some chopped green onions and fresh garlic as they’ll be added separately.
- Beat the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
Tip: Having everything prepped and ready to go is crucial for stir-frying, as the process moves quickly once you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Steak and Shrimp Separately (5-7 minutes)
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
- Cook the Steak: Add the sliced steak to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned but not fully cooked through (it will continue cooking later). Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside with the steak.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs (1-2 minutes)
- Add a small amount of oil to the pan, then pour in the beaten eggs.
- Let the eggs cook for 10-15 seconds before gently stirring to create soft curds. Once fully cooked, break them into smaller pieces with a spatula, then remove from the pan and set aside with the steak and shrimp.
Tip: Cooking the eggs separately keeps them fluffy and distinct in the final dish.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables (3-4 minutes)
- Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions and carrots (or any other hearty vegetables).
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened but still slightly crisp.
- Add minced garlic during the last 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
Step 5: Add the Rice (5 minutes)
- Increase the heat to high. Break up any clumps in your day-old rice before adding it to the pan.
- Spread the rice evenly in the pan and let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute to create a slight crisp on the bottom, then stir to evenly distribute the vegetables.
- Continue stirring, allowing the rice to heat up thoroughly and absorb the flavors from the pan.
Step 6: Season the Fried Rice (2-3 minutes)
- Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a few drops of sesame oil over the rice. Adjust the quantity to taste, depending on how flavorful and salty you prefer the fried rice to be.
- Stir everything together until the rice is uniformly coated, making sure the sauce is well distributed.
Tip: For a smoky “wok hei” flavor, let the rice sit untouched for a few seconds between stirs, allowing it to sear lightly on the pan’s surface.
Step 7: Combine All Ingredients (2-3 minutes)
- Return the cooked shrimp, steak, and scrambled eggs to the pan, stirring gently to combine.
- Toss in chopped green onions and any additional ingredients like peas, bell peppers, or a touch of chili paste if you want a hint of heat.
- Stir-fry everything for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through and evenly mixed.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Garnish (1-2 minutes)
- Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more soy sauce, a dash of salt, or pepper based on your preference.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional green onions as a garnish.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
- Transfer your shrimp & steak fried rice to a serving dish and enjoy while hot.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Here’s an expanded list of commonly asked questions about shrimp & steak fried rice that provides insights for both beginners and experienced cooks.
1. What Type of Rice is Best for Fried Rice?
- The best rice for fried rice is day-old, medium to long-grain rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati. Using day-old rice is crucial as it has a slightly dried-out texture, which helps prevent clumping and ensures each grain fries well. If you don’t have day-old rice, cook fresh rice with less water to create a similar texture.
2. Can I Use Other Types of Meat in Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice?
- Absolutely! Chicken, pork, and tofu can be delicious substitutes for steak. Chicken breast or thigh meat offers a mild flavor, while pork brings richness. For a vegetarian twist, substitute both shrimp and steak with a plant-based protein or marinated tofu.
3. What’s the Best Way to Season Fried Rice?
- Fried rice is typically seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end enhances the flavor. Many also add garlic and onion for aromatic depth. For a more intense flavor, consider a pinch of MSG, a common seasoning in authentic Asian fried rice recipes.
4. How Can I Make Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice Spicy?
- To add heat, incorporate sriracha, chili paste, or crushed red pepper flakes into the rice. You can also use Thai bird’s eye chilis or jalapeño for a spicier kick. Adding these at the end keeps the flavor fresh without overpowering the other ingredients.
5. Do I Need a Wok to Make Fried Rice?
- While a wok is ideal due to its high sides and even heat distribution, a large non-stick skillet works well too. The key is to use high heat and stir frequently. If using a skillet, work in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure everything cooks evenly.
6. What is the Secret to Achieving a Smoky Flavor?
- The smoky flavor in restaurant-style fried rice comes from a technique called wok hei, where the food is briefly exposed to very high heat in the wok. This can be mimicked by using high heat, stirring constantly, and adding a few drops of oil around the edges of the pan to create some smokiness as it cooks.
7. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for Fried Rice?
- Yes, frozen shrimp works well for fried rice. Thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water, which could make the dish soggy. For added flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in soy sauce or garlic.
8. Is Fried Rice Healthy?
- Fried rice can be healthy when made with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and limited oil. To make it even healthier, use brown rice for added fiber, or add extra vegetables. Controlling the amount of sauce and oil can also reduce calories without compromising taste.
9. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Fried Rice?
- Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and stir-fry it again over medium-high heat. Reheating in the pan helps retain its texture, whereas microwaving can make it mushy.
10. Can I Make Fried Rice Without Soy Sauce?
- If you’re avoiding soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives. Both add a savory depth similar to soy sauce. Another option is to add a bit of salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 minutes 1x
Description
This Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice is a flavor-packed one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1/2 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
3 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
Directions:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Remove and set aside with the steak.
Add sesame oil to the skillet, followed by minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the garlic and ginger to the side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until fully cooked, then mix with the garlic and ginger.
Add peas and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to evenly coat the rice.
Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
Keywords: Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice