Irresistible Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: A Speedy Dinner Delight

Crafting delectable shrimp fried rice brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Fragrant jasmine rice dances with succulent seafood in this classic Asian comfort dish.

Weeknight dinners transform when you combine crisp vegetables and plump, juicy shrimp.

Skillful wok techniques create delightful layers of flavor that sing with each bite.

Seasoned home chefs know simple ingredients can become extraordinary with the right technique.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this recipe a total game-changer for busy cooks.

Jump into this delicious adventure and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement.

Why You’ll Enjoy Shrimp Fried Rice

• Tackle Quick Cooking: Shrimp fried rice delivers a speedy meal solution that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete meal using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing cooking efficiency for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs without compromising the recipe's core technique.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Combine protein-rich shrimp, colorful vegetables, and balanced carbohydrates for a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional requirements.

What Goes In Shrimp Fried Rice

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides protein and a delicate ocean flavor to the fried rice.

• Rice: Cooked and cooled rice serves as the foundational base for this classic Asian-inspired dish.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and fresh flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Carrots, Frozen Peas: Colorful vegetables that provide additional nutrition and textural contrast.

• Eggs: Protein-rich component that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How To Cook Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep Cool Rice

Cool down previously cooked rice in the refrigerator for several hours. Cold rice separates easily and prevents sticky clumps during frying.

Step 2: Ready Shrimp

Clean and peel shrimp, removing dark vein. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden edges when cooking.

Step 3: Whisk Fluffy Eggs

In a bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and well-blended, creating a silky base for scrambling.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Crank up your wok or large skillet to high heat. Add a generous splash of vegetable oil to create a sizzling cooking environment.

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

Quickly cook eggs until just set, moving them around the pan. Transfer to a separate plate, keeping them light and fluffy.

Step 6: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Toss minced garlic into the hot pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 7: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the pan, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

Step 8: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Diced carrots
• Frozen peas

Stir-fry for 2 minutes to slightly soften and brighten the mixture.

Step 9: Add Rice Magic

Dump cold rice into the hot pan. Break up any clumps and spread evenly across the cooking surface.

Step 10: Season with Flair

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss thoroughly to coat every grain with delicious flavor.

Step 11: Reunite Eggs

Gently fold scrambled eggs back into the rice and shrimp mixture.

Step 12: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top, giving a final toss to blend all ingredients.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Transfer to serving plates right away, ensuring a piping hot and flavor-packed meal.

Helpful Ideas For Shrimp Fried Rice

• Prep Rice Like a Pro: Use day-old refrigerated rice to prevent sticky, mushy texture and achieve restaurant-quality fried rice with perfect separated grains.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from shrimp using paper towels to ensure crisp, golden exterior when cooking and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Heat wok or skillet to high temperature before adding ingredients to create authentic wok hei flavor and prevent soggy, greasy results.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Stir-fry ingredients rapidly over high heat, moving constantly to maintain texture and prevent burning while developing deep, complex flavors.
• Add Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions just before serving to introduce bright, sharp flavor and vibrant color to the finished dish.

Tasty Twists On Shrimp Fried Rice

• Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Fried Rice: Kick up the heat by adding sriracha sauce directly into the rice mixture, creating a fiery version that packs a punch for spice lovers.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Rice: Transform the classic recipe by incorporating fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp Fried Rice: Introduce rich coconut milk and mild curry powder during cooking, giving the dish a creamy and aromatic southeast Asian profile.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Shrimp Rice: Fold in diced fresh pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor combination that brightens the traditional fried rice recipe.

Great Sides With Shrimp Fried Rice

• Amplify Flavor Fusion: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the delicate shrimp and bright Asian seasonings, cutting through the richness while enhancing seafood notes.
• Complement Texture Contrast: Light Asian-style lager beer provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory fried rice, cleansing the palate with each crisp sip.
• Elevate Umami Experience: Dry Riesling offers subtle sweetness that balances the soy sauce's saltiness and highlights the shrimp's natural sweetness.
• Balance Aromatic Profile: Jasmine green tea delivers a clean, subtle backdrop that echoes the dish's delicate garlic and sesame undertones without overwhelming the complex flavors.

How To Store And Reheat Shrimp Fried Rice

• Transfer leftover shrimp fried rice into airtight containers with tight-sealing lids, preventing moisture and maintaining freshness.
• Allow rice to completely cool down to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture quality.
• Pack fried rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Warm refrigerated rice in microwave with splash of water, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and restore original moisture and taste.

Common Questions About Shrimp Fried Rice

• Why is using cold, day-old rice important for fried rice?

Cold rice has less moisture and firmer texture, preventing clumping and allowing each grain to separate during stir-frying, which creates the perfect non-sticky, crispy fried rice.

• How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over high heat for just 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.

• Can I substitute vegetable oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use peanut oil or canola oil, which have high smoke points and neutral flavors that work well for stir-frying. Avoid olive oil, as it burns at high temperatures.

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade “Shrimp Fried Rice” brings Chinese culinary magic straight to kitchen tables with succulent seafood and perfectly seasoned grains. Quick and satisfying, this classic dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors that invite comfort and delight with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1/2 lb shrimp
• 3 eggs

Rice/Starch Base:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup green onions
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook rice ahead of time and allow to cool completely, preferably refrigerated for several hours to prevent clumping and ensure optimal texture.
2. Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and promote better searing.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, creating a smooth mixture for quick scrambling.
4. Heat wok or large skillet over high heat, adding vegetable oil to create an intense cooking surface.
5. Quickly scramble eggs until just set, removing and setting aside to maintain fluffy texture.
6. In same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing aromatic oils.
7. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until they turn pink and opaque.
8. Incorporate diced carrots and frozen peas, stir-frying for additional 2 minutes to slightly soften vegetables.
9. Introduce cold rice to hot pan, breaking up any clumps and ensuring even distribution.
10. Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper over rice mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat ingredients.
11. Return scrambled eggs to pan, gently folding into rice and shrimp mixture.
12. Sprinkle chopped green onions, giving final toss and ensuring all components are well combined.
13. Remove from heat and serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Prep Rice in Advance: Refrigerate cooked rice for several hours to achieve the perfect dry, separated grains that prevent mushy fried rice.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from shrimp to ensure they sear beautifully and develop a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• High Heat is Key: Use a scorching hot wok or skillet to create that authentic restaurant-style wok hei flavor and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap shrimp with tofu or chicken for protein variety, use gluten-free soy sauce for celiac-friendly version, or add extra vegetables for a more nutrient-dense meal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg