Easy Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice | A Quick Dinner Idea

Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice, a vibrant and flavorful dish, embodies the essence of Vietnamese culinary tradition while embracing the rich bounty of the sea. This exquisite recipe offers a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, skillfully combining tender shrimp, savory Chinese sausages, and a colorful medley of vegetables with the comforting staple that is rice. Each ingredient plays its role perfectly, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and sauces that bring out the unique flavors of Vietnam. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious novice in the kitchen, this dish promises an engaging cooking experience and a delicious journey through the tastes of Vietnam.

Ingredients

Cooking authentic Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice requires gathering up the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• cooked rice
• medium shrimp
• squid
• lump crab meat
• chicken thighs or pork chops
• beaten
• neutral oil like vegetable, peanut, or rice bran oil

Seasonings

• soy sauce
• oyster sauce
• sesame oil
• white pepper
• Salt to taste

Vegetables

• carrot, diced
• cup frozen peas
• frozen corn
• stalks green onion, sliced

This combination of ingredients strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this fried rice dish so iconic. Let’s look at how to prepare the ingredients.

Preparation

Before cooking up a batch of Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice, some preliminary preparation is required:

• Cook 3 cups of rice. The best rice varieties to use are jasmine or basmati.
• Rinse the shrimp, peel, and devein them. Pat dry.
• Clean the squid thoroughly and slice into 1/2-inch rings.
• Pick through the crab meat to remove any stray shell fragments.
• Marinate the chicken or pork in a bit of oil, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes.
• Mince the garlic, dice the onion and carrots.
• Measure out all the sauces and seasonings.

Proper prep work helps the cooking process go smoothly, ensuring you end up with the signature taste and texture of this fried rice dish.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to cook authentic Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice at home:

1. Heat oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into a large nonstick wok or skillet over high heat. Swirl to coat the bottom.
2. Cook eggs: Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set, then transfer to a plate.
3. Sear protein: Add the shrimp, squid, crab, and diced chicken or pork. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until mostly cooked through. Transfer to the plate with the eggs.
4. Sauté aromatics: Add the garlic, onion, and green onions to the pan. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add vegetables: Next, add the carrots, peas, and corn. Continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Return protein & egg: Add the cooked protein and scrambled eggs back to the pan.
7. Add rice & seasonings: Add the cooked rice. Then pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and continue stir frying for 5-7 minutes.
8. Finish with green onions: Turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Following these easy steps results in the irresistible wok-fried flavor that makes Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice so crave-worthy. Next let’s go over how to take it up a notch in terms of presentation and serving.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant fried rice is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with the following serving recommendations:

• Garnish with extra green onions, cilantro, basil, lime wedges, etc. This adds freshness.
• Serve with sliced cucumbers and a spicy chili garlic sauce like Sriracha on the side for contrasting cool and spicy flavors.
• Squeeze some lime juice over just before eating to maximize the bright citrus notes.
• For added crunch, top with crispy fried shallots or fried onions.
• Shape and mold the rice into compact cakes in a ramekin for an elegant presentation.
• Serve family-style in the pan or wok to maintain the lovely socarrat or crispy browned bits of rice.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover fried rice keeps well refrigerated for 3-5 days. Here are some tips:

• Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
• When reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture.
• Reheat gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally.
• Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

With proper storage and reheating, leftovers retain the addictive flavors and textures. Now let’s go over some common pitfalls.

Avoiding Mistakes

Here are solutions to some possible problems when making Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice:

Conclusion: Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice

Vietnamese Seafood Fried Rice is the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal that delivers a medley of flavors and textures in one aromatic, satisfying pan. This iconic rice dish brilliantly blends Chinese cooking methods with the bright, fresh seafood that defines Vietnamese cuisine. Recreating this dish at home is easier than you think. Gather up the easy-to-find ingredients, and follow the step-by-step instructions for wok hei perfection. Complement it with bright, tangy flavors and tweak the cooking techniques until you nail the sweet spot. This is a wonderful way to explore and appreciate the traditions and spirit of Vietnamese cuisine through one of its most beloved dishes.