Shrimp fried rice is one of my favorite quick meals because it delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. This shrimp fried rice comes together in about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. I cook rice, shrimp, eggs, and vegetables together and toss them in a savory sauce that needs no extra spices. The shrimp and sesame oil bring rich, natural flavor on their own.
Another reason I love this shrimp fried rice is that it’s balanced and family-friendly. You get protein from the shrimp and eggs, plus vegetables for added nutrients. It’s also a great way to use leftover rice and clean out the fridge.
This dish is part of Asian cuisine, especially Chinese-inspired cooking, where fried rice is a staple. It’s popular worldwide because it’s quick, customizable, and incredibly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Fried Rice
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- A great way to use leftover rice
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Loved by both kids and adults
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables, chopped evenly – I used peas, carrots and red bell pepper
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Main Ingredients Notes
Rice: Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can become mushy when fried.
Shrimp: Raw shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy. If using cooked shrimp (which I used in this recipe), lightly brown them for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Use evenly chopped vegetables so everything cooks at the same rate. Keep pieces smaller than the shrimp.
Soy sauce: Regular or light soy sauce works the same. You can adjust salt later if using light soy sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that gives fried rice its signature taste.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice
For detailed steps, please refer to the steps with pictures in the recipe card on the bottom of this post.
1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Then, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink. If using cooked shrimp, sauté until lightly browned. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, crack the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Break them into small pieces.
3. Stir-Fry the Rice and Vegetables Add rice and vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes, breaking up any rice clumps.
4. Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the pan. Next, add soy sauce and toss everything together until well combined.
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5. Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Kitchen Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice
- Check the food safety recommendations for sea food here depending on the choice of shrimp you are using (raw or cooked)
- Use cold rice to avoid mushy texture.
- Cook on medium-high heat for better flavor and slight crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, or the rice will steam instead of fry.
- If you have more time, you could cook ingredients separately first, then combine for best texture.
- Let the rice sit briefly in the pan to develop a light crisp.
Substitutions
Rice -Use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice.
Shrimp - Chicken, tofu, or beef can be used instead.
Vegetables - Use carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, or broccoli.
Soy sauce - Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
Green onions - Try chives, cilantro, or parsley for garnish.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
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Why I Love Shrimp Fried Rice
I love this shrimp fried rice because it’s quick, flexible, and always turns out delicious. It’s one of those recipes you can make with what you already have at home. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan, which makes cleanup easy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This usually happens when using freshly cooked rice. Always use cold or day-old rice.
Cook shrimp just until pink, about 2–3 minutes. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Make sure to use enough soy sauce and cook on higher heat. Sesame oil also adds important flavor.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Equipment
- 1 large skillet This is one pan dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined, or cooked shrimp
- 2 counts eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables chopped evenly – I used peas, carrots and red bell pepper
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce regular or light
- 2 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 counts green onions sliced
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink. If using cooked shrimp, sauté until lightly browned. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, crack the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Break them into small pieces.
- Add rice and vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes, breaking up any rice clumps.
- Return shrimp to the pan. Add soy sauce and toss everything together until well combined, for about a minute.
- Remove from heat and plate. Top with sliced green onions.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
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