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Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Shrimp Fried Rice is one of those perfect weeknight dinners that transforms simple ingredients into something absolutely delicious. This easy recipe combines tender shrimp with fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking fresh, this one-pan wonder delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and convenient – ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple pantry ingredients that you likely already have at home
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
- Packed with protein from shrimp and eggs, plus nutritious vegetables for a balanced meal
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste
Why This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it follows the fundamental principles of great fried rice. Using day-old rice prevents mushiness, while cooking components separately ensures each ingredient maintains its perfect texture. The combination of sesame and olive oils creates depth of flavor without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
The key is high heat and quick cooking. This technique keeps the shrimp tender and the vegetables crisp while allowing the rice to develop that signature fried rice texture. The scrambled eggs add richness and protein, making this a complete meal in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
This shrimp fried rice recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly forgiving – you can adjust vegetables based on what’s in your freezer, and the cooking method is straightforward enough for beginners yet satisfying for experienced cooks.
The recipe also works perfectly for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store portions for quick lunches throughout the week. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice, turning yesterday’s side dish into today’s main course.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons | Adds nutty flavor and authentic taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | High-heat cooking oil for searing |
| Medium shrimp | 1 pound, peeled | Main protein, provides seafood flavor |
| Frozen peas and carrots | 1 cup | Adds color, nutrition, and texture |
| Frozen corn | ½ cup | Sweet flavor and additional texture |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Aromatic base flavor |
| Large eggs | 3, lightly beaten | Protein and richness |
| Cooked rice | 4 cups | Main carbohydrate base |
| Green onions | 3 tablespoons, sliced | Fresh flavor and color contrast |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 3 tablespoons | Primary seasoning and umami |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances all flavors |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adds mild heat and depth |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large nonstick skillet or wok | Main cooking vessel for high-heat stir-frying |
| Slotted spoon | Removes shrimp while leaving oils in pan |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | Stirring and scrambling without scratching pan |
| Small bowls | Prep containers for organized cooking |
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Heat oils | Heat sesame oil and olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat |
| 2. Cook shrimp | Add shrimp, cook 3 minutes until bright pink and opaque, flipping halfway through |
| 3. Remove shrimp | Use slotted spoon to remove shrimp, leaving oils in pan. Set aside on plate |
| 4. Cook vegetables | Add frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Cook 2 minutes, stirring intermittently |
| 5. Add garlic | Add minced garlic, cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant |
| 6. Scramble eggs | Push vegetables to one side, pour beaten eggs into other side. Scramble 3-4 minutes |
| 7. Combine ingredients | Stir in cooked shrimp, rice, and green onions until well mixed |
| 8. Season and finish | Drizzle with soy sauce, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes until heated through |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for best texture – freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat
- Keep shrimp cooking time short to prevent them from becoming rubbery and tough
- Push ingredients to sides of pan when adding new components to maintain proper cooking zones
- Taste and adjust soy sauce gradually – you can always add more but can’t take it away
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve this shrimp fried rice immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for visual appeal. This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy garlic shrimp dishes for a seafood feast.
For storage, refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture. This recipe also freezes well for up to 2 months, though the texture may be slightly softer after thawing.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Shrimp Fried Rice
The biggest mistake is using freshly cooked, warm rice. This creates a mushy texture that ruins the dish. Always use cold, day-old rice or spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool completely before cooking.
Another common error is overcooking the shrimp. They should be bright pink and just opaque – any longer and they become tough and chewy. Also avoid overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of proper stir-frying.
Don’t add soy sauce too early in the cooking process. Add it near the end to prevent the rice from becoming too dark or salty. For more inspiration, check out this classic shrimp fried rice variation.
You Must Know
- Always thaw frozen vegetables slightly before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan
- Medium-high heat is crucial – too low and ingredients will steam instead of fry properly
- Season gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-salting the entire dish
- Keep all ingredients prepped and ready before starting – this recipe cooks very quickly
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice
For restaurant-quality results, make sure your pan is properly heated before adding ingredients. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This ensures proper searing and prevents sticking.
Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the salty soy sauce. Fresh ginger pairs beautifully with garlic for added aromatic depth.
If you want extra richness, try adding a pat of butter at the very end of cooking. This technique, borrowed from professional kitchens, adds incredible flavor and glossy appearance.
Suggestions for Shrimp Fried Rice Variations
Transform this basic recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for varied textures. Pineapple chunks create a sweet and savory combination that’s particularly delicious.
For protein variations, try combining shrimp with diced chicken or beef. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting shrimp and adding extra eggs or tofu. This versatility makes it perfect for using alongside other favorites like hearty chicken casseroles.
Spice lovers can add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat. For an authentic touch, try adding a few drops of fish sauce along with the soy sauce for deeper umami flavor.
FAQ for Shrimp Fried Rice
FAQs:
While day-old rice works best, you can use fresh rice if you spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool completely. The key is removing excess moisture to prevent mushy fried rice.
Properly cooked shrimp will be bright pink on the outside with opaque, white meat inside. They should feel firm but not rubbery, which takes about 3 minutes total cooking time.
Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead, but it’s best served immediately after cooking. If making ahead, slightly undercook it and reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works best because the grains stay separate. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties which can become mushy when stir-fried.
Start with less soy sauce and add gradually to taste. You can also dilute overly salty fried rice by adding more plain cooked rice or a splash of unsalted broth.
Conclusion
This easy shrimp fried rice recipe proves that delicious, restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With just 25 minutes and simple pantry staples, you can create a satisfying dinner that rivals your favorite takeout.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re a beginner cook or experienced chef, this shrimp fried rice delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Try this popular variation for additional inspiration, or pair it with light desserts for a complete meal experience.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet – Easy Healthy Recipe
- Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Easy 45-Minute Dinner
- Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet – Easy 30-Minute Recipe
- Masterful Homemade Spicy Ramen Bowl for Flavor Seekers!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice transforms day-old rice and basic ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying one-pan meal in under 30 minutes. Packed with juicy shrimp, fluffy eggs, and colorful vegetables, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil and olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat
- Add shrimp, cook 3 minutes until bright pink and opaque, flipping halfway through
- Use slotted spoon to remove shrimp, leaving oils in pan. Set aside on plate
- Add frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Cook 2 minutes, stirring intermittently
- Add minced garlic, cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant
- Push vegetables to one side, pour beaten eggs into other side. Scramble 3-4 minutes
- Stir in cooked shrimp, rice, and green onions until well mixed
- Drizzle with soy sauce, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes until heated through
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture – freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat
- Keep shrimp cooking time short to prevent them from becoming rubbery and tough
- Push ingredients to sides of pan when adding new components to maintain proper cooking zones
- Taste and adjust soy sauce gradually – you can always add more but can’t take it away
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 285mg
Keywords: fried rice variations, shrimp dinner recipes, quick rice skillet, easy Asian recipes, leftover rice ideas, seafood stir-fry
