Easy and Delicious Prawn Fried Rice: A Cozy Comfort Food
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing short of absolute comfort food will do? You know, the days when all you want is to curl up on the couch, reminisce about simpler times, and enjoy a meal that wraps you in warmth? For me, that meal is Prawn Fried Rice. It’s one of those delightful dishes that resonates with my heart and soul, thanks to family gatherings filled with laughter, mischievous prawn-stuffed tales, and the wonderful aroma of spices wafting through our home.
It’s not just about the recipe itself—though, I must say, it’s dead simple and comes together quicker than you can scroll through your favorite social media feeds. It’s the memories associated with it that make it special. I remember the first time I attempted to make it; let’s just say there was a little more smoke than planned, and as I fished burnt prawns out of the pan, I could only laugh. Spoiler alert: I didn’t let that mishap deter me. Instead, I stuck to it, watched a few tutorials, and now? Prawn Fried Rice feels cozy like a warm hug—perfect for quick family meals.
This recipe is everything you could want from a meal: it’s high protein, budget-friendly, and in a world full of complex culinary adventures, this dish stands as a beacon of gloriously easy weeknight dinners. Whenever I whip up a batch, it feels like a mini celebration, and the best part? My picky eaters—yes, I’m pointing at my kiddos—love it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Seriously, if I can do it, you can too! It’s straightforward and comes together in no time.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Make a big batch, and it’s just as good the next day. Honestly, it tastes even better!
- Picky-Eater Approved: Let’s face it, having kids can turn meal planning into an Olympic sport. But they always devour this!
- High Protein Delight: Prawns are not only delicious but also a healthy source of protein. Good news for those looking to hit their macros!
- Comforting and Satisfying: Just a single bite can transport you back to childhood family dinners. It feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Customizable: Feel like throwing in some seasonal vegetables? Go for it! Make it your own.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Prawn Fried Rice apart is its adaptability and flavor depth. The sweet, briny taste of the prawns beautifully intertwines with the fragrant rice, and the subtle heat from green chilli sauce adds a delightful kick. In a world where food is often overly complicated, this dish stands out by embracing simplicity and fresh flavors. The combination of garlic, ginger, and the crispiness of spring onions creates a flavor profile that feels both hearty and refreshing.
I would also say it touches on nostalgia because it reminds me of my mom cooking in our cramped kitchen, the sunshine filtering through the window while we clamor for a taste. These layers of memories make the dish a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy bowl of goodness:
- 15 – 20 Prawns: Fresh or frozen, these guys are key. I prefer using large, juicy prawns for a heartier bite. Remember, it’s all about the freshest prawns you can find.
- 1 Cup Golden Sella Rice: This specific variety holds its shape and gives a lovely texture. Don’t even think about skipping the soaking step—trust me!
- 2 Eggs: For great protein and that classic fried rice scramble.
- Salt: To taste. It’s a flavor enhancer, really, so don’t skimp 🙂
- 2 – 3 tbsp Oil: For frying prawns and eggs. I usually reach for a good vegetable or sunflower oil.
- 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped): Oh, the aroma! This lends a fragrant touch to your dish.
- 1/2 tbsp Ginger (finely chopped): A little bit of warmth and spice, just a whisper of ginger, and you’re good to go.
- 1 Chilli: Depending on how much heat you can handle! Fresh is a lovely touch for that pop of color.
- 2 Spring Onion Whites: The bite from the whites will elevate the flavor.
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Carrot: A sweet crunch that adds color.
- 1/4 Cup Chopped French Beans: For a crisp texture and extra nutrition.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder: A sprinkle of black pepper adds depth.
- 1 tbsp Green Chilli Sauce: This is optional, but it adds a lovely zing.
- 1/2 tbsp Vinegar: Balances out sweetness and brightness.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Just a hint to heighten the flavors.
- 1 tbsp Light Soya Sauce: For that umami punch.
- 1/2 tsp Aromat or Chicken Powder: Adds extra flavor; I often go for the Aromat for a nice seasoning blend.
- 2 Spring Onion Greens: Chopped, for a pop of color to finish.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some sesame oil for a nutty finish, but do use it sparingly, as it can be potent.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Now, let’s cook! You’re going to want to have everything prepped and ready because this comes together pretty quickly.
Step 1: Prep the Rice
Begin by washing and soaking your rice in water for about two hours. It sounds tedious, but this step is crucial! Soaking allows the grains to absorb moisture and helps them cook evenly. This is one instance where I learned the hard way that patience pays off—I once tossed unwashed rice straight into boiling water, and let’s just say the results were… chewy, and not in a good way!
Step 2: Beat Those Eggs
Crack two eggs into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat them well until they look like a sunny yellow cloud. The act of scrambling them will fill your kitchen with delightful egg-y smells— soon to be the base of your comforting dish!
Step 3: Ask the Prawns a Favor
Clean and season your prawns with salt and pepper. It’s a simple touch that makes a world of difference in flavor. Truly, don’t skip this bit!
Step 4: Cook the Rice
In a pot, boil water with a pinch of salt. When it’s bubbling and frothing, add in your soaked rice. I can’t stress enough that you want to cook this rice until 100% done—no al dente here! Strain the rice and let it cool on a plate so it doesn’t become mushy when you toss it later.
Step 5: First Up, the Prawns!
Heat a pan over medium heat and add oil. Rinse and repeat—the magic here is in the oil, and let’s be real, you want those prawns sizzling! Fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re pink and curled up, fantastic chunks of joy. Make sure you give them space, no crowding allowed. These need to breathe! Once cooked, set them aside and feel accomplished.
Step 6: Scramble Those Eggs
Using the same pan (everything tastes better when caramelly flavors mingle), drizzle in another tablespoon of oil. Add your beaten eggs and scramble away! The golden curds will form before your very eyes—personal achievement unlocked! Once they look fluffy and inviting, set them aside with the prawns.
Step 7: Aromatic Base
Now for the magic: heat more oil in the same pan (Yep, I love a good one-pan situation!). Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger: the moment it hits the hot oil, the fragrant dance begins! Toss in that whole chilli and let it bubble. In just a minute or so, the smell will engulf your kitchen in the most delightful way—if it doesn’t, you might need more oil!
Step 8: Throw in the Veggies
Next up, spring onion whites, chopped carrots, and French beans go in. Sauté for just a few seconds until the colors pop and veggies feel slightly tender. Who knew healthy comfort food could look so colorful? Cue proud mama moment!
Step 9: Season The Whole Shebang
Incorporate salt, black pepper, sugar, green chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix around well. The sweet and tangy balance unfolding in front of you is divine!
Step 10: It’s Time to Marry All Flavors
Add your boiled rice, scrambled eggs, fried prawns, aromat, and spring onion greens into the same pan. You’ll want to toss everything gently—don’t stir too hard! We’re not trying to create a rice pudding! The whole pan begins to hum with flavor—cooking magic is happening!
Step 11: Just A Little More Time
Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the rice to get golden and crispy in parts while allowing those flavors to deepen. Seriously, the smell is pretty much sending me back to those sun-soaked family dinners while the kids run amok.
Tips for Best Results
- Soaking the rice is essential—don’t skip it!
- Use high-quality prawns: They make all the difference. Check for firm and sweet ones.
- Tweak the spices to suit your palate if the kids can’t handle spicy food. A bit of soy sauce can make it kid-friendly!
- An important note? Avoid burning anything—trust me, that can lead to sad, charred flavors.
- Feel free to toss in any seasonal veggies you have lying around; kale, bell peppers, or peas work wonderfully.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Rice: Can swap out golden sella rice for jasmine or basmati if that’s what you have.
- Protein: Want to avoid seafood? You can certainly use chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian spin—both are fantastic sources of protein.
- Veggies: The beauty here is in your hands! Swap in zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli for a seasonal twist.
- Sauces: If you don’t have green chili sauce, sriracha or even a splash of sweet chili sauce will work wonders.
- Egg-Free: To keep it vegan, skip the eggs and add some scrambled tofu instead if you’re feeling adventurous!
Serving Suggestions
Prawn Fried Rice pairs brilliantly with a simple side of tangy cucumber salad and a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemon soda. Honestly, a big bowl of this with a rom-com playing in the background? Perfection!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Awesome—this dish is truly versatile! You can store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water before microwaving to keep the rice from drying out. Also, pro tip: pop a damp paper towel over it while reheating, and you’ll have fluffy rice in no time!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Want to prepare in advance? You can cook the prawns and chop all your veggies ahead of time. Just refrigerate them and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. If you’re feeling generous, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll make for delightful grab-and-go lunches—all you need to do is pop it into the microwave later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the rice: As I mentioned earlier, make sure it’s properly cooked—it should be soft but not mushy.
- Not having everything prepped: Trust me, scrambling around looking for an ingredient as the pan sizzles is not the vibe!
- Overcrowding the pan: Give your prawns space to breathe; they’ll cook more evenly that way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use tofu or chickpeas in place of prawns. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
You can control the heat by adjusting the chilli and green chili sauce. Skip it if you prefer a milder flavor!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the light soy sauce with a gluten-free option, and you’re good to go!
Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes! Prawn Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A heavy-bottomed pan: I’ve found non-stick is best for cooking rice and prawns without sticking!
- A good knife for chopping: A sharp blade will save you from accidents.
- A spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and tossing around that beautiful rice!
- Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your measurements in check.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my journey to mastering Prawn Fried Rice shared, along with a few mishaps along the way! There’s something truly special about cooking a meal that brings joy and comfort, not just in taste but in dearly held memories. This recipe is a testament to everyday life—the moments shared around the dinner table and the laughter that comes with trying to recreate something special.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Cooking is always better with company, don’t you think? And remember, whether you nail it perfectly or end up with a slightly charred version, it’s all part of the kitchen chaos that makes for a great story. Now go enjoy!
Prawn Fried Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15-20 pieces Prawns (fresh or frozen) Preferably large, juicy prawns.
- 1 cup Golden Sella Rice Make sure to soak for better texture.
- 2 pieces Eggs For protein and flavor.
- 2-3 tbsp Oil Use vegetable or sunflower oil.
- 1 tbsp Garlic (finely chopped) Adds aroma to the dish.
- 1/2 tbsp Ginger (finely chopped) Provides warmth and spice.
- 1 piece Chilli Fresh for color and heat.
- 2 pieces Spring Onion Whites Enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Carrot For sweetness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup Chopped French Beans For texture and nutrition.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder For depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp Green Chilli Sauce Optional for a zing.
- 1/2 tbsp Vinegar Balances flavors.
- 1 tsp Sugar Enhances sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Light Soya Sauce For umami.
- 1/2 tsp Aromat or Chicken Powder For extra seasoning.
- 2 pieces Spring Onion Greens Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and soak the rice in water for about two hours.
- Crack two eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and beat until well mixed.
- Clean and season the prawns with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a pot, boil water with a pinch of salt, then add the soaked rice and cook until done. Strain and let cool.
- Heat oil in a pan, fry the prawns for 4-5 minutes until pink and curled. Set aside.
- In the same pan, scramble the beaten eggs until fluffy, then set aside with the prawns.
- Add more oil to the pan, then garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add spring onion whites, chopped carrots, and French beans. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Incorporate salt, black pepper, sugar, green chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix well.
- Add boiled rice, scrambled eggs, fried prawns, aromat, and spring onion greens to the pan. Toss gently.
- Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until flavors meld and rice is golden in parts.
