Prawn Fried Rice

Ditch the takeaway and make restaurant-quality flavourful prawn fried rice at home! With just under 20 minutes to whip up this delicious meal from scratch, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. This dish combines vibrant vegetables and juicy prawns, creating a satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this prawn fried rice will serve perfectly on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: A delightful mix of seasonings and fresh ingredients create an irresistible taste.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, as everything is cooked in one pan.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on this savory dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or large frying pan: Ideal for high-heat cooking and allows even distribution of heat for perfect stir-frying.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps combine all ingredients seamlessly.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs quickly and ensures they are fluffy when added to the rice dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable prawn fried rice:

• 3 cup Cooked rice (about 200g or one heap bowl cold rice)
• 200 g Tiger prawns (or king prawns, peeled and deveined)
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp White pepper powder (or black pepper)
• 1 tsp Grape juice
• 2 Eggs (whisked)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped)
• ½ Onion (cut into small dice)
• 1 Carrot (cut into small dice)
• ½ cup Green peas (frozen green peas)
• 2 Spring onions (scallions, cut into thin slices)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (or neutral-flavored 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 Prawns and Eggs

1. Season the prawns with salt, white pepper, and grape juice; set aside.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the whisked eggs; set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

1. Heat the wok or pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
3. Stir-fry the seasoned prawns for a few seconds until they start to turn pink.
4. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes before pushing everything to one side of the wok.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

1. Drizzle in an additional teaspoon of oil.
2. Pour in the whisked eggs.
3. Once set at the bottom, scramble into small pieces.
4. Remove both prawns and scrambled eggs from the wok; set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine Rice and Sauce

1. Add the cooked rice to the vegetable mixture.
2. Pour oyster sauce and soy sauce over the rice.
3. Fry on high heat for about 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Final Mix

1. Return the cooked prawns and scrambled eggs to the wok.
2. Toss everything together evenly for another minute to combine flavors.
3. Turn off heat; sprinkle with chopped spring onions before serving.

Serve immediately, savoring every bite of your homemade prawn fried rice!

How to Serve Prawn Fried Rice

Serving prawn fried rice can be a delightful experience, enhancing both the taste and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dish to new heights.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Coriander Leaves: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander on top for a burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to add a refreshing zing that complements the savory rice.

Pair with Crispy Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Lightly stir-fry broccoli for a crunchy contrast.
• Sweet and Sour Bell Peppers: Add sautéed bell peppers tossed in a sweet and sour sauce for vibrant color and taste.

Create a Rice Bowl

• Layered Bowl: Serve the fried rice in a bowl topped with additional spring onions and sesame seeds.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or tofu on top for extra protein and texture.

How to Perfect Prawn Fried Rice

To achieve restaurant-quality prawn fried rice at home, focus on these essential tips.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Day-old rice is dryer and creates the perfect texture.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying at high heat helps to achieve a nice sear, enhancing flavors.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go; this ensures quick cooking without burning anything.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if necessary prevents steaming, keeping the rice fluffy.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning with soy sauce or oyster sauce for depth.
• Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzling sesame oil at the end adds a rich aroma and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Prawn Fried Rice

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

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls add crunch and freshness to your meal.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: A warm bowl of hot and sour soup provides a spicy kick that contrasts well with the fried rice.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar balances the richness of the fried rice.
4. Steamed Dumplings: Soft steamed dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables serve as a delightful accompaniment.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce enhance the Asian theme of your meal.
6. Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil bring both flavor and color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Prawn Fried Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice can turn mushy when fried. Use day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the cooking temperature. Cook in batches if needed for even frying.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to properly season your ingredients can lead to bland rice. Always season each component as you cook.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Cutting vegetables and proteins ahead of time ensures quick cooking and prevents burning.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Frying for too long can lead to dry rice and tough prawns. Keep a close eye on the cooking time.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the fried rice to cool down before sealing it.

Freezing Prawn Fried Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.

Reheating Prawn Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat. Stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Prawn Fried Rice?

You can add various vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Protein options such as chicken or beef work well too.

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns are perfect. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before cooking.

What type of rice is best for Prawn Fried Rice?

Jasmine or basmati rice works best due to their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.

Is Prawn Fried Rice healthy?

Prawn Fried Rice can be healthy if made with plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Adjust ingredients according to your dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Prawn Fried Rice recipe is not only quick and easy but also allows for endless customization. You can mix in your favorite vegetables or protein options, making it versatile enough for any palate. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home!