If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian takeout right into your own kitchen, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is absolutely the answer. Bursting with tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Not only does it come together fast, but each bite delivers a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes that make this dish an all-time favorite. Whether you’re a fried rice fanatic or just discovering its magic, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and visual appeal. The simplicity of these essentials allows the freshness of the shrimp and the vibrant veggies to shine through, while sauces tie everything together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base perfect for stir-frying ingredients evenly.
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Delivers succulent seafood flavor and protein to the dish.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Adds richness and fluffy texture through quick scrambling.
- 1 small onion (diced): Introduces a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savory depth to awaken the senses.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Offers vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old): The heart of the dish, cold rice prevents clumping for perfect fried rice texture.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Infuses the dish with salty, umami richness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds extra depth with subtle sweetness and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Finishes with a fragrant, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish): Provides a fresh, mild oniony crunch that brightens each bite.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Quickly scramble them, stirring constantly, and remove once they are just set but still soft. These eggs add a delightful fluffiness and subtle richness that complements the savory shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until they soften and become fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the thawed peas and carrots, giving them a couple of minutes to cook through, bringing a lovely pop of color and mild sweetness to the mix.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Protein
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the cold, day-old rice. Add this to the pan and break apart any clumps with a spatula to ensure every grain is separated and ready to soak up the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan, folding everything together gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, and the aromatic sesame oil. Toss everything with a spatula, stir-frying the rice mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and all ingredients are well coated. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed — seasoning makes all the difference in bringing this shrimp fried rice recipe to life!
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions on top of your shrimp fried rice just before serving. This simple garnish adds a crisp freshness and a mild onion bite that contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory rice. You can also toss in a few toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and extra appeal.
Side Dishes
Looking for what to serve alongside this shrimp fried rice recipe? A light Asian cucumber salad or steamed bok choy dressed with soy sauce and garlic perfectly complements the dish without overpowering your plate. Alternatively, pair it with a hot bowl of miso soup to turn your meal into a satisfying multi-course experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, try serving the shrimp fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves— the fruity sweetness adds a fun tropical vibe that guests will love. Or, for a casual family meal, serve it in colorful bowls topped with a fried egg for an added layer of indulgence and presentation flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner. Just make sure the rice has cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if you want to keep them longer. Place the fried rice in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the frozen or refrigerated shrimp fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice as it reheats. Stir frequently to ensure the shrimp stays tender and the rice doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
While fresh rice works in a pinch, day-old rice is best for this shrimp fried rice recipe because it’s dryer and less sticky, which helps achieve those fluffy, separate grains essential to perfect fried rice.
What can I substitute for shrimp if I don’t eat seafood?
You can swap shrimp for diced chicken, tofu, or even extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. These options provide great texture and protein while keeping the dish delicious and versatile.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds a lovely depth and a slight sweetness, but if you don’t have it or prefer to leave it out, the soy sauce and sesame oil alone still create a flavorful base for the shrimp fried rice recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh, omit the eggs, and use a vegan oyster sauce alternative or just soy sauce. The veggies and seasonings will keep the dish vibrant and tasty.
How spicy is this dish?
This shrimp fried rice recipe is not spicy by default, making it family-friendly. However, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chili to spice things up to your liking!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about whipping up a homemade Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe, especially knowing it’s packed with fresh ingredients and full of flavor. It’s a quick, customizable, and downright delicious way to brighten your dinner table any day of the week. So grab your pan, prep your ingredients, and get ready to savor a plateful of golden, savory goodness that’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
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Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This delicious Shrimp Fried Rice recipe offers a quick and easy Asian-inspired main course, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Made with succulent shrimp, fluffy day-old rice, vibrant peas and carrots, and a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces, it delivers authentic takeout flavors right in your kitchen. Stir-fried to perfection with scrambled eggs and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Egg Mixture
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Rice and Sauces
- 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them quickly, cooking just until set. Remove the eggs and set aside with the shrimp.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add Rice and Combine Ingredients: Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan.
- Season and Stir-Fry: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and evenly coated with sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot for a flavorful, easy meal.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice for best texture and to prevent stickiness.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or extra vegetables for variation.
- Adjust soy and oyster sauce quantities to your taste preference or dietary needs.
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooked to avoid any seafood-related food safety issues.
