Mouthwatering Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Every Family Loves

Whipping up a mouthwatering shrimp fried rice could be your weekend culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Busy home cooks understand the magic of one-pan meals that come together effortlessly.

Fresh shrimp dancing with fluffy rice creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Pantry staples and minimal prep work make this dish a go-to comfort meal.

Crispy edges, savory bits, and a hint of umami will have you craving seconds.

Make this recipe and watch everyone at the table ask for more.

Shrimp Fried Rice That’s Easy and Delicious

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This shrimp fried rice delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Master Fast Cooking: The one-pan technique means less cleanup and faster meal preparation, allowing you to go from ingredients to plate in under 20 minutes without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the combination of tender shrimp, soft rice, and colorful vegetables, making this a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies multiple taste preferences in one simple meal.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adding extra veggies, swapping proteins, or adjusting seasonings, giving home cooks the flexibility to make this dish uniquely their own every single time.

Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredient Rundown

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that adds delightful ocean flavor to the fried rice. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, with tail-off variety easier for eating.

• Cooked Rice: The hearty foundation of the dish providing satisfying texture. Day-old rice works best for preventing mushiness and achieving perfect fried rice consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide deep savory base notes and aromatic foundation. Fresh ingredients recommended for maximum flavor impact.

• Peas, Carrots: Colorful vegetables adding nutrition, sweetness, and texture. Frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient alternative.

• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and saltiness to the entire dish. Low-sodium options available for health-conscious cooks.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, fragrant undertone that elevates the overall rice flavor. Use sparingly for best results.

• Cooking Oil: Provides necessary lubrication for sautéing and preventing sticking. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work perfectly.

Stir-Fried Shrimp Fried Rice That’s Packed with Flavor

Step 1: Prep The Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and cook them quickly in a hot pan with a splash of oil.

Make them golden and perfectly cooked, then set them aside on a plate.

The key is quick cooking to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until the onions turn soft and the garlic releases its amazing aroma, creating a delicious foundation for your rice.

Step 3: Transform Rice Into Magic

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots

Stir everything together, letting the ingredients dance and warm up.

The goal is to create a beautiful, colorful mix that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Season And Combine

Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, then return the cooked shrimp to the pan.

Give everything a great big mix, ensuring each grain of rice gets coated with those incredible flavors.

Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Plate And Devour

Transfer your incredible shrimp fried rice to serving plates.

The dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, with all its sizzling, aromatic goodness ready to make your taste buds dance.

Shrimp Fried Rice Tips for Easy, Delicious Results

• Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent texture and easier preparation, ensuring quick and even cooking.
• Use day-old cold rice to prevent clumping and achieve that classic restaurant-style fried rice with separated, crispy grains.
• Swap frozen peas and carrots with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and personalized flavor.
• Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil quantities to suit your taste preferences, keeping the dish neither too salty nor bland.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or scrambled eggs for a versatile meal that accommodates different dietary needs and preferences.

Reheat Shrimp Fried Rice

• Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Let the rice cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring food safety and best quality.
• Warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally until heated evenly throughout.

Easy Pairings for Shrimp Fried Rice

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this shrimp fried rice with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Refreshing Asian Beer Match: Select a light lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to balance the salty soy sauce and provide a crisp counterpoint to the warm, savory rice dish.
• Zesty Citrus Cocktail Accent: Mix a quick ginger-lime cocktail or mocktail that echoes the Asian-inspired flavors, adding a bright, tangy note that enhances the shrimp and vegetable medley.
• Clean Palate Cleanser: Serve a simple cucumber-mint water alongside the meal to refresh the taste buds between bites and highlight the dish's subtle seasonings.

Shrimp Fried Rice with Quick Upgrades

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace shrimp with extra-firm tofu or mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Asian Fusion: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays separate and doesn’t become mushy when stir-fried. Day-old rice that’s slightly dried out works even better for achieving the perfect fried rice texture.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work great in this fried rice.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped chili peppers if you want a kick. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

You can add scrambled eggs to the pan or include additional proteins like diced chicken, tofu, or even cooked ham to boost the protein content of the dish.

So Easy Yet Delicious Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tantalizing Korean-inspired shrimp fried rice delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and quick comfort. Rich seafood and crisp vegetables dance together, promising a satisfying meal that transports you to bustling Seoul street markets in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old works best)

Vegetables:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 1 onion, chopped and diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Quickly sear the shrimp in a hot skillet with a touch of oil until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they’re just cooked through. Transfer the succulent shrimp to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, gently sweat the diced onions until they become translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the pan.
3. Introduce the pre-cooked rice into the fragrant mixture, along with vibrant peas and tender carrots. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
4. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, creating a rich, umami-packed flavor profile. Carefully fold the reserved shrimp back into the skillet, allowing all ingredients to meld together.
5. Continue stirring and tossing the mixture for an additional minute, ensuring each grain of rice is glistening and heated uniformly. Remove from heat and plate immediately to capture the dish’s optimal temperature and texture.
6. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of green onions for an extra layer of freshness and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Keep shrimp tender by cooking quickly over high heat, avoiding overcooking which makes them rubbery.
• Use cold, day-old rice for best texture and to prevent mushy fried rice; freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture.
• Customize protein options by substituting shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef to suit different dietary preferences or available ingredients.
• Add a scrambled egg for extra richness and traditional fried rice flavor, mixing it directly into the rice while cooking for even distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg