The Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes Flat

Shrimp fried rice upgrades ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances with vibrant flavors and textures.

This classic Asian-inspired dish blends succulent seafood with fragrant grains in a symphony of deliciousness.

Tender shrimp nestle among perfectly seasoned rice, creating a harmonious balance of proteins and carbohydrates.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of crisp vegetables and savory seafood that awakens your taste buds.

Carefully selected spices elevate the humble ingredients, turning a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Home cooks can easily master this versatile recipe with a few strategic techniques and fresh components.

Rich in protein and bursting with umami goodness, this dish offers a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

What Makes Shrimp Fried Rice Special

• Savor Speedy Seafood Delight: This shrimp fried rice delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick and satisfying meal.
• Enjoy Texture-Rich Comfort: The dish combines tender shrimp, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly cooked rice with crisp vegetables, creating a delightful mix of soft and crunchy textures in every bite.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Using a single skillet makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor through layered cooking techniques that build depth and richness throughout the cooking process.

Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds protein and oceanic flavor, preferably fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp with no blackened edges.
• Eggs: Provides richness and protein, fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks work best.

• Onions, Carrots, Garlic: Classic aromatic trio that builds a flavor foundation, choose fresh and firm vegetables for best texture.
• Green Onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor, choose crisp green tops.
• Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that provides color and gentle sweetness, frozen peas work perfectly.

• Rice: Day-old cold rice works best for perfect fried rice texture, preferably long-grain white rice.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, authentic Asian flavor, use sparingly for best results.
• Soy Sauce: Provides depth and saltiness, choose low-sodium for better control.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

How to Prepare Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add more vegetable oil to the same skillet.

Toss in the onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Cook Scrambled Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side.

Scramble the eggs, then mix them in with the vegetables once cooked.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Seasonings

Add cooked rice, peas, and soy sauce to the skillet.

Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is hot and blended.

Step 5: Final Touch

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and drizzle in sesame oil.

Mix everything together and cook for one more minute.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

Enjoy your shrimp fried rice hot and fresh from the pan.

Tips for Making Shrimp Fried Rice

• Prep Shrimp Perfectly: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming.
• Master Rice Texture: Use day-old cold rice for best results, as it separates easily and prevents clumping during stir-frying.
• Rapid High-Heat Cooking: Keep skillet hot and stir quickly to achieve that classic restaurant-style fried rice with slightly crispy edges.
• Season Strategically: Add soy sauce gradually and taste as you go to control saltiness and avoid overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to prevent burning and maintain authentic wok-style cooking technique.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Fried Rice Leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover shrimp fried rice into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container away from raw ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
• Freezer Storage: Pack the cooled fried rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen shrimp fried rice maintains best quality for 1-2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra oil to restore moisture. Microwave option works best when covered and stirred halfway through, ensuring even heating. Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and maintain delicious flavor.

Shrimp Fried Rice Pairing Suggestions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the fried rice.
• Match with Refreshing Asian Beer: Choose a cold Tsingtao, Sapporo, or Asahi to balance the salty soy sauce and enhance the dish's umami profile with its clean, crisp finish.
• Serve with Ginger-Citrus Mocktail: Create a non-alcoholic drink mixing ginger ale, fresh lime juice, and a touch of orange zest to mirror the dish's bright, savory notes and cleanse the palate.
• Complement with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple side of thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a cool, tangy contrast to the warm fried rice.

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Fried Rice: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce for a fiery kick, creating a bold and zesty flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp Fried Rice: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of yellow curry powder and a splash of coconut milk to transform the dish with rich, aromatic Southeast Asian-inspired notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Rice: Replace soy sauce with lemon juice, add chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-style interpretation of the classic fried rice.
• Protein Power Rice Bowl: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to create a more protein-packed and nutrient-dense version of the original recipe.

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Chinese shrimp fried rice brings together juicy seafood and fluffy rice in a quick, satisfying one-pan meal. Sizzling wok-tossed ingredients and aromatic seasonings create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• ¾ pound (0.75 lb) Shrimp, peeled and deveined

Grains & Starches:

• 3 cups White rice, cooked long grain

Produce:

• ½ cup Carrots, finely diced
• ½ cup Onion, chopped
• ¼ cup Green onions, chopped
• ½ cup Peas, frozen
• 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced

Proteins:

• 2 Eggs, beaten

Oils & Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil, toasted
• 4 teaspoons Vegetable oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, pouring of vegetable oil across the surface.
2. Place shrimp into the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Cook until the seafood transforms into a vibrant pink hue and becomes completely opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Introduce the remaining vegetable oil into the same skillet. Add diced onions, julienned carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables soften and develop a translucent appearance, roughly 4-5 minutes.
4. Create a small clearing in the skillet, pouring beaten eggs into the vacant space. Gently scramble the eggs, gradually incorporating them with the sautéed vegetables once they reach a fluffy consistency.
5. Incorporate cooked rice, green peas, and soy sauce into the skillet. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, allowing the mixture to heat evenly for 3-4 minutes.
6. Reintroduce the previously cooked shrimp into the skillet, drizzling sesame oil and mixing thoroughly. Warm the ingredients together for an additional minute to meld flavors.
7. Garnish with finely chopped green onions immediately before serving, adding a fresh, crisp element to the dish.

Notes

• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent overcooking, watching for a pink and opaque appearance which signals perfect doneness.
• Use day-old rice for best texture, as fresh rice can become mushy and clump together during stir-frying.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, fast cooking process in the hot skillet.
• Select medium to large shrimp for a more substantial and satisfying protein component in the dish.
• High heat and constant stirring are crucial for achieving that classic restaurant-style fried rice with slightly crispy edges.
• Customize by adding extra vegetables or swapping proteins like chicken or tofu for variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg