Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a vibrant, flavor-packed paradise! This isn't just another fried rice recipe – it's a game-changing fusion of nutty farro, succulent baby shrimp, and sweet, tangy pineapple that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Imagine a dish so delicious, it breaks all the traditional fried rice rules and creates a mouthwatering experience that's both exotic and comforting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1 lb baby shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse farro thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until farro is tender but slightly chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- Pat baby shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Push vegetables to one side of the pan and add seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add cooled farro to the pan, stirring to combine with vegetables and shrimp. Pour soy sauce over the mixture and toss everything together, ensuring even coating.
- Fold in diced pineapple, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm the fruit and allow flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for added flavor.
Tips
- Farro Preparation: Rinse thoroughly and cook al dente to maintain a slightly chewy texture that holds up beautifully in the fried rice.
- Moisture Management: Pat shrimp and vegetables dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent soggy rice.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or wide skillet on medium-high heat to get that perfect slightly crispy exterior on your ingredients.
- Flavor Layering: Add soy sauce gradually and taste as you go to control the saltiness and develop depth of flavor.
- Pineapple Timing: Add diced pineapple near the end of cooking to preserve its fresh, bright flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Garnish Game: Fresh chopped green onions are not just a garnish – they add a crucial layer of fresh, sharp flavor to the dish.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a small amount of ginger or garlic during the vegetable sautéing stage for additional complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 130mg
