This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner. Tender shrimp, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings are stir-fried together in one pan for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover rice or preparing a fast weeknight dinner, this easy homemade fried rice is always a delicious choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason fried rice is one of the most popular takeout dishes, and this homemade version is even better. Juicy shrimp cook in minutes while leftover rice absorbs the rich flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. The combination of fluffy eggs, sweet peas, and carrots creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. Best of all, everything cooks in one skillet or wok, making cleanup quick and easy.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- Ready in only 30 minutes
- Better than takeout
- Perfect for using leftover rice
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil, canola oil, or rice bran oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 cups cooked cold rice, grains separated
- ¾ cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let the shrimp rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large wok or non-stick skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the surface.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 30 seconds until they are nearly cooked through but still slightly translucent in the center.
Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a small amount of oil if necessary.
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and gently scramble until they are mostly cooked but still slightly soft.
Transfer the eggs to the bowl with the shrimp.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Wipe out the skillet with paper towels if needed.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped green onions and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cold rice, breaking apart any remaining clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the peas and carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until warmed.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp and scrambled eggs to the skillet.
Add the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper if desired.
Serve the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe immediately, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Day-old refrigerated rice works best because it’s drier and fries without becoming mushy.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Cook over high heat to achieve authentic fried rice flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Add minced garlic or fresh ginger for extra flavor.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, Dairy-Free
Notes
- Cold leftover rice produces the best texture.
- Brown rice or jasmine rice both work well.
- Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Substitute chicken, beef, or tofu for shrimp if desired.
- Drizzle with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Fresh rice contains more moisture and can become sticky. For the best fried rice, use rice that has been chilled in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
What type of shrimp works best?
Small or medium raw shrimp cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the rice, making every bite flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with certified gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, edamame, and cabbage all make excellent additions.
How do I keep fried rice from becoming soggy?
Use cold rice, cook over high heat, and avoid adding too much soy sauce.
Can I prepare Shrimp Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot skillet for the best texture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover Shrimp Fried Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet with a small splash of oil, or microwave until thoroughly heated.
Similar Recipes
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil canola oil, or rice bran oil
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 4 cups cooked cold rice grains separated
- ¾ cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let the shrimp rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large wok or non-stick skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 30 seconds until they are nearly cooked through but still slightly translucent in the center.
- Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl.
- Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add a small amount of oil if necessary.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and gently scramble until they are mostly cooked but still slightly soft.
- Transfer the eggs to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
- Wipe out the skillet with paper towels if needed.
- Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped green onions and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cold rice, breaking apart any remaining clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Step 5: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the peas and carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until warmed.
- Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp and scrambled eggs to the skillet.
- Add the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper if desired.
- Serve the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe immediately, garnished with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Cold leftover rice produces the best texture.
- Brown rice or jasmine rice both work well.
- Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Substitute chicken, beef, or tofu for shrimp if desired.
- Drizzle with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a simple, satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Tender shrimp, fluffy eggs, colorful vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in one skillet to create a homemade version that’s every bit as delicious as your favorite takeout. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a comforting and flavorful dinner.