This Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a tasty mix of juicy shrimp, tender steak, and fluffy rice. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Just throw everything in one pan, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time. It’s hard not to feel like a chef with this dish—who knew fried rice could look so fancy? 😄
I love adding some veggies like peas and carrots for color and crunch. Just cook the rice beforehand, and then get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that feels special but is super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal as it stays separate when cooked. If you’re short on time, use day-old rice, which works great because it’s drier. You can also substitute with brown rice for a healthier option, just remember it will take longer to cook.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but you can use frozen shrimp—just thaw and pat dry before cooking. If seafood isn’t your thing, swap them out for chicken or tofu for a delicious vegetarian meal.
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye offers a nice flavor, but you can use other cuts like flank steak or even ground beef. For a budget option, consider using cooked ham or leftover steak from another meal!
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying, but you can replace it with canola or peanut oil for a similar effect. For a flavor boost, try using sesame oil for some of the cooking oil, but be cautious as it’s strong.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp and Steak?
Cooking shrimp and steak perfectly can be tricky, but with these steps, you can nail it every time:
- Steak: Sear on medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side to keep it juicy. Remove while slightly pink; it will continue cooking off heat.
- Shrimp: Cook shrimp until they are just opaque and pink, around 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let your meat rest for a minute before adding it back to the pan. This keeps it juicy and tender!
Following these tips will ensure your steak is tender and flavorful, while your shrimp is perfectly cooked without being rubbery!
Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (preferably cooked and chilled)
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced fresh chili or chili sauce for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious shrimp and steak fried rice takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once done, spread it out on a tray and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the rice from sticking together when you fry it later.
2. Cook the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned but still slightly pink inside, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them and set aside with the steak.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant.
5. Add Onions:
Next, add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, about 2 minutes. This will add a nice sweetness to your fried rice.
6. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble gently until they’re just set.
7. Fry the Chilled Rice:
Now, add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, which will help toast the rice and bring all those flavors together.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything well to evenly coat the rice.
9. Final Touches:
Taste your rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
10. Add Green Onions:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the green parts of the green onions for a fresh crunch.
11. Serve:
Serve the fried rice hot, with optional sliced fresh chili or chili sauce on the side for those who like a bit of heat. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This dish highlights the wonderful contrast of tender steak and juicy shrimp with savory, slightly smoky fried rice. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp and Steak?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. For steak, if using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or cannot eat seafood, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to help it rehydrate.
Can I Use a Different Type of Rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture, you can use jasmine or basmati rice for added flavor. Brown rice is a healthier option but will require additional cooking time. Just make sure it’s cooked and chilled beforehand.
