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Are you looking for a way to tantalize your tastebuds with some flavorful and super delicious seafood fried rice? This classic dish may sound labor-intensive but it’s actually quite an easy recipe to whip up in no time!
Join us as we take you along on an exploration of one of the most popular dishes around - seafood fried rice. We’ll share our secrets for cooking perfect, comforting fried rice that is bursting with flavor, plus tips for selecting and storing fresh ingredients.
Seafood fried rice with lobster, scallops, and shrimp is a delicious and decadent dish that can be easily made at home. This dish combines the rich flavors of seafood with the comfort and convenience of fried rice but with a twist.
I know most shrimp fried rice dishes include frozen veggies like frozen peas, frozen carrots, bean sprouts and sauces like oyster sauce, but I excluded them in favor of peppers and green seasoning for more of a Caribbean element and more amped-up flavor.
Here is everything you need to know to make the perfect seafood fried rice.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried rice)
This is a groovy recipe demanding of some serious groove. Stro Elliot's "Marvin's Mood" is perfect in this role. Jazzy beats backed by smooth Marvin Gaye vocals make this rice even more appetizing.
What Is Green Seasoning?
Green seasoning is not a typical ingredient in a fried rice recipe. Green seasoning is a seasoning base similar to sofrito or Haitian Epis featuring a blend of fresh herbs and aromatics used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine as a flavoring agent for various dishes, including meat, fish, poultry, and stews.
The mixture typically includes ingredients such as green onions, garlic, thyme, cilantro, parsley, and scotch bonnet peppers.
The herbs and aromatics are typically finely chopped or blended together to form a paste-like consistency, and the mixture is used to marinate meats or added to dishes to enhance their flavor. Green seasoning can be found pre-packaged in some grocery stores or made at home using fresh ingredients. It is a versatile seasoning that can be used to add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients Needed To Make Seafood Fried Rice:
- White rice
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Lobster
- Scallops
- Fresh Shrimp
- Red Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Green onion scallions
- Vegetable oil or olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Fresh Ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Green Seasoning
How To Make Seafood Fried Rice (Step by Step):
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Add butter then scramble the egg quickly and remove from the skillet.
Wipe the skillet clean, increase skillet to high heat, then add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Flash fry the seafood 1-2 minutes partially cooking then remove and set aside. If using frozen cooked shrimp skip this step.
Add the red onions and cook 1 minute stirring frequently with a slotted spoon. Add the peppers and cook for another minute. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 15-20 seconds.
Mix in the green seasoning then add the cooked rice. Stir quickly then allow to set undisturbed for a minute. This allow that crispy crust to form on the rice.
Add the sesame oil and the seafood mix. Stir fry well for about 2 minutes.
Add the green onions, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. Mix well and stir fry quickly for maybe a minute. Remove from the wok or skillet.
Drizzle with some lime juice and/or a little bit more sesame oil. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed.
What to Serve with Seafood Fried Rice
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some ideas for sides that would complement this dish:
Stir-fried vegetables: Serve with stir-fried bok choy or broccoli to add some color and nutrition to the meal.
Asian-style slaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing would be a perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of the fried rice.
Steamed dumplings: If you are looking for an appetizer to serve before the main course, steamed dumplings would be a great choice.
Cucumbers: a cucumber salad with different cut slices of cucumbers would be a great pairing.
Cooking Tips and Considerations for Fried Rice
If you want perfect fried rice follow the tips included below:
Texture is everything! Use leftover rice for the best fried rice. I recommend just buying steamed rice from any Chinese restaurant since most have perfected steamed rice. But if not feel free to make your own.
Use a wok or large non stick skillet: This will allow the ingredients to be evenly distributed and cooked quickly.
Brown rice can be used as a substitute to white rice.
Go with you seafood of choice. I avoided crab meat simply because I'm allergic but if crab is your thing then go for it. I will just say use that premium crab meat instead of the cheap stuff.
I like large shrimp as I'm big on tender shrimp in my fried rice and it's too easy to overcook smaller shrimp.
Cook the seafood separately: Cook the lobster, scallops, and shrimp separately and set them aside. This will ensure that they are cooked perfectly and will not overcook when added to the rice.
Use high heat: Stir-frying at high heat allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly.
Add the ingredients in stages: Add the vegetables first, followed by the rice and then the cooked seafood.
Use soy sauce sparingly: Soy sauce can overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood, so use it sparingly. Also go with a low sodium soy sauce.
This recipe can be used for chicken fried rice as well with other ingredients like brisket, okra, or pork belly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Fried Rice
Q: What type of rice is best for fried rice?
A: I prefer long grain rice since it has less starch which makes it the perfect choice for fried rice. Using a long grain rice like jasmine rice will result in soft and fluffy rice every time!
Q: Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen shrimp is commonly used in shrimp fried rice so yes you definitely can use frozen options. Just be sure to thaw first before cooking.
Q: What type of soy sauce is best?
A: there are lots of quality brands of soy sauce. I just recommend using a low-sodium version or possibly defaulting to tamari sauce which is just gluten-free soy sauce.
Q: What is the secret to fried rice?
A: The secret to making delicious fried rice lies in a few key factors:
Use cold cooked rice: It's important to use leftover rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours, as freshly cooked rice can be too moist and will stick together.
High heat: Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming mushy. Use a wok or large skillet if possible.
Don't overcrowd the pan: If you add too much rice to the pan at once, it will steam instead of fry. Cook the rice in batches if necessary.
Use aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions add depth of flavor to fried rice. Saute them in oil before adding the rice.
Add soy sauce and other seasonings to taste: Soy sauce adds savory umami flavor to fried rice. Other seasonings like sesame oil can also be added to taste.
Customize with your favorite ingredients: Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite proteins, vegetables, and other add-ins. Cook these ingredients separately and add them to the fried rice at the end. Fresh veggies like green beans, spring onions, etc. can work well
Q: How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
A: Use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight, as it will be less moist and easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
Make The Best Ever Seafood Fried Rice Recipe
Everyone should make this easy and delicious recipe for seafood fried rice to try something exciting for dinner tonight. Not only is it packed with delicious flavors and textures, but it's also incredibly simple to make in about 30 minutes.
You won't need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just a few basic ingredients found in most people's pantries! Plus, you can always switch up the types of seafood and vegetables you use based on your own tastes or what's in season. For an easy meal that comes together quickly and will impress even the pickiest eaters, give this seafood fried rice a try.
If you make this wonderful recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and chilled white rice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ pound lobster cooked and chopped
- ½ pound scallops cooked
- ½ pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup bell peppers diced
- 1 medium red onion diced
- ½ cup sliced scallions
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Caribbean green seasoning
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Add butter then scramble the egg quickly and remove from the skillet.
- Wipe the skillet clean, increase skillet to high heat, then add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Flash fry the seafood 1-2 minutes partially cooking then remove and set aside. If using frozen cooked shrimp skip this step.
- Add the red onions and cook 1 minute stirring frequently with a slotted spoon. Add the peppers and cook for another minute. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 15-20 seconds.
- Mix in the green seasoning then add the cooked rice. Stir quickly then allow to set undisturbed for a minute. This allow that crispy crust to form on the rice.
- Add the sesame oil and the seafood mix. Stir fry well for about 2 minutes.
- Add the green onions, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. Mix well and stir fry quickly for maybe a minute. Remove from the wok or skillet.
- Drizzle with some lime juice and/or a little bit more sesame oil. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed.
Video
Notes
-
- Use cold cooked rice: It's important to use leftover rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours, as freshly cooked rice can be too moist and will stick together.
-
- High heat: Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming mushy. Use a wok or large skillet if possible.
-
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you add too much rice to the pan at once, it will steam instead of fry. Cook the rice in batches if necessary.
-
- Use aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions add depth of flavor to fried rice. Saute them in oil before adding the rice.
-
- Add soy sauce and other seasonings to taste: Soy sauce adds savory umami flavor to fried rice. Other seasonings like sesame oil can also be added to taste.
-
- Customize with your favorite ingredients: Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite meats, vegetables, and other add-ins. Cook these ingredients separately and add them to the fried rice at the end. Fresh veggies like green beans, spring onions, etc. can work well
Sangeetha
Monday 27th of March 2023
I can almost smell the aroma of this delicious fried rice recipe through my screen! The combination of flavors in Marvin's fried rice sounds absolutely amazing. Can't wait to give it a try!
Sophie
Monday 27th of March 2023
Who knew a simple bowl of fried rice could pack such an amazing flavor punch? This sea food version was definitely something special!
Natalia
Monday 27th of March 2023
I followed the instructions to make the seafood fried rice, but with the exception of using only 2 cloves of garlic instead of the suggested 4. The result was perfect! We plan to include this dish on our menu multiple times per month.
Loreto and Nicoletta
Sunday 26th of March 2023
This is such a luxurious fried rice! Love all the delicious seafood! It is such a great easy meal to prepare! Thanks for sharing!
Silvia
Sunday 26th of March 2023
I always have old rice in my fridge so making this recipe was so easy. I didn't have all the seafood you mention but enough to make it and it turned out delicious. I added a good amount of fresh ginger and it was awesome.