Amazing Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) 25 Min

You know those nights? The ones where all you want is that comforting, familiar taste of takeout fried rice, but you’re trying to be… well, a little bit *better*? That was me, until I figured out how to make a seriously delicious Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) that hits all the right notes without weighing you down. My first attempt was with cauliflower rice, and honestly, I wasn’t sure it would cut it. But as the plump shrimp sizzled with garlic and the veggies softened, the aroma that filled my kitchen was pure magic. It tasted just like the real deal, but felt so much lighter! Now, it’s my absolute go-to when I need a quick, satisfying meal that’s actually good for me. This is the kind of dish Thomás Anderson, Precision Keto Scientist, loves – packed with flavor, lean protein, and all the satisfaction without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You)

Seriously, you are going to adore this dish. It’s got that amazing takeout fakeout vibe but totally on the healthier side. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• It’s SO Healthy: We’re packing in tons of veggies and lean protein, making it a fantastic low-calorie and satisfying choice.
• Super Speedy: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
• Bursting with Flavor: Don’t let “better-for-you” fool you! This recipe is loaded with savory tamari, aromatic garlic, and fresh shrimp.
• Kid-Approved Taste: It’s a fantastic family dinner option that even picky eaters will gobble up.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here; just fresh, wholesome ingredients you can find anywhere.

Ingredients for Your Better-For-You Shrimp Fried Rice

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! This is what you’ll need to whip up this amazing lighter version of your favorite dish. Trust me, having everything prepped makes the cooking process a total breeze.

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (leftovers are perfect for fried rice, seriously! Brown rice works too if that’s what you have.)
• 1 lb large fresh shrimp (make sure they’re cleaned, peeled, and deveined – it saves so much time!)
• 2 Tablespoons butter (we’ll divide this up, so keep that in mind!)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (the easiest way to get your veggies in!)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (just dice it up small)
• 2 green onions (chopped – for that fresh oniony bite)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced super fine)
• 2 eggs (these get scrambled right in!)
• 3 1/2 Tablespoons tamari (this is my pick for gluten-free or low-sodium soy sauce flavor)
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil (don’t skip this, it gives it that signature flavor!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, of course!)

Simple Steps to Make Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You)

Okay, let’s do this! Making this healthier version of shrimp fried rice is honestly way easier than you might think. It all comes together super fast, especially if you have your rice cooked and ready to go. Grab your biggest skillet or wok, and let’s get cooking!

This recipe is from a fantastic resource, but I’ll walk you through it step-by-step so you can get that perfect result.

Cooking the Shrimp

First things first, get your skillet or wok nice and hot over medium-high heat. Pop in about half a tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted and sizzling, toss in your shrimp! Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. Cook them for just 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until they’re pink and cooked through. Don’t overcook them! Scoop them out onto a clean plate and set them aside – they’ll join the party again later.

Sautéing the Vegetables and Eggs

Now, add another tablespoon of butter to that same hot pan. Throw in your onions and the frozen peas and carrots. Let them sauté for about 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s fragrant. Don’t let that garlic burn! Now, push all those veggies to one side of the pan. Crack your eggs into the empty space and quickly scramble them up right there in the pan. Stir them into the veggies once they’re cooked.

Combining Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice

It’s time for the main event! Add the remaining half tablespoon of butter to the pan if it looks dry. Now, dump in your cooked rice, the chopped green onions, your tamari (or soy sauce!), and all those lovely cooked shrimp. Give everything a good mix-and-toss until it’s all combined well. Here’s a little trick my buddy Thomás taught me: let the rice sit there, undisturbed, for about a minute. This helps it get a little toasty and develop that awesome fried rice texture. Stir it all up again to let the rice crisp up a bit more.

Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat right away. Drizzle in that flavorful sesame oil and give it one last good stir to coat everything. You want all those aromas to just meld together perfectly. And that’s it! Your amazing Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) is ready to be devoured. Serve it up immediately while it’s hot and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You)

You know, getting that fantastic texture in your Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) is all about a few little tricks. Don’t worry, they’re super easy! First off, if you can, use rice that’s a day old. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will make your fried rice mushy. Leftover rice is drier and crisps up so much better in the pan. Trust me on this one! Also, try not to cram too much into your skillet at once. If your pan is too full, everything will steam instead of getting that lovely, slightly toasted fried rice flavor. Thomás Anderson, the Precision Keto Scientist behind keto recipes, always stresses not overcrowding the pan for optimal results. You might need to cook in batches if you’re doubling the recipe, which is totally fine. And of course, taste as you go! Everyone’s salt and pepper preference is a little different, so season it up until it tastes just right to you. It’s all about making it your own!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Alright, let’s chat about some of the ingredients in this Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) and what you can swap if you need to! So, tamari versus soy sauce – they’re pretty interchangeable, but tamari gives you that great savory flavor while being gluten-free and often lower in sodium. Totally your call! If you can’t find tamari, just use a good quality low-sodium soy sauce. For the veggies, feel free to get creative! Frozen peas and carrots are SO easy, but you could totally toss in some broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, or even some corn. Just make sure they’re cut small so they cook quickly. The key is keeping it veggie-packed and light!

Equipment Needed for Shrimp Fried Rice

Honestly, you don’t need much for this amazing Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You)! The most important tool is a nice big skillet or a wok – something that gets nice and hot and gives you plenty of room to toss everything around. You’ll also want a plate to set aside your cooked shrimp while you get the veggies going. That’s pretty much it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Fried Rice

Got questions about whipping up this Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You)? I’ve got you covered! If you need more keto-specific tips, feel free to reach out.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option and adds even more fiber. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled, ideally leftover, for the best texture. It might change the cooking time just a tiny bit, but it will still be delicious!

Is this Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) keto-fried rice friendly?

This recipe uses regular jasmine rice, so it’s not strictly keto. BUT, it’s super easy to make it keto-friendly! Just swap out the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. Use the same amount, and it will work beautifully. Thomás Anderson, the Precision Keto Scientist, loves these smart swaps!

How can I make this fried rice spicier?

Oh, you like a little kick? I get it! For some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with garlic, or stir in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce right at the end with the sesame oil. Start with a little, taste it, and add more if you like it hotter. Easy peasy!

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

Get creative! This recipe is fantastic for using up whatever veggies you have hanging out in your fridge. Some other ideas are diced bell peppers (any color!), snap peas, edamame, mushrooms, or even some finely chopped zucchini. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Let’s talk numbers! Estimating nutrition can be tricky since we all use slightly different ingredients, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each serving of this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You). Think of these as a good guideline:

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 3-5g

Remember, this can change based on how much oil you use, the specific tamari, and even the size of your shrimp. It’s a pretty balanced meal, though, right?

Share Your Better-For-You Shrimp Fried Rice!

So, what did you think? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear if you’ve tried this Shrimp Fried Rice (Better-For-You) and how it turned out for you! Did you add any fun veggies? Spill the beans in the comments below! And hey, if you loved it, giving it a rating helps a ton. Feel free to tag me on social media too – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations over at my page!