Prawn Fried Rice

Ditch the takeaway and make restaurant-quality flavourful prawn fried rice at home! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike, taking under 20 minutes to prepare from scratch. With a delightful mix of textures and flavors, it’s a versatile meal that can satisfy cravings while being healthy and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, eggs, and prawns delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Meal: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover rice to make this a quick meal any day of the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need for making prawn fried rice.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Chopping board

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or large skillet: A wok allows for even heat distribution and high sides that prevent spills while stir-frying.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: These tools are great for mixing ingredients evenly without damaging the surface of your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make this dish.

Ingredients

• 3 cup Cooked rice (about 200g (or one heap bowl cold rice) see details in note)
• 200 g Tiger prawns (or king prawns (peeled and deveined))
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp White pepper powder (or black pepper)
• 1 tsp Shao Xing grape juice (see details in note)
• 2 Eggs (whisked)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped)
• ½ Onion (cut into small dices (about 50 g / ½ cup))
• 1 Carrot (cut into small dices (about 50 g / ½ cup))
• ½ cup Green peas (frozen green peas (about 50 g))
• 2 Spring onions (scallions) cut into thin slices
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (or neutral flavour oil)
• 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 Ingredients

First, season the prawns with salt, white pepper, and Chinese grape juice; set them aside. Add a pinch of salt to the eggs, whisk them together, and set aside as well.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

Heat the wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then stir fry the prawns for a few seconds. Follow with the chopped garlic and cook for another minute or two. Push the prawns and garlic to one side of the wok.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Drizzle an additional teaspoon of oil into the empty side of the wok. Pour in the whisked eggs. Once they start to set at the bottom, scramble them into small pieces. Remove both the prawns and eggs from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onions and stir for a few seconds before adding carrots and green peas. Cook everything together for about two minutes or until cooked through.

Step 5: Combine Rice with Sauce

Next, add the cooked rice to the vegetable mixture. Pour your oyster sauce and soy sauce over it. Stir-fry over high heat for about two to three minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Finish Up

Return the cooked prawns and scrambled eggs back into the wok. Toss everything together gently to combine evenly. Stir-fry for another minute before turning off the heat. Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top before serving immediately on a plate.

Enjoy your delicious homemade prawn fried rice!

How to Serve Prawn Fried Rice

Serving prawn fried rice can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance the dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Slices – Crisp and refreshing, cucumber slices provide a cool contrast to the warm fried rice.
• Steamed Broccoli – Adding steamed broccoli brings color and nutrients, complementing the flavors of the rice beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing pairs well, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Thai Mango Salad – This sweet and tangy salad adds a vibrant flavor profile that harmonizes with the savory fried rice.

Serve with Soup

• Hot and Sour Soup – This classic soup adds an exciting spice and warmth, enhancing your dining experience.
• Miso Soup – Light and savory, miso soup makes a soothing accompaniment to the hearty rice dish.

How to Perfect Prawn Fried Rice

To achieve restaurant-quality prawn fried rice at home, follow these simple tips for the best results.

• Use Cold Rice – Cold, day-old rice is ideal as it prevents clumping and ensures each grain gets heated evenly.
• High Heat Cooking – Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature stir-fry taste while giving a slightly crispy texture to the rice.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead – Having all your ingredients prepped before starting will streamline cooking and maintain freshness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking in smaller batches allows for even frying and prevents steaming, keeping textures intact.
• Season at Each Step – Seasoning during various stages of cooking enhances flavor depth throughout the dish.
• Finish with Green Onions – Adding chopped spring onions at the end gives freshness and a burst of color to your finished dish.

Best Side Dishes for Prawn Fried Rice

To round out your meal, consider serving prawn fried rice with these delicious side dishes. Each complements the main dish perfectly.

1. Egg Drop Soup – A light broth with silky egg ribbons adds warmth without overpowering flavors.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender fried rice.
3. Garlic Edamame – Steamed edamame tossed in garlic delivers protein-packed goodness with a flavorful kick.
4. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry – Soft tofu stir-fried with colorful vegetables adds richness and spice that pairs well with prawn fried rice.
5. Szechuan Green Beans – Stir-fried green beans in spicy Szechuan sauce offer a bold contrast to the dish’s savory elements.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits cleanses the palate and balances out savory flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Prawn Fried Rice, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for to ensure a delicious meal.

• Using Fresh Rice: Using freshly cooked rice can lead to mushy fried rice. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcooking Ingredients: Overcooking the prawns or vegetables can make them rubbery and unappetizing. Stir-fry quickly on high heat for crispness.
• Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning your ingredients properly can result in bland fried rice. Make sure to season each component during cooking.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to have all ingredients prepped before starting can lead to uneven cooking. Have everything ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
• Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much oyster or soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Measure sauces carefully and adjust according to your taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Prawn Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Prawn Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the fried rice and stir until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Prawn Fried Rice?

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best as it keeps its shape and texture when fried.

Can I use other proteins instead of prawns?

Yes! You can easily substitute prawns with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I customize my Prawn Fried Rice?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Is Prawn Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for easy meal prep throughout the week.

How spicy is this Prawn Fried Rice recipe?

This recipe is not spicy but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chilies if you prefer some heat!

Conclusion

Prawn Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious homemade dish that rivals any takeaway!

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