Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice recipe it is quick, flavorful, and healthy!
Ingredients:
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old)
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Take the shrimp out of the pan.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour the beaten eggs into the same pan and cook, stirring, until fully scrambled.
Remove the scrambled eggs and set them aside with the shrimp.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Drizzle the pan with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Sauté the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the carrots and peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Cook the Fried Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine it with the vegetables.
Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, mixing well.
Return the shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan and stir everything together.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the shrimp fried rice with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Shrimp Fried Rice
This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is more than just a tasty, satisfying meal — it’s also packed with nutritional benefits that make it a great choice for a balanced diet. From the high-quality protein in shrimp to the fiber and essential vitamins found in vegetables, this dish offers a range of nutrients that can contribute to overall health and wellness. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of this popular dish.
High in Lean Protein
Shrimp is one of the most protein-rich, low-fat foods you can incorporate into your diet. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains approximately 20 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and growth. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting the immune system, and providing energy. Unlike red meats, shrimp is low in saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy option. Its lean protein content makes it particularly beneficial for people trying to build muscle or manage their weight while still enjoying a fulfilling meal.
Low in Calories
Despite being rich in protein, shrimp is surprisingly low in calories. This makes it a great addition to meals for those who are calorie-conscious. For example, the average shrimp contains only 7 calories, making it possible to consume a significant portion of shrimp without taking in too many calories. Shrimp fried rice can serve as a hearty, filling dish that satisfies hunger without overwhelming your calorie budget for the day.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Shrimp isn’t just about protein. It’s also packed with essential nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and iodine. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin B12 is crucial for brain function and the formation of red blood cells, while iodine plays a critical role in thyroid function, which regulates metabolism. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Healthy Fats for Heart Health
The use of sesame oil in this recipe brings healthy fats into the mix. Sesame oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and raising good cholesterol levels. These fats are beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, promoting better heart function, and supporting overall longevity. Additionally, sesame oil contains sesamol and sesamin, two antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, further contributing to a heart-healthy meal.
Carbohydrates for Energy
Rice, the main base for this dish, is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which provide your body with the energy it needs to perform day-to-day activities. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which fuels your brain, muscles, and other tissues. Eating a meal like shrimp fried rice after a workout can help replenish glycogen stores and promote muscle recovery. Choosing day-old rice, as suggested in the recipe, also helps keep the dish lower in moisture, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky, which enhances its texture and digestibility.
Vegetables Add Fiber and Nutrients
This shrimp fried rice recipe includes nutrient-dense vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. Carrots and peas, in particular, are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy gut.
Carrots are also high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. Peas, on the other hand, provide a good source of plant-based protein, vitamins C and K, and folate, which contribute to overall health, including supporting immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Eggs Provide Additional Protein and Nutrients
The inclusion of scrambled eggs in this shrimp fried rice recipe adds another source of high-quality protein. Eggs are rich in vitamins D, B6, and B12, as well as riboflavin and folate. The proteins found in eggs are complete proteins, meaning they provide all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are critical for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a strong immune system. Eggs are also a great source of choline, an important nutrient that supports brain health and cognitive function.
Low in Added Sugars
Unlike many takeout versions of shrimp fried rice, which often contain added sugars, this homemade recipe uses simple ingredients like soy sauce for flavoring. By preparing this dish at home, you can control the amount of salt and fat, making it a much healthier option compared to restaurant versions. Soy sauce provides umami and a savory depth of flavor, while the minimal use of oil and the absence of sugary sauces keep this dish light and nutritious.
Supports Weight Management
Because this shrimp fried rice recipe balances protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, it helps regulate appetite and promotes satiety, making it an excellent meal for those trying to manage their weight. The combination of protein from shrimp and eggs, healthy fats from sesame oil, and fiber from vegetables keeps you feeling full longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals. This makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight while still enjoying a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a complete meal that brings together a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, all while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. With shrimp providing lean protein, vegetables adding fiber and nutrients, and sesame oil contributing heart-healthy fats, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, well-rounded meal. Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, maintain a healthy weight, or simply enjoy a delicious meal, this shrimp fried rice offers a range of benefits to support your health and well-being.
Check out our other recipe shrimp fried rice
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