Prawn Fried Rice
Juicy prawns and crisp vegetables tossed with perfectly cooked rice and savory sauces. This Indo-Chinese classic is a flavor-packed, one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Prawns and Eggs
- b.Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, toss them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- c.Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble for 1-2 minutes until just cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Prawns
- b.In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and increase the heat to high.
- c.Add the seasoned prawns and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Do not overcook.
- d.Remove the prawns from the wok and set them aside with the scrambled eggs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining vegetable oil to the wok. Once shimmering, add the minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the spring onion whites, diced carrots, and french beans. Stir-fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- d.Add the diced capsicum and cook for another minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Rice and Sauces
- b.Add the cold, cooked rice to the wok. Use your spatula to break up any clumps.
- c.Toss the rice with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to heat it through.
- d.Pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red chili sauce over the rice. Add the salt and black pepper powder.
- e.Stir-fry continuously on high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring every grain of rice is coated with the sauces.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Return the cooked prawns and scrambled eggs to the wok.
- c.Add the spring onion greens and the toasted sesame oil.
- d.Toss everything together for one final minute to combine all the flavors.
- e.Serve immediately, hot from the wok.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use cold, day-old rice. This is the most crucial tip. Cold rice is drier and firmer, preventing a sticky, mushy result.
- 2High heat is your friend. A hot wok or skillet is essential for achieving the classic 'wok hei' (smoky flavor) and keeping vegetables crisp.
- 3Prep everything in advance (mise en place). Stir-frying is a very fast process, so have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you start.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. If you don't have a large wok, cook in two batches to ensure the ingredients fry properly instead of steaming.
- 5Don't overcook the prawns. They cook in just a few minutes. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- 6Taste before adding salt. Soy sauce is salty, so it's best to add the sauces first, taste, and then add salt if needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with 200g of cubed paneer, firm tofu, or a mix of mushrooms and baby corn. Sauté them just as you would the prawns.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce along with the other sauces for a fiery and pungent flavor.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken along with the prawns for an extra protein-packed meal.
Healthier GrainHealthier Grain
Substitute white rice with cooked and cooled brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns and eggs provide high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Packed with Vegetables
The inclusion of carrots, beans, capsicum, and spring onions provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and provides various micronutrients.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice serve as a primary source of energy, making this a fulfilling meal that can power you through your day.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Prawn Fried Rice (about 2 cups) contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil and the size of the prawns used.