This dish features juicy grilled shrimp infused with spicy Thai chili and fragrant lemongrass. Paired with zesty lime fried rice, it’s a fresh and vibrant meal!
Nothing beats the sweet and spicy flavors of shrimp sizzling on the grill. Plus, the rice is just the right kick to make everyone ask for seconds. I know I always do! 🌶️🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for grilling. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen shrimp will do just fine—just make sure to thaw them properly! If you want a vegetarian option, try marinating and grilling vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
Lemongrass: It adds a lovely citrusy flavor. If you can’t find it, try lime zest as a substitute, though it won’t be quite the same. Dried lemongrass can also work in a pinch but is less potent.
Thai Red Chilies: These are quite spicy. If you prefer less heat, you can use sweet bell peppers or a milder chili sauce instead. For those who love a kick, add a splash of sriracha to your shrimp marinade!
Fish Sauce: This ingredient brings umami. If you’re avoiding fish, you can use soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce found in many stores, which is usually made from mushrooms.
Rice: Day-old jasmine rice makes the best fried rice as it’s drier and fries up better. If you don’t have jasmine, any long-grain rice will work. Quinoa is a great gluten-free substitute!
What’s the Best Way to Make Fried Rice Without It Getting Soggy?
Fried rice can easily turn mushy if not prepared correctly. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Use cold, day-old rice! It helps prevent clumping.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok before adding ingredients. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Sauté vegetables first, then push them aside to scramble the eggs before adding the rice. This keeps flavors fresh.
- When mixing in the rice, do it gently and break up clumps without mashing it. Stir quickly to heat it through, which keeps it fluffy.
- Finally, refrain from adding too much liquid; you want flavor, not sogginess!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully fried rice every time!
Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Zesty Lime Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts finely minced
- 3-4 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
For the Zesty Lime Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, refrigerated)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Crushed roasted peanuts (optional), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes, including marinating the shrimp. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, about 10-15 minutes for grilling the shrimp, and 15 minutes to whip up the fried rice. It’s a great dish for a lively dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix together the minced lemongrass, chopped Thai chilies, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and lime juice. Add the shrimp and toss them until they’re nicely coated. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes to soak in all those tasty flavors.
2. Prepare the Grill or Grill Pan:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you have wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning before threading the shrimp on.
3. Grill the Shrimp:
Once the grill is hot, place the shrimp on and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove them from the grill and keep them warm while you prepare the fried rice.
4. Make the Fried Rice:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced carrot and peas, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are nice and tender.
6. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until they are just cooked and incorporate into the veggies.
7. Add the Rice:
Now, add in your cooked jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir everything together until well mixed.
8. Season the Fried Rice:
Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice, stirring to combine and evenly coat the rice. Heat it through nicely.
9. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Stir in the sliced green onions and the chopped cilantro for a fresh kick.
10. Serve:
Time to serve! Plate up the zesty lime fried rice and top it with the grilled lemongrass chili shrimp. Feel free to garnish with extra cilantro or Thai basil and sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for that perfect crunch!
Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Zesty Lime Fried Rice! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Zesty Lime Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the shrimp is completely thawed before marinating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make the Fried Rice Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fried rice in advance. Once it’s cooked, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pan-fry it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if it feels too dry.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Lemongrass?
If lemongrass isn’t available, you can substitute it with lime zest and a little extra lime juice for that citrusy flavor. Alternatively, use a few drops of lemon or lime juice in the marinade as a substitute.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you want more heat, you can add extra Thai red chilies to the marinade or toss in some red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Serve with sriracha for those who enjoy an extra kick!
