Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe with Bacon – Better Than Takeout
Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s as comforting as a warm Maritime hug: a shrimp fried rice recipe you’re going to love. This isn’t just any fried rice—it’s a one-pan wonder packed with smoky, savory, and bold flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance a jig. If you love shrimp and bacon recipes, this dish is the perfect marriage of crispy, smoky bacon and juicy, tender shrimp, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.
The Beauty of One-Pan Meals
Maxine Sharf inspired me to make this dish. I added my own East Coast twist with new flavors and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Let’s talk about the magic of one-pan dishes. You might already know this, but I’m all about maximizing flavor while minimizing cleanup. This Shrimp Fried Rice fits the bill perfectly.
Everything comes together in one pan. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty without the fuss. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal where the flavors meld together harmoniously in one vessel. If you love shrimp and bacon recipes, you’re going to swoon over this one.
Building Layers of Flavor For This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
The foundation of this dish is all about layering flavors. We start with smoky, crispy bacon—a nod to the comforting, hearty meals we love here on the East Coast. The rendered bacon fat becomes liquid gold, infusing the subsequent ingredients with a depth that’s hard to beat. If you’re a fan of shrimp and bacon recipes, this combination takes things to the next level, balancing the rich, smoky bacon with the sweet, tender shrimp for an irresistible bite.
Next up, the shrimp. Seasoned with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, they have a sweet taste that goes well with the smoky bacon. Cooking them just until they turn pink ensures they remain tender and juicy.
The vegetables—carrots, napa cabbage, garlic, and onions—introduce a mix of textures and flavors.
The carrots add a sweet crunch. The cabbage gives adds some softness. The garlic and onions add a nice aroma, which is key for good fried rice. Adding basil and scallions (or green onion) at the end brings a fresh, vibrant kick that takes the flavor to the next level.
The Rice: A Canvas for Flavor
Ah, the rice. It’s the canvas that absorbs all these wonderful flavors.
Using day-old jasmine rice is key here. It’s drier, ensuring each grain remains separate and achieves that coveted slightly chewy texture. If all you have on hand is basmati rice, throw that in! All about flexibility over here.
If you don’t have day-old rice, cooking it fresh and letting it cool will do the trick. The goal is to avoid mushiness, allowing the rice to fry up nicely and soak in all the flavors. And hey, if you’re on a low carb kick, cauliflower fried rice would be beautiful here.
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe–The East Coast Twist
Now, let’s talk about that East Coast twist. Incorporating bacon isn’t just about adding smokiness; it’s a homage to the hearty, comforting dishes we cherish.
Adding sriracha brings a mild heat. It balances the rich flavor of the bacon and the sweetness of the shrimp. Fresh basil added at the end adds a nice aromatic punch.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This shrimp fried rice is more than just a meal; it’a a true experience.
- Flavorful: Each bite offers a symphony of tastes—from smoky and savory to sweet and spicy.
- Easy: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Comforting: It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, much like our beloved East Coast hospitality.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it. Got some bell peppers or peas lying around? Toss them in. Prefer chicken over shrimp? Go for it.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Fried Rice
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything prepped ensures nothing overcooks.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Cooking on high heat gives the rice that slight crispiness and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Season to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Start with the recommended amounts of soy sauce and sriracha, then adjust according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider pairing it with:
- A Simple Green Salad: Toss some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast.
- Spring Rolls: The crispiness and light flavor complement the richness of the fried rice.
- Miso Soup: For a warming start, a bowl of miso soup can set the tone for an Asian-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
A special kind of joy comes from creating a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor. This shrimp fried rice recipe is super easy and super delicious. It’s proof that just a few good ingredients, handled with care, can create something really beautiful.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that pan, and bring a taste of the East Coast to your kitchen.
Other Recipes You Will Love!
One Pan Creamy Garlic Orzo With Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 3 slices smoked bacon, diced
- 20-25 shrimp, peeled and thawed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 eggs
- 1-2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 6 scallions, sliced
- 3 basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they turn light pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add a teaspoon of oil to the pan, pour in the whisked eggs, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to scramble. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the diced carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced napa cabbage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, sriracha, and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Create a well in the center of the rice mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of butter into the well and drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil around the outer edges of the rice. Allow the rice to fry undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a slight crispiness.
- Add the cooked eggs, bacon, shrimp, sliced scallions, and chopped basil to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined and heated.
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