Easy on the wallet, easy to make!
If you’re craving bold, spicy, and savory fried rice without blowing your budget, this Jerk Shrimp Fried Rice is the answer. Because takeout is expensive in this economy, this shrimp fried rice recipe is not only delicious, but budget-friendly as well! Packed with Caribbean flavor, crispy bits of SPAM, and tender jumbo shrimp, this dish is everything you love about takeout, but made right at home, for a fraction of the cost.
Let’s be honest, ordering fried rice with shrimp or jerk anything from your favorite takeout spot can get expensive. But making shrimp fried rice at home? You not only control the heat and freshness, but you also save serious cash. This recipe uses budget-friendly pantry staples and stretches across multiple servings, making it perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even impressing guests. They might expect it to be made regularly, so be careful about how long you plan on letting them stay over!
I love just how easy it is to control the spice levels of this recipe. I like it spicy but of course you can add more/less of the jerk marinade to your liking. Plus, this recipe features a homemade Yum Yum sauce served on the side that compliments the dish perfectly! You can find the recipe to the sauce below!
https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-homemade-yum-yum-sauc/
And don’t skip the toasted cashews or scallions on top. They add the perfect nutty crunch and brightness to finish this shrimp fried rice dish.
Skip the takeout menu tonight and treat yourself to shrimp fried rice, a dish that tastes even better straight from your own kitchen.
Grocery list for the jerk shrimp fried rice
- 1–2 lbs jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp jerk marinade
- 1 package SPAM, finely diced
- Oil for pan frying
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tsp vegetable seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 3–4 cups day-old rice
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 diced scallion (for garnish)
- ½ cup cashew halves (optional, toasted)
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Fried Rice with Yum Yum Sauce
Description
Save money and skip the takeout with this flavorful Jerk Shrimp Fried Rice recipe! Featuring jumbo shrimp, jerk marinade, crisp veggies, and savory SPAM, it’s an easy, satisfying meal with big flavor. Paired perfectly with creamy homemade Yum Yum Sauce!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the Shrimp – Toss shrimp with salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and jerk marinade. Set aside to marinate.
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Crisp the SPAM – In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil and pan-fry the diced SPAM until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
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Scramble the Eggs – In the same pan, add sesame oil and scramble the eggs. Remove and set aside.
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Cook Aromatics & Veggies – Add butter to the pan, then sauté the scotch bonnet pepper, bell peppers, and onion until softened. Stir in the peas, carrots, and garlic paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir Fry the Rice – Add the day-old rice, vegetable seasoning, soy sauce, and stir to combine. Mix in cooked SPAM, scrambled eggs, and shrimp. Cook until everything is heated through and shrimp is fully cooked.
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Finish and Garnish – Add scallions and toasted cashew halves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
