This dish pairs juicy grilled shrimp with a zesty Thai chili and lemongrass sauce, creating a party of flavors. The lime fried rice adds a bright twist that keeps it fresh!
I love how the tangy shrimp and the fragrant rice make for a delicious meal. It’s perfect for summer nights or when you just want to impress your friends with something tasty! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work great for this recipe. You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are thawed before marinating. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using firm tofu or grilled vegetables instead.
Lemongrass: This ingredient adds a fresh, citrusy flavor. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, you can substitute with lime zest or lemon zest for a similar fragrance, though it won’t be as intense.
Thai Chilies: They pack quite a punch, but you can adjust the heat to your liking. If you want a milder sauce, use red bell pepper or remove the seeds from the chilies. Alternatively, use jalapeños or even crushed red pepper.
Fish Sauce: This adds depth of flavor. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute with soy sauce or a mushroom-based sauce for a similar umami taste.
Corn and Mushrooms: You can use any vegetables you have on hand! Peas, carrots, or even zucchini would work well here. Fresh is better, but frozen veggies are also a quick and convenient option.
How Do You Grill Shrimp Without Overcooking It?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here are some tips to expertly grill shrimp without drying them out:
- Marinate shrimp for 20-30 minutes to enhance flavor but avoid too long, as the acid can start to cook them.
- Skewer shrimp to make flipping easier. If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill or pan before cooking to get that nice char and flavor. Aim for medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. They should be pink and opaque when done; overcooking makes them rubbery.
- If unsure, remove them from the grill just before they are fully cooked. They’ll continue to cook off the heat!
Enjoy making this dish! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Marinade and Grilling:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks lemongrass (white part only), finely minced
- 2-3 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for grilling)
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish
For the Lime Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as shiitake or oyster)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or Thai basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 15 minutes marinating the shrimp, and another 15 minutes cooking the shrimp and making the fried rice. It’s a quick and delightful dish perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine minced lemongrass, chopped Thai chilies, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Before grilling, lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
4. Grill the Shrimp:
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning). Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are slightly charred. Once done, remove them from the grill and set aside.
5. Make the Lime Fried Rice:
In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and optional Thai chilies, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in the corn, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Add the cooked jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes to mix everything together. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped scallions, and herbs, tossing everything for another minute.
6. Serve It Up:
On each plate, scoop a generous helping of lime fried rice and top it with the grilled lemongrass chili shrimp. If you like, garnish with extra fresh herbs and lime wedges for that fresh zing!
Enjoy the bright, spicy flavors of this Thai-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with freshness!
FAQ: Easy Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Lime Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating them. You can thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer Thai chilies or remove the seeds before adding them to the marinade. You can also substitute with milder peppers like jalapeños or simply omit them entirely.
Can I Make the Fried Rice Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the fried rice up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh veggie salad or steamed greens for a complete meal. For extra flavor, offer lime wedges on the side!
