Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

If you crave sizzling, restaurant-style Shrimp Fried Rice that’s ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Packed with succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, veggies, and umami-rich sauce, it delivers everything you love in a takeout classic—fast, fresh, and ten times tastier at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Fried Rice works hard to deliver flavor, color, and texture. The best part? The entire list is full of staples—no need to hunt down anything fancy, just simple basics building a symphony of taste.

• Large shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star—quick to cook and beautifully juicy. Opt for wild-caught if available.
• Kosher salt & ground white pepper: These seasonings let each ingredient shine while adding subtle warmth and dimension.
• Avocado oil: With a high smoke point, avocado oil keeps everything crisp and clean—no greasy aftertaste.
• Onion: Diced onion lends gentle sweetness and rounds out the aromatics.
• Green scallions: Both the white and green parts add their own punch: sharp zest and fresh pop for the finish.
• Garlic & ginger: These aromatics layer the classic takeout flavor you crave in Shrimp Fried Rice—don’t skip!
• Frozen peas and carrots: No prep needed—these bring color, nutrition, and classic fried rice vibe in one swoop.
• Large eggs: Whisked and quickly scrambled, they build that signature pillowy texture you expect from great fried rice.
• Cooked white rice: Day-old rice works best, holding up to the hot pan without getting mushy or clumpy.
• Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos: For deep umami and a gluten-free twist—use your favorite for peak savoriness.
• Toasted sesame oil: Just a drizzle transforms every bite with irresistible aroma and authenticity.

Variations

Think of this Shrimp Fried Rice as your culinary blank slate—it’s so easy to adapt! Play around with proteins, load up on extra veg, or tweak the flavorings to fit your table’s preferences or dietary needs.

• Chicken or Tofu Fried Rice: Swap the shrimp for diced chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu for a new take.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn—this recipe loves a veggie boost.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat in their Shrimp Fried Rice.
• Low-Carb Version: Try cauliflower rice in place of jasmine for a lighter, low-carb weeknight dinner.

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper in a medium bowl. This quick step ensures every bite of shrimp is perfectly flavored, right from the very beginning.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 30 seconds, just until opaque and pink—then quickly transfer to a plate to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Aromatics

In the same pan, add your diced onion, the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry these for about a minute, just until fragrant and softened—your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Add frozen peas and carrots straight from the bag—no need to thaw! Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they’re warmed through and bright.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and gently scramble until just set. This way, your eggs stay fluffy and distinct, never rubbery or lost in the mix.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Rice, Shrimp & Sauce

Add your cooked rice, reserved shrimp, tamari or soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together over high heat for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and the rice heat through. Each grain should be glistening and every shrimp nestled in beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the green parts of your scallions for a fresh, crisp finish. Scoop straight into bowls and dig in immediately—you’ll want every bite piping hot!

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice

Garnishes

Top your piping-hot Shrimp Fried Rice with a shower of sliced green onions, a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, or a dash of chili oil if you like extra heat. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add a bright, lively finish too!

Side Dishes

Pair your Shrimp Fried Rice with a simple cucumber salad, miso soup, or steamed edamame for a complete meal. If you’re serving a crowd, it also plays beautifully alongside dumplings or crispy spring rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the rice into individual bowls for effortless weeknight dinners, or try packing it into ramekins and unmolding for a festive, restaurant-worthy presentation. Tiny lettuce cups filled with Shrimp Fried Rice make a fun appetizer for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Shrimp Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the rice has cooled to room temperature before sealing—it helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the texture spot-on.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Let the fried rice cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious lunch or easy dinner down the road.

Reheating

To bring leftover Shrimp Fried Rice back to life, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, tossing gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covering the bowl to trap steam and keep everything moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe sure to win you over from takeout forever, it’s this Shrimp Fried Rice! Whip it up tonight and watch it disappear from everyone’s plates—there’s just something irresistible about homemade, skillet-fresh fried rice made with love. Enjoy!

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