If you’ve ever craved a comforting meal that bursts with flavor and comes together in a flash, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Combining succulent shrimp, savory soy sauce, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a harmonious blend of taste and texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re weeknight cooking or entertaining friends, this dish offers an easy yet wonderfully satisfying experience everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create a vibrant and flavorful shrimp fried rice that delivers on texture, color, and mouthwatering taste. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing the dish perfectly.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds tender, juicy protein with a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory rice.
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice): Day-old rice works best to achieve that ideal fried rice texture without becoming mushy.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Sesame oil provides a fragrant, nutty richness while vegetable oil is a great neutral alternative.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the dish.
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced (or frozen peas and carrots): Adds a pop of color and satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup green peas (frozen or fresh): Brings a mild sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the rice with its unmistakable savory aroma and flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Creates a silky, protein-rich layer binding the rice and veggies together.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): The classic salty umami seasoning that makes fried rice irresistible.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for added umami): Adds a deeper, richer flavor but can be skipped for a simpler version.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a delicate nutty crunch on top.
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brings freshness and a little bite when sprinkled atop.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink and are cooked through. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside—this way, they’ll stay tender and won’t overcook during later steps.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Toss in the finely diced onions and carrots or your frozen peas and carrots mix. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften just right but retain some bite to keep things interesting. This quick cooking elevates the natural sweetness and creates a fantastic base for the fried rice.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Infuse Flavor
In goes the minced garlic, stirred into the warm vegetables for about 30 seconds. This step releases the garlic’s intoxicating aroma that makes the entire kitchen smell amazing and infuses the rice with that flavorful punch.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked veggies to one side of the skillet to create space. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty spot and scramble them gently until fully cooked. The eggs lend a velvety texture and protein boost while mingling beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Create Crispy Edges
Now it’s time to introduce the day-old cooked rice. Break apart any clumps as you add it to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine evenly. Fry the rice for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to heat through and develop a slight crispiness on the edges that makes fried rice a treat.
Step 6: Season and Combine
Bring your shrimp back into the skillet along with the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce. Stir everything carefully to coat the rice and shrimp perfectly, mixing the layers of texture and flavor. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together and ensure it’s piping hot throughout.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Sprinkle in the ground black pepper to taste, adding warmth that rounds out the dish beautifully. Give one last stir, and you’re almost ready to dig in!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your homemade shrimp fried rice to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that lovely finishing touch. Serve it hot because the contrast of warm rice and fresh garnishes is part of what makes this dish so addictive.
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your shrimp fried rice with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds vibrant color and a delightful crunch, enhancing both the look and taste. For an extra pop, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice on top can elevate the dish even further, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Though this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe can stand proudly on its own, pairing it with simple sides like steamed bok choy, a crisp cucumber salad, or even spring rolls will round out the meal beautifully. These lighter options balance the richness of the fried rice and add variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or shake up your usual routine? Serve your shrimp fried rice in individual pineapple bowls for a tropical vibe, or shape it using a small bowl or ramekin to create neat mounds topped with shrimp and garnishes. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of chili flakes can make the presentation as exciting as the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this recipe uses day-old rice initially, the texture holds up well, but consuming it sooner rather than later is best for optimal freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftover shrimp fried rice, allow it to cool completely, then pack it tightly into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp and vegetables might slightly soften after freezing, but the flavors remain delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator or use refrigerated leftovers directly. Warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to restore crispness, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving without breaking up clumps, as it can cause uneven heating and sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
You can use freshly cooked rice, but day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, helping to create the perfect slightly crisp texture in fried rice.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp for this recipe?
Use a paring knife or shrimp deveiner to remove the shell, and run your finger along the back to pull out the vein. Rinsing the shrimp thoroughly ensures there’s no residue, resulting in cleaner taste.
Can I substitute shrimp with other proteins?
Absolutely! Chicken, tofu, or even cooked pork work wonderfully and can be swapped in to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
Is oyster sauce necessary for this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe?
Oyster sauce is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra boost of umami richness. If you don’t have it, soy sauce alone still delivers fantastic flavor.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicy?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and aromatic flavors. Feel free to add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chilies if you prefer it spicy.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a brilliant combination of simplicity and flavor that comes together faster than you might expect. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish bursting with texture and savoriness, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I encourage you to make it soon—once you do, this recipe will definitely earn a special spot in your kitchen rotation.
Print
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, day-old rice, and fresh vegetables sautéed to perfection. Enhanced with soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, it’s a delightful meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a comforting, savory fried rice.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced (or frozen peas and carrots)
- 1/2 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for added umami)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the diced onion and carrots (or peas and carrots) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp up slightly.
- Season and Combine: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice. Stir everything to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well-mixed and heated through.
- Final Seasoning: Season with black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using day-old rice is best for fried rice as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.
- Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra fragrance if desired.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to your taste, especially if using tamari for gluten-free needs.
