Mastering Steak & Shrimp Fried Rice: Your Ultimate Traeger Flatrock Griddle Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a griddle, especially when it’s transforming simple ingredients into a spectacular meal like homemade fried rice. This isn’t just any fried rice; it’s a gourmet experience crafted on the Traeger Flatrock griddle, bringing together the rich flavors of succulent steak, tender shrimp, and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, all infused with a subtle smoky aroma. It’s a complete, satisfying, and endlessly customizable dish that consistently delights family and friends, making it my absolute favorite meal to whip up on the flat top.
The magic truly happens on the Traeger Flatrock griddle. Unlike traditional stovetop cooking, its expansive surface and three distinct heat zones allow for simultaneous preparation of every component. This means you can achieve a perfect, golden sear on your jasmine rice, caramelize the proteins to perfection, and keep your vegetables crisp-tender—all at once. The even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking, while the unique outdoor cooking environment imparts a subtle smokiness that elevates the flavors to a level simply unattainable indoors. It’s ideal for turning a fun, weeknight meal into an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Why You Should Master This Traeger Flatrock Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and an exciting cooking experience, this griddle fried rice is for you. Here’s why it stands out:
- A Powerhouse of Protein and Veggies: This isn’t a side dish; it’s a complete, well-rounded meal. Loaded with tender sirloin steak, juicy shrimp, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables like broccoli, squash, and bean sprouts, it provides a fantastic balance of nutrients. The beauty is its adaptability – almost any protein or vegetable you have on hand can be incorporated, making it a flexible solution for using up leftovers or catering to diverse tastes.
- Lightning-Fast and Infinitely Customizable: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, especially with pre-cooked rice. Its quick cooking time doesn’t compromise on flavor, and its inherent flexibility means you can easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s dietary preferences or seasonal availability. Whether you prefer chicken, pork, tofu, or different vegetables, this recipe serves as a versatile blueprint.
- Unmatched Smoky Griddle Flavor: The Traeger Flatrock isn’t just a cooking surface; it’s a flavor enhancer. The high heat of the griddle creates a desirable crust on the rice and proteins, known as “wok hei” or breath of the wok, while infusing everything with a subtle, yet distinct, smoky essence that you simply can’t replicate on a stovetop. There’s a special joy and unmatched taste that comes from cooking outdoors, turning meal prep into an enjoyable event.
Essential Ingredients for Your Traeger Flatrock Fried Rice
Crafting the perfect fried rice begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its distinctive texture and layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious steak and shrimp fried rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice – The foundation of any great fried rice. Jasmine rice is prized for its light, fragrant aroma and ability to hold its texture when fried, preventing a mushy result. For optimal results, cook your rice the day before and spread it thinly on a baking sheet to dry out in the refrigerator overnight. This critical step ensures each grain develops a slight crispness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – A fundamental ingredient that delivers a salty, savory umami depth, enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
- 4 tbsp salted butter – Adds a rich, creamy flavor and is essential for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing ingredients from sticking to the hot griddle surface. Its fat content is key for that desired “fried” texture.
- 1/2 white onion, diced – Provides a subtle sweetness and a crucial aromatic base that mellows and becomes flavorful when sautéed.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce – This thick, savory, and slightly sweet sauce is a game-changer, imparting an incredible umami richness and a beautiful glaze to the dish. It’s one of the secret ingredients for authentic flavor.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – Aromatic and nutty, sesame oil is added at the end to give the fried rice a smooth finish and prevent the grains from clumping together, adding an authentic Asian-inspired touch.
- 3 large eggs – Scrambled eggs add a wonderful protein boost and a silky, soft texture that complements the rice and other ingredients.
- 1 cup broccoli florets – Offers a delightful crunch and a generous dose of nutrients, providing a fresh contrast to the richer elements.
- 1 cup diced squash (e.g., zucchini or yellow squash) – Contributes a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant pop of color, softening beautifully on the griddle.
- 1 cup bean sprouts – These fresh, crisp sprouts are tossed in at the very end to add a refreshing crunch and lightness, essential for balancing the richness of the fried rice.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (not in original ingredient list, but in instructions. Adding for consistency) – A classic fried rice addition for color, sweetness, and a touch of vegetable goodness.
- Two 8 oz sirloin steaks – Chosen for its tenderness and rich beefy flavor, sirloin adds a hearty, substantial element. Marinating it briefly in soy sauce while cooking on the griddle enhances its flavor even further.
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off – Quick-cooking and incredibly juicy, shrimp provides a delicious seafood complement, adding another layer of protein and texture.
- 1 tbsp Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning – A versatile spice blend that expertly ties together all the savory and smoky elements, providing a balanced and flavorful kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fried Rice on the Traeger Flatrock
Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping fried rice dish on your Traeger Flatrock griddle, maximizing its unique capabilities for a truly exceptional meal.
1. Prepare and Dry the Rice: This is arguably the most crucial step for perfect fried rice. Cook your jasmine rice according to package directions a day in advance. Once cooked, spread the rice out evenly on a large baking sheet. This maximizes air exposure, allowing the moisture to evaporate. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator overnight (ideally 8-12 hours) to ensure the rice grains are dry and firm. If you’re short on time, a minimum of four hours will suffice, but the dryer the rice, the less clumpy and more ‘fried’ it will become.
2. Preheat and Prepare Your Flatrock Griddle: Turn on your Traeger Flatrock griddle and preheat it to medium-high heat. The Flatrock’s multiple zones are perfect for this, allowing different ingredients to cook simultaneously at their ideal temperatures. You can test the griddle’s readiness by splashing a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly. Once hot, spread a tablespoon of salted butter across a generous portion of the griddle surface, creating a glistening, non-stick base for the rice and other components.
3. Begin Frying the Rice and Aromatics: Add the cold, dried rice directly onto the buttered griddle surface. Spread it out thinly to maximize contact with the hot surface and allow it to slightly steam and crisp up. As the rice begins to heat, add two more tablespoons of salted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the grains. Spritz generously with soy sauce to infuse flavor. Now, add your diced white onion and frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry constantly, using your spatulas to break up any clumps and ensure even cooking. The goal is a light golden-brown color and a slightly chewy, non-sticky texture. At the very end of this stage, drizzle in the sesame oil. This adds a beautiful nutty aroma and helps keep the rice grains separate and flavorful.
4. Scramble the Eggs: Create a clear space on one side of the griddle by pushing the rice mixture to the other. Pour your beaten eggs onto this cleared, hot surface. Scramble them quickly with your spatula until they are fully cooked but still soft and fluffy. Once cooked, gently fold the scrambled eggs into the fried rice mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the dish. The eggs add a lovely texture and an additional layer of protein.
5. Cook the Proteins: In another clean section of the griddle (or by briefly moving the rice aside), add a fresh tablespoon of butter. Place your sirloin steaks directly onto the hot griddle and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness, to achieve a beautiful crust. Once seared, remove them, slice into bite-sized chunks, and return them to the griddle. Immediately add your raw shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes. While cooking, season both the steak and shrimp generously with Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning, a splash of soy sauce, and a drizzle of oyster sauce. This layering of flavor is key. Once perfectly cooked, set the proteins aside with the rice, or integrate them now if preferred.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: Add one final tablespoon of butter to a clean section of the griddle. Add the broccoli florets and diced squash. Sauté them, tossing frequently, until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crunch, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the bean sprouts and cook for just an additional minute or so – you want them to remain crisp. Finish by adding a light, even layer of oyster sauce over the vegetables, allowing it to coat and glaze them, enhancing their flavor.
7. Combine and Serve Hot: Now comes the grand finale! You can either keep the rice, proteins, and vegetables separate on your plates, allowing each component to shine individually, or gently combine them all on the griddle for a fully integrated dish. Serve your smoky, savory fried rice masterpiece immediately and savor the incredible flavors and textures. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Unleash Your Creativity: Variations and Substitutions
This fried rice recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Alternate Rubs and Seasonings: While Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning adds a fantastic depth, you can keep it simple with just salt and black pepper for a classic approach. Other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of ginger, or even a dash of Chinese five-spice powder for an aromatic twist. Teriyaki sauce can also be a wonderful addition for a sweeter, tangier profile.
- Protein Power-Ups: The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability. Swap the sirloin steak with diced chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced pork, or even ground turkey for different flavors and textures. For a delicious vegetarian or vegan option, firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, fries up beautifully and absorbs flavors wonderfully. Just be sure to sear it until golden brown for the best texture.
- Low-Carb Alternatives: Looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake? Replace traditional jasmine rice with cauliflower rice. While the texture will be different, it still makes a delicious and healthy alternative. Ensure the cauliflower rice is well-drained and stir-fried to remove excess moisture for the best result.
- Seasonal Vegetable Medley: The vegetable selection is completely up to you! Replace broccoli and squash with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Some excellent choices include bell peppers (any color), snap peas, mushrooms, shredded cabbage, carrots (freshly diced instead of frozen), or corn. Always aim for a colorful mix for both visual appeal and a broader range of nutrients. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Griddle Fried Rice Success
Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice on your Traeger Flatrock is easy with these insider tips:
- The Golden Rule of Day-Old Rice: We can’t stress this enough! Using cold, day-old jasmine rice is the single most important tip for perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which will lead to a sticky, mushy mess. Drying it out overnight in the fridge allows the grains to firm up and separate, resulting in that desirable slightly crispy, distinct texture.
- Masterful Flavor Layering: Don’t just dump all your sauces at once. Build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process. I like to season my proteins as they begin to cook, creating a foundation. Then, after slicing the steaks into pieces and adding shrimp, I’ll drizzle them with soy sauce and oyster sauce, allowing them to marinate slightly as they continue to cook. This ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Utilize Griddle Heat Zones: The Traeger Flatrock’s multi-zone heating is your superpower. Designate specific areas for different ingredients:
- High Heat Zone: Perfect for searing proteins like steak and shrimp quickly to achieve a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
- Medium Heat Zone: Ideal for stir-frying rice to get that slight crispness and for cooking vegetables until they are crisp-tender, without overcooking them.
- Low Heat Zone: Can be used to keep cooked ingredients warm, or to gently scramble eggs without burning.
By using these zones effectively, you can cook everything simultaneously and prevent overcooked or undercooked components, ensuring a cohesive and delicious final dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: While the Flatrock is large, avoid overloading any single section. Cooking in smaller batches, if necessary, allows ingredients to sear and cook properly rather than steam. This is key for that signature fried rice texture.
- Keep Your Tools Handy: Two large spatulas are essential for efficient stir-frying and flipping. A cooking dome can also be useful for steaming vegetables or melting cheese (if you get adventurous with your fried rice!).
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your fried rice as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed. Different brands of soy sauce and oyster sauce can vary in salinity and sweetness. A little extra soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, or a sprinkle of sugar can make a big difference.
Fried Rice on the Traeger Flatrock
Equipment
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1 Flat top griddle (Traeger Flatrock recommended)
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2 Large Spatulas
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1 Cooking Dome (optional, for steaming)
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1 Sharp Knife
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1 Baking sheet (for drying rice)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (day-old, cold)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter
- 1/2 whole white onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Broccoli (florets)
- 1 cup Diced Squash
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts
- 1 cup Frozen Peas and Carrots
- 8 oz Sirloin Steak (or two 4 oz steaks)
- 8 oz Shrimp, peeled, deveined & tail off
- 1 tbsp Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning
Instructions
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Cook your jasmine rice according to package directions a day in advance. Once cooked, spread the rice out evenly on a large baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator overnight to dry out. This critical step ensures each grain develops a slight crispness. If you’re short on time, let it dry for a minimum of four hours.
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Preheat your Traeger Flatrock griddle to medium-high heat. Test readiness by splashing a small amount of water on the surface; it should sizzle and boil off quickly. Once hot, spread a tablespoon of butter across a generous portion of the surface.
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Add the cold, dried rice directly to the buttered griddle surface and spread it thinly. Allow it to steam and slightly crisp. As it cooks, add two tablespoons of butter and spritz on the soy sauce. Add in the frozen peas and carrots, as well as the diced white onion. Stir-fry constantly. At the very end, add the sesame oil to enhance flavor and prevent clumping.
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Push the rice to one side of the griddle to create a clear space. Pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble them quickly until fully cooked and fluffy before incorporating them into the fried rice mixture.
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Add another tablespoon of butter to the griddle. Sear the sirloin steaks until a crust forms, then cut into bite-sized chunks. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink and opaque. Season both proteins with Smoked Q Rock’s Anytime Seasoning, soy sauce, and oyster sauce before setting aside.
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Add a final tablespoon of butter. Cook the broccoli and squash until slightly softened but still crisp. Toss in the bean sprouts and cook for an additional minute. Finish by adding a light layer of oyster sauce over the vegetables.
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Serve your delicious fried rice immediately. You can either combine the rice, proteins, and veggies directly on the griddle and then scoop onto plates, or plate them separately for a deconstructed presentation. Enjoy your smoky, savory fried rice masterpiece!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.