| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 397 | 10g | 2g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 28g | 1.8g |
As a food enthusiast who loves to experiment with East meets West fusion dishes, I chose to share this delightful recipe – Fried Rice with Kai-lan and Shrimp. This dish combines the comfort and familiarity of an American take-out staple with a refreshingly sweet and tangy twist, reminiscent of my Californian upbringing and Gujarati heritage.
East Meets West Fusion
In this Fried Rice with Kai-lan and Shrimp recipe, you’ll find a fragrant combination of jasmine rice intertwined with the crunch of fresh veggies, the briny pop of shrimp and sweet bursts of pineapple. This dish not only satisfies the tastebuds but also pays homage to my multicultural experiences. Like my roots in both Gujarati Indian and Californian cultures, the recipe is a beautiful melange of Eastern and Western flavours.
More Than Just Taste
But this dish is not only dear to my heart because of how it reminds me of home. Beyond its taste, I also appreciate what it brings to the table health-wise. It’s packed with protein from the shrimp and eggs, an abundance of vitamins and minerals from the Kai-lan (also known as Chinese broccoli), carrot, bell pepper, and pineapple. Not forgetting jasmine rice that’s a rich source of carbohydrates for energy. Remember to use low sodium soy sauce to control the salt content, making this dish a complete and balanced meal. What’s not to love about a dish that tastes fantastic and is healthful, too?
This recipe is unique with its fusion twist, but it does remind me of shrimp pad thai due to its delightful combination of shrimp and eggs. It’s also somewhat reminiscent of traditional Chinese fried rice, but the addition of Kai-lan and pineapple give it that unique flair. For a perfect meal, you might want to pair this main dish with a simple, refreshing egg roll or even a tangy Thai style salad.
I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this Fried Rice with Kai-lan and Shrimp as much as I do. Here’s to food that brings cultures together, nourishes the body, and comforts the soul!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch of Kai-lan (Chinese broccoli), roughly chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Cook the jasmine rice according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
Step Two
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Cook until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
Step Three
Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables start to become a bit tender.
Step Four
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook until they are pink and fully cooked, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step Five
Lower the heat to medium again and add the beaten eggs to the pan. Stir frequently and cook until the eggs are completely set.
Step Six
Add the cooked rice to the pan with the eggs. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Then add the soy sauce and stir again to evenly distribute it.
Step Seven
Add the roughly chopped Kai-lan and pineapple chunks to the pan. Stir to combine everything and allow the Kai-lan to wilt slightly.
Step Eight
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
Step Nine
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the dish with the finely sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve the fried rice hot. Enjoy your Fried Rice with Kai-lan and Shrimp!
