Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice

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This dish features juicy grilled shrimp mixed with zesty Thai chili and fragrant lemongrass. The lime fried rice perfectly complements the shrimp for a burst of flavor!

Cooking shrimp on the grill is always a win. Plus, who can resist fried rice with a hint of lime? I could eat this every day, and honestly, I might just do it! 😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for grilling as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re allergic or prefer other seafood, you can substitute with scallops or firm fish like salmon.

Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass adds a citrusy flavor that’s hard to beat. If you can’t find any, try using a bit of lemon zest and juice or a few drops of lemon oil for a different twist.

Thai red chilies: These bring heat to the dish. If you prefer milder flavors, substitute with jalapeños or skip the chilies altogether. You can also use chili flakes for a more even heat.

Fish sauce: Essential for that umami flavor, but feel free to swap it with soy sauce for a vegetarian option, though it will change the taste slightly.

Jasmine rice: This aromatic rice is fantastic, but if you’re out, feel free to replace it with basmati or even brown rice for a healthier choice.

Corn and vegetables: You can use any veggies you like in the fried rice—carrots, peas, or even zucchini work well. Use leftover veggies to clean out your fridge!

How Do You Get the Perfect Grilled Shrimp?

Grilling shrimp can be simple, but getting it just right helps in achieving that perfect texture. Here are some tips for perfectly grilled shrimp:

  • Make sure your shrimp are well-marinated—the flavors will infuse better.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This helps get a nice char without overcooking the shrimp.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skewers; space them out to allow for even cooking.
  • Keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling. They cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side!

For the best results, enjoy the shrimp as soon as they come off the grill to keep them juicy and flavorful.

What’s the Secret to Flavorful Fried Rice?

Fried rice is an excellent way to use leftover rice, but there are some key points to ensuring it’s flavorful:

  • Using day-old, chilled rice is essential so it doesn’t become mushy. Fresh rice can clump together.
  • Make sure to fry the veggies first to develop their flavors before adding the rice.
  • Break up the rice lumps while stir-frying and mix well for even seasoning.

Adding lime zest and juice at the end gives the rice a bright finish, enhancing all the flavors beautifully!

Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice

Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with 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, finely minced (white parts only)
  • 2-3 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish

For The Lime Fried Rice:

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old and chilled
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1-2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (optional for spice)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes marinating the shrimp, and then it’s just a matter of grilling them and frying the rice together!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, combine minced lemongrass, Thai red chilies, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and toss well to coat them in the marinade. Let this sit for at least 15-20 minutes so the flavors can mingle.

2. Prepare the Grilled Shrimp:

While your shrimp is marinating, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the grill and set aside.

3. Make the Lime Fried Rice:

In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant and translucent. Next, add the diced red bell pepper, corn, and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender. Then, add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry everything together to combine and heat through. Finally, stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and optional Thai chili. Once mixed, remove from heat and fold in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped scallions. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Assemble:

To serve, place the grilled shrimp on top of or alongside the lime fried rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for that final burst of flavor.

5. Enjoy:

For an extra kick, feel free to squeeze some additional lime juice over the shrimp and rice right before digging in. Enjoy your flavorful Thai-inspired feast!

This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors with aromatic lemongrass shrimp and zesty lime fried rice, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner any night of the week!

Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice

FAQ for Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. The best way to do this is by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.

How Do I Store Leftover Lime Fried Rice?

Any leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Can I Prepare the Shrimp Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead of time or even the night before for more flavor. Just remember to grill them fresh before serving for the best texture!

What If I Don’t Have Lemongrass?

If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, you can use lime zest or a few drops of lemon oil as a substitute. Keep in mind that while it won’t replicate the exact flavor, it will add a nice citrusy note!

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