Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and satisfying meal that balances tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables with savory sauces. Perfect for using leftover rice, this dish comes together quickly and makes a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 26-30 count uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp light olive oil or canola oil, divided
• 4 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 cup green onion (finely chopped)
• 5 cups leftover chilled white rice (rinse rice before cooking)
• 12 oz frozen carrots and peas (thawed)
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (or more to taste)
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Spread shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1 minute per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp to a bowl.
3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add beaten eggs. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until set and no longer runny. Remove eggs to a bowl.
4. Step 4: Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Return to medium-high heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and chopped green onions. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Add chilled rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with green onions. Spread rice evenly and let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until sizzling, then stir and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and stir well. Add sesame oil and thawed carrots and peas, mixing thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Return cooked shrimp and eggs to the skillet. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the rice is hot and sizzling. Adjust soy sauce to taste if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old chilled rice for best texture; freshly cooked rice tends to clump.
• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add a splash of toasted chili oil or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality and safety.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?

It’s best to use chilled leftover rice because fresh rice is softer and can become mushy when stir-fried. If using fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly?

Cook shrimp until it turns opaque and pink all the way through, usually about 1 minute per side depending on size. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so watch closely.

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all stir-fried with savory soy and sesame oils. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious way to use leftover rice, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a quick cooking method for a tasty homemade meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb 26-30 count uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp LIGHT olive oil or canola oil
• 4 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 cup green onion (finely chopped)
• 5 cups leftover chilled white rice (rinse rice before cooking)
• 12 oz frozen carrots and peas (thawed)
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (or added to taste)
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp: In a medium bowl, mix shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and slightly tenderize the shrimp.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side, or until shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Remove shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
3. Add beaten eggs: Reduce heat to medium and use the same skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs and break them up with a spatula as they cook. Stir until eggs are fully cooked but still moist. Remove eggs to a separate bowl.
4. Cook green onion: Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the finely chopped green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Spread rice: Stir in the rinsed leftover rice. Spread it evenly over the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a slight crust. Stir and continue to sauté another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice to sizzle and heat thoroughly.
6. Add sauces and veggies: Drizzle 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste) over the rice and stir well. Add the sesame oil and thawed frozen carrots and peas. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
7. Combine shrimp and eggs: Return the cooked shrimp and eggs to the skillet and mix well into the rice and vegetables. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the rice is hot and sizzling. Adjust soy sauce to taste if needed.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice before cooking ensures separated grains and prevents clumping.
• Use day-old leftover rice for best texture; fresh rice can become mushy.
• You can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on dietary salt restrictions.
• Make sure shrimp are fully cooked and opaque before adding back to the rice.
• To add extra protein, feel free to include diced cooked chicken or tofu in place of or with shrimp.
• For more flavor, garnish with additional chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Keywords: shrimp fried rice, easy fried rice, quick dinner, Asian recipe, stir fry rice, leftover rice recipe