Shrimp Fried Rice

I did not set off the smoke alarm.  But, it totally should have gone off.  Maybe we should make sure they work.  :|

So, what happened.  Let me first tell you Steamy Kitchen's tips for great fried rice.

1.  use previously chilled leftover rice (totally key)

2.  use high heat (use water test explained in recipe)

3.  fry ingredients separately

4.  no touching!  just let it cook as the recipes says.

Obviously my smoke out was a problem with #2.  I think I went a little too hot.  As in, I heated up my wok for like 7 minutes (with the oil already in it).  I was right next to kitchen reviewing my recipe, killing time, when I looked up and massive plumes of smoke were shooting off my wok.  

Scot and I are really good at emergency smoke evacuations.  Turn on the fan.  Turn on all the fans.  Open all the windows and doors.  This one was pretty bad.  I mean the oil and/or something else that was in the wok just burnt black.  Borderline stop, drop and roll.  

After clearing out the smoke and scrubbing the wok clean.  Redo!  And it actually went very smoothly for round two.  My wok/stove combo only needs like a medium-high heat (pre-heated about 4 minutes in dry wok).  

This is a great, great recipe.  Jaden, from Steamy Kitchen, does a thorough job of explaining exactly what to do.  I love fried rice because it is the perfect way to use up leftover rice.    And because it is so fast to make (after you have the leftover rice).  And because it is an excellent way to practice smoke drills.  

Shrimp Fried Rice

by Steamy Kitchen

8 ounces small uncooked shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/4 teaspoon salt (or 1/2 tsp kosher salt)

freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons cooking oil (divided)

3 eggs, beaten in a small bowl

2 stalks scallion or green onion, minced

4 cups previously cooked leftover rice, grains separated well

3/4 cup frozen carrots and peas, defrosted

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the salt, pepper and cornstarch. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature. Heat a wok or large sauté pan on high heat. When the pan is hot enough for a bead of water to instantly sizzle and evaporate, add only 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil and swirl to coat pan.

Now add the shrimp, quickly spreading out around the pan so that they are not overlapping. Let the shrimp fry, untouched for 30 seconds. Flip over and let the other side fry for 30 seconds, or until about 80% cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan onto a plate, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.

Turn the heat to medium and let the pan heat up again. Pour in the eggs, stirring in a quick motion to break up and scramble the eggs. When the eggs are almost cooked through (they should still be slightly runny in the middle), dish out of the frying pan onto the same plate as the cooked shrimp.

Use a paper towel to wipe the same wok or sauté pan clean (no need to wash) and return to high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, swirling to coat. When the oil is very hot, add the green onions and stir fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add in the rice and stir well to mix in the green onions throughout. Spread the rice all around the wok surface area and let the rice heat up, untouched until you hear the bottoms of the grains sizzle, about 1-2 minutes. Use the spatula to toss the rice, again spreading the rice out over the surface of wok or pan.

Drizzle the soy sauce all around the rice and toss. Add the peas and carrots, the cooked eggs, shrimp and sesame oil, tossing to mix the rice evenly with all of the ingredients. Let everything heat back up again, until the rice grains are so hot they practically dance! Taste and add an additional 1 teaspoon of soy sauce if needed.

(Servings: 4, Prep time: 15 min., Cook time: 15 min., Difficulty: Easy)

Printable Version

foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste):  8/10

Scot (taste):  8/10

Effort:  2/5

Dishwashing Effort:  2/5