Greetings, my fellow flavor adventurers! Chef Ethan here, ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride with a dish that’s quick, sassy, and downright delightful – Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor rollercoaster, and you won’t want to get off!
What is Shrimp Fried Rice?
Shrimp Fried Rice is a popular and flavorful Chinese dish made with cooked rice, shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s a delicious one-pan dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the savory goodness of fried rice. Here are the basic components of Shrimp Fried Rice:
Cooked Rice: Traditionally, day-old or chilled rice is used for fried rice as it tends to be drier and less sticky. This helps to achieve a better texture in the dish.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are commonly used. They are usually cooked first before incorporating them into the fried rice.
Vegetables: Common vegetables include diced onions, peas, carrots, and bell peppers. The vegetables add color, flavor, and texture to the dish.
Eggs: Beaten eggs are often added to the dish, creating ribbons of cooked egg throughout the rice.
Soy Sauce: This adds the signature umami flavor and gives the dish its characteristic brown color.
Oyster Sauce and Fish Sauce: These sauces contribute additional depth and savory notes to the overall flavor.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil is often used at the end of cooking for its distinctive flavor.
Why Shrimp Fried Rice?
Flavorful Combination: The combination of shrimp, vegetables, eggs, and rice creates a dish with a variety of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the shrimp, the umami from soy sauce, and the tender-crisp vegetables all contribute to a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy: It’s a quick and convenient dish to prepare, making it suitable for busy weeknight dinners. Using pre-cooked rice and having all the ingredients ready to go allows for a fast cooking process.
One-Pan Dish: Shrimp Fried Rice is typically made in one pan, whether it’s a wok or a skillet. This makes for easy cleanup and a straightforward cooking process.
Cultural Popularity: Fried rice, including Shrimp Fried Rice, is a staple in many Asian cuisines. It has gained popularity globally due to its delicious taste and adaptability to local preferences.
Balanced Meal: Shrimp Fried Rice includes a balance of carbohydrates (from rice), protein (from shrimp and eggs), and vegetables. This makes it a well-rounded and complete meal in one dish.
Aromatic Ingredients: The inclusion of aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger contributes to the rich and savory aroma of the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
How To Make Best Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice
Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Course: Dinner, Lunch, MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes350
kcalInstant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice is such a simple way to cook your favorite dish. Forget takeout and make this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup diced onions
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients:
Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined.
Dice the onions, bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
Beat the eggs in a bowl. - Sauté Shrimp:
Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink. Remove them and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the Instant Pot.
Sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they are softened. - Add Rice and Shrimp:
Add the chilled cooked rice to the Instant Pot.
Stir in the cooked shrimp. - Season:
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the rice and shrimp. Stir to combine. - Add Vegetables:
Add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. - Cook Eggs:
Create a well in the center of the rice mixture and pour the beaten eggs into it.
Let the eggs sit for a moment, then gently stir them into the rice until they are fully cooked. - Pressure Cook:
Cancel the “Sauté” mode and lock the Instant Pot lid.
Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 1-2 minutes. The purpose is to heat everything through; you don’t need a long cooking time. - Quick Release:
Once the cooking is done, do a quick pressure release. - Garnish and Serve:
Stir the fried rice and shrimp well.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice!
Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice
When serving Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice, you can enhance the dining experience by complementing it with a few additional items. Here are some serving suggestions:
Fresh Herbs: Garnish the Shrimp Fried Rice with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
Soy Sauce and Sriracha: Place small bowls of soy sauce and sriracha on the table, allowing individuals to adjust the seasoning according to their taste preferences.
Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit of lime juice over the fried rice just before eating can add a zesty kick.
Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. This refreshing side dish complements the savory flavors of the fried rice.
Asian Pickles: Add a side of pickled vegetables, such as kimchi or pickled radishes, for a tangy and crunchy contrast.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Shrimp Fried Rice just before serving for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Fried Wontons or Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy fried wontons or spring rolls for a delightful appetizer or side dish that complements the textures of the fried rice.
Steamed Vegetables: Offer a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a boost of nutrition and a colorful addition to the meal.
Edamame: Steam some edamame and sprinkle with sea salt for a protein-packed and delicious side dish.
Cooking Tips for Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice
To ensure the success of your Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice, here are some helpful cooking tips:
Chilled Rice: Use chilled or day-old cooked rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and may result in a mushy fried rice.
Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Have all your ingredients chopped, minced, and measured before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly, and having everything ready will make the process smoother.
High Heat for Sautéing: When sautéing the shrimp and vegetables, use the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot and make sure it’s set to high heat. This helps achieve the characteristic wok hei (breath of wok) flavor in the dish.
Quick Release: After pressure cooking, perform a quick release to prevent overcooking the ingredients. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and vegetables may lose their crispness.
Stir Eggs Gently: When adding beaten eggs to the rice, create a well in the center of the mixture and pour the eggs into it. Let them sit for a moment before gently stirring them into the rice. This helps create distinct egg ribbons.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences. You can add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the fried rice before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce or other seasonings according to your taste.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality soy sauce can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Choose plump and fresh shrimp, and consider using a good-quality soy sauce for better taste.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can result in a tough texture. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Add chopped green onions, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving for a burst of fresh flavors.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp Fried Rice is best when served immediately. The longer it sits, the more the rice may absorb moisture, potentially affecting the texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making the best Instant Pot Shrimp Fried Rice is a delightful and straightforward process that combines the convenience of a pressure cooker with the delicious flavors of a classic Asian dish. By following the tips and recipe provided, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal in a short amount of time.
As you explore the versatility of your Instant Pot, consider venturing into other classic Chinese-inspired recipes such as Beef and Broccoli and General Tso’s Chicken. These dishes, much like Shrimp Fried Rice, can be adapted to the Instant Pot for a convenient and efficient cooking experience. Whether it’s the tender beef slices paired with crisp broccoli or the sweet and spicy General Tso’s Chicken, the Instant Pot allows you to achieve restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen.