Shrimp Paste Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling component.

Shrimp paste: Adds a deep, savory flavor that is essential to the dish.

Carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the fried rice.

Beaten eggs: Adds protein and a rich, creamy texture when scrambled.

Soy sauce: Enhances the overall flavor with its salty and umami notes.

Minced garlic: Provides a fragrant and aromatic base for the dish.

Oil for frying: Used to sauté the garlic and cook the other ingredients.

When preparing shrimp paste fried rice, ensure that the cooked rice is slightly dry or day-old. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve the desired texture. Spread the rice out on a tray and let it cool for a bit if using freshly cooked rice. This will help the grains separate more easily and absorb the flavors better during stir-frying.

• shrimp paste - Substitute with fish sauce: Fish sauce provides a similar umami flavor and saltiness that shrimp paste offers.

• shrimp paste - Substitute with soy sauce with a dash of anchovy paste: This combination can mimic the depth and complexity of shrimp paste.

• carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables - Substitute with bell peppers, green beans, and edamame: These vegetables offer a similar texture and nutritional profile.

• carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables - Substitute with zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas: These vegetables provide a fresh and crunchy alternative.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu scramble can mimic the texture and protein content of eggs, suitable for a vegan option.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: Chickpea flour mixed with water can create a similar consistency and is a good vegan alternative.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar salty and umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter but still savory flavor, suitable for those avoiding soy.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile when fresh garlic is not available.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish well.

• oil for frying - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle flavor that complements Asian dishes.

• oil for frying - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthy alternative with a high smoke point, suitable for frying.

• Allow the shrimp paste fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the cooled rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For easy portioning, consider dividing the rice into single-serving sizes.
• Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the rice within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the rice within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer, where the rice can be kept for up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, if the rice is refrigerated, you can microwave it directly. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
• For frozen rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen by microwaving it on a lower power setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• If reheating on the stovetop, add a small amount of oil or water to a pan, then add the rice. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Always ensure the reheated rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp paste fried rice.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the rice is thoroughly heated.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover shrimp paste fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer and cover.
  4. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover shrimp paste fried rice in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok.

• Knife: A sharp tool for mincing garlic and cutting vegetables.

• Cutting board: A durable surface used for chopping and preparing ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the shrimp paste and soy sauce accurately.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used for beating the eggs before adding them to the wok.

• Serving spoon: A large spoon used for serving the finished fried rice.

• Measuring cup: A cup used to measure the cooked rice and mixed vegetables.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and mixed vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking.

Use leftover rice: Day-old cooked rice works best for fried rice, saving you from cooking fresh rice.

Quick scramble eggs: Beat and scramble eggs in a separate pan to speed up the process.

Efficient stir-frying: Use a wok for even heat distribution and faster cooking.

Ready-to-use shrimp paste: Opt for pre-made shrimp paste to cut down on preparation time.