Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish at home. Featuring tender shrimp, fluffy rice, eggs, peas, carrots, and savory seasonings, this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or satisfying takeout cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses leftover rice for the best texture
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Better than takeout and budget-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil, canola oil, or rice bran oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, minced
- 4 cups leftover rice, grains separated well
- 3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a medium bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 30 seconds without moving.
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds until mostly cooked through.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
- Reduce heat to medium and add a little oil if needed.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble.
- When the eggs are still slightly soft, transfer them to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining oil.
- Add the green onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, breaking apart any clumps.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the peas and carrots and stir until heated through.
- Return the shrimp and eggs to the pan.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice.
Tips & Tricks
- Use day-old rice for the best fried rice texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat.
- Cook shrimp only until just done to keep them tender.
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or broccoli.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or fresh ginger.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Option Available, Gluten-Free Option Available
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for freshness.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or extra vegetables.
- Increase the soy sauce slightly for a richer flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but cooled rice works best. Fresh rice can become mushy when stir-fried.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Small or medium shrimp work well because they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
How do I prevent fried rice from becoming soggy?
Use cold, day-old rice and cook over high heat.
Can I make Shrimp Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well and reheats beautifully for quick meals.
Can I freeze fried rice?
Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Is Shrimp Fried Rice healthy?
It can be a balanced meal, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one dish.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small raw shrimp shelled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil canola oil, or rice bran oil
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 green onions minced
- 4 cups leftover rice grains separated well
- 3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a medium bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 30 seconds without moving.
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds until mostly cooked through.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
- Reduce heat to medium and add a little oil if needed.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble.
- When the eggs are still slightly soft, transfer them to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining oil.
- Add the green onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, breaking apart any clumps.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the peas and carrots and stir until heated through.
- Return the shrimp and eggs to the pan.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for freshness.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or extra vegetables.
- Increase the soy sauce slightly for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings classic takeout flavors straight to your kitchen. With juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, vegetables, and savory seasonings, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a quick dinner or meal prep, this homemade Shrimp Fried Rice delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.