Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-fried Rice with Garlic Chips

Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-Fried Rice with Garlic Chips Recipe - Authentic Japanese Dish

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-fried Rice with Garlic Chips is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the savory taste of shrimp with the fragrant aroma of garlic chives and crispy garlic chips. This dish is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional fried rice dishes that are commonly found in Asian cuisine. The combination of garlic, chives, and shrimp creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please the palate.

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
6 medium shrimp, cut into pieces
2 cups cooked rice
0.5 cup chopped garlic chives (the thin flat kind, also known as Nira)
1 kaffir lime leaf, sliced very thin
0.25 tsp sansho powder (sichuan pepper)
dash of white pepper
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp mirin
2 slow cooked eggs

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the garlic. Fry the garlic slices until they turn golden brown, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
Fry the shrimp in the garlic-flavored oil until it is barely cooked and turns pink. Transfer the shrimp to a separate plate.
Ensure that there is still enough oil in the pan, then add the cooked rice. Fry the rice using a pressing motion with a spatula to break up any clumps. Add the garlic chives, lime leaves, sansho, and pepper. Continue to stir-fry until the herbs become fragrant.
Add the shrimp back into the pan and drizzle the fish sauce and mirin evenly over the rice. Stir until the liquid has completely evaporated.
To plate the rice, press some rice into a ramekin or shallow bowl and invert it onto a plate. Create an indentation in the middle of the rice using a spoon, then break a slow-cooked egg into it. Top with the garlic chips and serve.

Variations

You can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the fried rice for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
Add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for a savory umami flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the garlic slices until they are golden brown to bring out their full flavor.

- Pressing the rice with a spatula while frying helps to break up any clumps and ensures that each grain is evenly coated with the seasonings.

- Slow-cooked eggs add a creamy texture to the dish, but you can also use poached or fried eggs as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served on its own as a main course or paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It is also delicious when served with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the eggs adds a creamy texture to the dish, but you can also poach or fry the eggs if desired.

- Pressing the rice with a spatula while frying helps to break up any clumps and ensures that each grain is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have garlic chives, you can use regular chives or green onions as a substitute.

- Mirin can be replaced with a combination of rice vinegar and sugar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic chips and cook the rice in advance to save time when making this dish. Store the garlic chips in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the cooked rice until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish more visually appealing, you can garnish it with additional sliced garlic chives, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil. Serve the fried rice in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced green tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-fried Rice with Garlic Chips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or reheat in a frying pan over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-fried Rice with Garlic Chips contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

The main sources of carbohydrates in this dish come from the cooked rice and mirin. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The oil used for frying, as well as the shrimp, provide healthy fats that are important for brain function and hormone production. Consuming moderate amounts of healthy fats is essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

Shrimp is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic chives are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and strong bones.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and eggs, which are common allergens for some individuals. If you have allergies to these ingredients, it is best to avoid this dish or use suitable substitutes.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-fried Rice with Garlic Chips is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and one day she surprised us with a dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

It was a Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-Fried Rice with Garlic Chips. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My aunt, seeing my enthusiasm, took me under her wing and taught me all the secrets of this incredible dish. She showed me how to properly cook the rice so that it was light and fluffy, how to season the shrimp just right, and most importantly, how to make the perfect garlic chips that added a crunchy texture and burst of flavor to the dish.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe – it was about passion, creativity, and love. My aunt cooked with such joy and flair, and I knew that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

Over the years, I honed my skills and experimented with different variations of the Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-Fried Rice with Garlic Chips. I added my own personal touch by incorporating fresh chives from my garden, which added a delicate onion flavor to the dish. I also perfected the technique of making the garlic chips, ensuring that they were perfectly crispy and golden brown every time.

As I shared this dish with friends and family, they couldn't get enough of it. They marveled at the complexity of flavors and textures, and begged me to teach them how to make it themselves. And so, I passed down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, just as my aunt had done for me all those years ago.

To this day, whenever I make Garlic-Chive-Shrimp-Fried Rice with Garlic Chips, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen in the countryside, watching my aunt work her magic. I still feel the same joy and excitement that I did all those years ago, and I am grateful for the gift of cooking that she gave me.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than this recipe. It is a labor of love that has been passed down through generations, and I am proud to share it with you. Just remember to cook with passion, creativity, and most importantly, love – and you will create a dish that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.