Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is about to become your next obsession. Juicy shrimp, fluffy eggs, tender vegetables, and fragrant rice all come together in a single sizzling skillet, finished off with the perfect hit of umami-rich sauces. This dish is quick enough for busy weeknights, endlessly adaptable, and tastes even better than takeout. Let’s get the wok fired up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe plays an essential role, adding flavor, texture, or vibrant color. The magic comes from simple, everyday components that team up to create a dish everyone will crave.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for getting that classic fried rice sear.
- Shrimp: Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, bring sweet, savory seafood flavor and plenty of protein.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs add richness and satisfying, fluffy bits throughout the dish.
- Day-old jasmine or long-grain rice: Chilled, leftover rice is the secret to achieving individual, non-clumpy grains.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These vegetables add color, nutrition, and a pop of sweetness.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions provide freshness and that unmistakable stir-fry aroma.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the rice with aromatic, savory depth.
- Soy sauce: The umami backbone of the dish—choose a good-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
- Oyster sauce (optional): Adds a subtle, sweet-salty richness that elevates the whole dish.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end adds nutty, toasty fragrance; don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to perfect the flavors to your taste.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes. Once they’re pink and perfectly cooked through, scoop them out and set them aside. This quick cook keeps the shrimp tender and juicy—never rubbery!
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then pour in your lightly beaten eggs. Give them a gentle scramble until just set. Push the eggs to one side of the skillet to make room for the next flavor-building steps. This keeps the eggs fluffy and helps them mingle beautifully with the other ingredients later on.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies
Pop in your minced garlic and let it bloom for just a few seconds—it’ll fill your kitchen with the most tempting aroma! Next, slide in the cold rice and your thawed peas and carrots. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, breaking up any rice clumps. The key to this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is getting the rice hot, separate, and just a little bit toasty.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Season
Return the sautéed shrimp to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you want that extra layer of flavor), and drizzle in the sesame oil. Stir everything together thoroughly, letting the sauces coat the ingredients and create that signature glossy finish. Give it another 2–3 minutes until everything’s heated through and irresistible.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle over the sliced green onions for a rush of freshness and color. This final flourish is like the cherry on top—don’t skip it! Serve your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe hot and enjoy the applause at the table.
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe with extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a dash of chili flakes if you crave a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lime can also brighten up each bite—simple touches that make the dish feel special.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is a star on its own, but it also shines next to Asian-inspired sides. Pair it with crispy spring rolls, a fresh cucumber salad, or a bowl of hot-and-sour soup for a complete homemade feast. Keep it light if you want the rice to stay center stage, or go big for a family-style dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe into small bowls for a party appetizer, or serve it in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun tropical twist! You can even try wrapping a scoop in lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held take. Presentation just adds to the wow factor—you eat with your eyes first!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner. Always use clean utensils when scooping out servings to keep the rice fresh.
Freezing
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled portions into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and steamy. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to help restore moisture. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice feels dry—this will make it taste freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh diced carrots, peas, or even bell peppers can be swapped in—just sauté them for a minute or two longer to ensure they’re tender but still bright and vibrant.
Do I really need day-old rice?
Day-old, chilled rice gives you those classic separated grains instead of clumpy fried rice. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and cool it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using.
Can I make this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Choose gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure your oyster sauce, if using, is also gluten-free. With those tweaks, the whole dish becomes a safe, flavor-packed option.
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
Feel free to swap in diced chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or even a medley of your favorite proteins. Adapt the recipe to whatever you have on hand or whatever you’re craving.
How do I get restaurant-style flavor at home?
Use high heat, cook quickly, and don’t overcrowd your pan. The combination of soy sauce, a hint of oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil makes this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe taste just like your favorite takeout spot.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is comfort food at its finest—quick, customizable, and absolutely bursting with flavor. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and let this dish add a little extra magic to your mealtime rotation!
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Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory flavors of homemade Shrimp Fried Rice. This Asian-inspired dish features tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables stir-fried to perfection. Easy to make and bursting with umami goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Rice:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: Add the remaining oil to the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set, then push to one side. Add garlic, rice, and vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shrimp to the pan, then add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice helps prevent clumping and gives the best texture.
- Add a dash of chili sauce for a spicy kick or swap in other veggies like bell pepper or corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
