This dish features juicy shrimp cooked with fragrant lemongrass and a spicy kick from Thai chili. Served alongside zesty lime fried rice, it’s bursting with flavor!
Let’s be real, it’s hard to beat that combination of shrimp and lime rice. I always go back for seconds—it’s just that good! 🍤🍚
I love how quick and tasty this meal is. Just sauté the shrimp and whip up the rice while it cooks. Dinner in no time and full of bright, fresh flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this dish because they hold up well during cooking. If you prefer, you can use scallops, chicken, or tofu for a different protein. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass gives a fantastic flavor, but you can substitute it with lime zest if you can’t find it. Note that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Thai Red Chilies: These add heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, use fewer chilies or swap in a milder pepper, like jalapeños. You can also leave them out entirely or use a dash of chili flakes.
Fish Sauce: It adds a savory depth, but if you want to keep it vegetarian, opt for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Jasmine Rice: While jasmine is fragrant and perfect for this dish, you can use any long-grain rice or even brown rice; just adjust cooking times.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Flavored Fried Rice?
Getting fried rice just right is all about technique! A few simple steps ensure you have flavorful and non-sticky rice.
- Use chilled leftover rice; this keep it from becoming mushy during frying.
- Cook your ingredients in stages, adding the harder veggies first.
- Scramble the eggs in the pan’s empty side for better control and texture.
- Give everything a good toss to mix flavors, but do so gently to avoid breaking up the rice.
- Adjust seasoning with soy and fish sauce; don’t oversalt initially since the sauces are flavorful.
Thai Chili Lemongrass Shrimp with Zesty Lime Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, finely minced
- 3 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the Zesty Lime Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably chilled
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to marinate the shrimp, and then the rest of the time to cook the rice and shrimp. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced lemongrass, chopped Thai chilies, minced garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Add the shrimp and toss everything to make sure the shrimp are well coated. Let this marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prep everything else.
2. Make the Zesty Lime Fried Rice:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, stirring them around until fragrant and translucent—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now toss in the diced carrot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly softened. Next, stir in the frozen peas and give it another minute or so, just until the peas are heated through.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, creating space for the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them gently until just set. Then mix everything together!
5. Add the Rice:
Add the chilled jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula, and stir everything together to combine the rice with the veggies and eggs.
6. Season the Rice:
Season your fried rice with soy sauce, fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it well combined.
7. Cook the Shrimp:
While the rice is finishing up, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
8. Serve It Up:
Time to eat! Serve the shrimp over or alongside your zesty lime fried rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your bright, spicy, and refreshing Thai Chili Lemongrass Shrimp with Zesty Lime Fried Rice! It’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen shrimp work great for this dish. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing before marinating.
What If I Don’t Have Lemongrass?
If lemongrass isn’t available, you can substitute it with lime zest for a citrusy flavor. While it won’t give the exact same taste, it will still add a refreshing element to your dish!
Can I Make the Fried Rice Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fried rice ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help with moisture as necessary.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
You can easily adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Thai chilies used. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sambal oelek during cooking!
