Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

If you crave that irresistible blend of plump shrimp, savory veggies, tender eggs, and perfectly seasoned, slightly crisp rice, Shrimp Fried Rice is about to become your go-to dinner. This vibrant one-pan wonder is faster than takeout—and oh-so-satisfying when made at home!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Shrimp Fried Rice such a weeknight winner? It’s all about simple, accessible ingredients that each bring something special to the party! Here’s a closer look at each key player and a few tips for making them shine.

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Go for medium or large—just be careful not to overcook for tender, juicy bites.
• Cooked rice (white or brown): Day-old rice works best for that irresistible fried rice texture; if you only have fresh, chill it for an hour first.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that distinctive toasty aroma and nutty flavor.
• Canola oil: Perfect for its high smoke point, ensuring beautiful searing on the shrimp.
• Frozen peas and diced carrots blend: These are classic for color and crunch—no need to thaw!
• Canned sweet corn: Adds pops of sweetness and a sunny color contrast.
• Green onions: Both garnish and flavor-booster, they brighten each bite.
• Garlic cloves: Four cloves give plenty of punch; mince them finely for even cooking.
• Large eggs: Lightly beaten, they transform into silky scrambled strands tucked throughout the rice.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: This adds deep, savory umami without making things too salty.
• Rice wine: Provides subtle complexity and melds flavors together beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Optional—taste at the end and adjust only as needed.

Variations

The best part about Shrimp Fried Rice? You can endlessly tweak it to fit your mood or pantry. Here are some tried-and-true ways to shake things up—and feel free to make it your own as you go!

• Swap the protein: Try diced chicken, tofu, or even leftover roast pork instead of shrimp.
• Go extra veggie: Stir in edamame, bell peppers, baby spinach, or whatever you have on hand for more color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Low-carb option: Substitute half (or all) of the rice for cauliflower rice to keep things lighter.

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating your canola oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for about five minutes—just until they’re golden-brown and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan and avoid overcooking for the juiciest shrimp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same skillet, drizzle in the sesame oil and drop in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—that fragrance will be incredible! Next, toss in the peas, carrots, corn, and green onions. Sauté everything for about 2 minutes, just until the veggies begin to soften and the colors pop.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of your skillet, giving yourself space to pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Let them set for a few seconds, then gently scramble, stirring as needed, until just cooked through but still tender. Combine with the veggies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan, followed by your rice. Pour over the soy sauce and rice wine, then stir-fry everything together for another two minutes. The rice should absorb all those incredible flavors, and everything gets heated through. Taste and add salt or pepper if desired, then serve piping hot!

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice

Garnishes

Bring your Shrimp Fried Rice to life with the finishing touches! A sprinkling of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds both color and bite. For a little zing, try a light drizzle of sriracha or chili oil, or toss on a handful of fresh cilantro for a lively pop of green.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal on its own, but if you’d like to round out the table, serve your Shrimp Fried Rice with steamed broccoli, miso soup, or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad. These sides brighten the meal and add freshness alongside every flavorful bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Shrimp Fried Rice in pineapple bowls for a tropical touch or ladle it into small bowls for a party appetizer—complete with tiny forks or chopsticks! Bento boxes make lunch-time presentation extra cute and portable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or speedy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you decide to freeze your Shrimp Fried Rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible, and enjoy within one month for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring often until hot. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen things up. The microwave works, too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a real joy in making Shrimp Fried Rice at home—it’s comforting, quick, and packed with flavor in every forkful. Grab those fresh ingredients, fire up your wok, and treat yourself to a dish that’s better than takeout. I hope this recipe finds a spot in your regular rotation—your taste buds will thank you!

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