Chinese fried rice with shrimp

This is a more subdued version of fried rice than the spicier Thai fried rice. It’s a great dish to make if you have cooked rice on hand and a great vehicle for whatever vegetables may be in your refrigerator. Feel free to add other cooked vegetables, meat or seafood. 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut in 3/4-inch pieces 1 tablespoon dry sherry 5 to 6 cups cooked and cooled basmati or long-grain rice 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated 1/2 cup cooked fresh or thawed frozen peas 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1. Beat one of the eggs in a small bowl and salt lightly. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a small nonstick frying pan, and add the beaten egg. Swirl in the pan until the egg forms an even coat, like a thin pancake. When the egg is cooked through, roll up and slide onto a plate. Cut in thin strips (you can use a scissors or a knife). Set aside. 2. Heat a wok or large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water evaporates upon contact. Add the remaining oil and swirl around the pan, then add the shrimp and cook about one minute, stirring and tossing with a spatula or wok scoop until just about cooked through and pink. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the sherry, and stir everything together. When the sizzling stops, pour in the remaining beaten egg. Stir-fry until scrambled, and add the rice. Cook the rice — scooping it up, then pressing it into the pan and scooping it up again — for about two minutes. Stir in white and lighter green parts of the scallions, the peas and the soy sauce. Stir together for about half a minute, and transfer to a warm serving platter. Sprinkle the egg strips, scallion greens and cilantro over the top. Serve hot. Yield: Serves four to six. Advance preparation: This dish is best served right away, but you can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead.