Prawn Fried Rice

Ditch the takeaway and make restaurant-quality flavourful prawn fried rice at home! This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, you’ll impress your family and friends while enjoying this delightful meal that takes under 20 minutes to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal in no time.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables or proteins of your choice to suit your taste preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: Enjoy the rich and savory flavor profile that rivals your favorite takeout.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings and parties.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies and protein, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to prepare this tasty prawn fried rice.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or Large Frying Pan: Provides ample space for even cooking and allows you to toss ingredients easily.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and preventing sticking while frying.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly, ensuring fluffy scrambled eggs in your fried rice.

Ingredients

Ditch the takeaway and make restaurant-quality flavourful prawn fried rice at home! Take under 20 minutes to make everything from scratch.

For the Rice

• 3 cups Cooked rice (about 200g or one heap bowl cold rice)

For the Protein

• 200 g Tiger prawns (or king prawns, peeled and deveined)

Seasonings

• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp White pepper powder (or black pepper)
• 1 tsp Shao Xing grape juice

For the Eggs

• 2 Eggs (whisked)

Vegetables

• 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped)
• ½ Onion (cut small dices, about 50 g / ½ cup)
• 1 Carrot (cut small dices, about 50 g / ½ cup)
• ½ cup Green Peas (frozen green peas, about 50 g)
• 2 Spring Onions (scallions, cut thin slices)

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (or neutral flavor oil)

Sauces

• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 2 tbsp Light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce/all-purpose soy sauce)
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• ¼ tsp White pepper (or black pepper)

How to Make Prawn Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

First season the prawns with salt, white pepper, and Chinese grape juice. Set aside. Add a pinch of salt to the whisked eggs and set them aside too.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

Heat your wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir fry the prawns for a few seconds until they start turning pink. Then add the chopped garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes before pushing it to one side of the wok.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Drizzle another teaspoon of oil into the pan. Pour in the whisked eggs. Once they begin to set on the bottom, scramble into small pieces. Remove both the prawns and scrambled eggs from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in chopped onions and stir for a few seconds. Next, add carrots and green peas; cook for about 2 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Combine Rice & Sauces

Add cooked rice to the wok along with oyster sauce and soy sauce. Stir-fry over high heat for about 2-3 minutes until sauces are well combined and most liquid evaporates.

Step 6: Final Mix

Add back in the cooked prawns and scrambled eggs. Toss everything together thoroughly and continue stir-frying for an additional minute.

Step 7: Serve

Turn off heat and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top. Transfer your prawn fried rice to a serving plate immediately to enjoy!

How to Serve Prawn Fried Rice

Serving prawn fried rice can elevate your dining experience and make it feel more special. Here are some creative ways to present this dish that will impress your guests and family.

Family Style

• Serve the prawn fried rice in a large bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a casual and inviting atmosphere.

Plate with Garnishes

• Place the fried rice on individual plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Bento Box

• Pack prawn fried rice in a bento box alongside sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for a fun lunch option, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Lettuce Wraps

• Offer lettuce leaves on the side, allowing guests to scoop some prawn fried rice into the leaves for a crunchy, fresh bite.

Pair with Soup

• Serve alongside a light soup, such as hot and sour soup or wonton soup, for a complete meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

How to Perfect Prawn Fried Rice

Perfecting prawn fried rice is about technique and ingredients. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is flavorful and satisfying.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Using day-old rice ensures each grain stays separate for better texture.
• High Heat Cooking: Always cook at high heat. This helps achieve that signature smoky flavor known as wok hei.
• Quick Stir-Fry: Work quickly when stir-frying ingredients to keep them crisp. Overcooked vegetables lose their vibrant color and crunch.
• Season Well: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning throughout cooking. Taste as you go to balance flavors perfectly.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving for an aromatic finish that enhances flavor.
• Proper Oil Usage: Use oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, to prevent burning while stir-frying at high temperatures.

Best Side Dishes for Prawn Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your prawn fried rice can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp add crunch and texture to your meal.
2. Asian Slaw – A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Quickly stir-fried seasonal vegetables bring additional nutrients and vibrant colors.
4. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting umami flavors that pair beautifully with fried rice.
5. Edamame – Lightly salted edamame makes for a healthy snack option that complements the main dish nicely.
6. Dumplings – Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables offer delightful bites alongside the rice.
7. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles tossed in sauce provide a different texture while enhancing the Asian theme of the meal.
8. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, balancing out the savory flavors of the fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making prawn fried rice at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Wet Rice: Using freshly cooked rice can lead to mushy fried rice. Always use day-old rice or allow freshly cooked rice to cool completely before using it.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much rice or ingredients at once can lower the temperature of the pan, resulting in steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Skipping seasonings can leave your dish bland. Make sure to season each layer of cooking for a flavorful result.
• Cooking on Low Heat: Cooking on low heat will prevent achieving that desired stir-fried texture. Use high heat for quick cooking and browning.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Relying solely on frozen vegetables may limit flavors. Incorporate fresh vegetables whenever possible for better taste and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Allow cooling completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Prawn Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 1 month.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Prawn Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my Prawn Fried Rice spicier?

You can add sliced fresh chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes while cooking to spice things up!

Can I use other proteins in Prawn Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb work great in this recipe and can be substituted based on your preference.

What type of rice is best for Prawn Fried Rice?

Long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati is ideal as it remains fluffy and separate when fried.

How do I keep my Prawn Fried Rice from getting soggy?

Ensure your rice is cold and dry before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan during cooking.

Conclusion

This prawn fried rice recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable for your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different proteins and vegetables to suit your cravings. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious homemade meal without the fuss!

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