Shrimp

Shrimp Fried Rice

Name: Shrimp Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups cooked rice, day-old; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 lemon, cut into wedges

By Freya Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Shrimp

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to the simplicity and flavor of shrimp fried rice. This dish is a staple in my household, and I love how it can be customized to suit any taste. In this recipe, I'll share my tips and tricks for making the perfect shrimp fried rice, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking the shrimp to perfection.

I remember the first time I made shrimp fried rice - it was a disaster! The rice was mushy, the shrimp were overcooked, and the whole dish was lacking in flavor. But I didn't give up. I kept experimenting, trying different techniques and ingredients until I finally got it right. Now, I'm excited to share my expertise with you, so you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.

Shrimp fried rice is a great option for a weeknight dinner because it's quick, easy, and can be made with a variety of ingredients you likely have on hand. It's also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, which is a common problem in many households. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make shrimp fried rice from scratch, using fresh ingredients and a few simple techniques.

One of the best things about shrimp fried rice is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding different vegetables, spices, or seasonings. You can also use different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, if you prefer. In this recipe, I'll provide you with a basic framework that you can modify to suit your needs.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, look no further than shrimp fried rice. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a mouth-watering meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables and seasonings
It's a quick and delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
The recipe is also budget-friendly and can be made for a large group of people
You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish, depending on your needs
The dish is also healthy and nutritious, making it a great option for a family dinner

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great shrimp fried rice is to use the right ingredients and to cook them at the right temperature. You want to use day-old rice, which is drier and easier to cook with than freshly cooked rice. You also want to use high-quality shrimp that are fresh and have a good texture.

Another important factor is the wok or skillet you use. You want a wok or skillet that is large enough to hold all the ingredients and that can be heated to a high temperature. This will help you to cook the shrimp and rice quickly and evenly, which is essential for a good fried rice dish.

Finally, the seasoning is also important. You want to use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to give the dish a rich and savory flavor. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic and ginger, to give the dish more depth and complexity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including shrimp, rice, vegetables, and seasonings. You'll also need a wok or large skillet and a few basic cooking tools. Don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients on hand - you can easily substitute or omit them as needed.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality items. For the shrimp, choose ones that are firm and have a good texture. For the rice, use day-old rice that is dry and easy to cook with. For the vegetables, choose a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the dish.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedChoose fresh and high-quality shrimp that are firm and have a good texture. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first.
2 cups cooked rice, day-oldUse day-old rice that is dry and easy to cook with. You can also use leftover rice from a previous meal.
1 tablespoon vegetable oilChoose a neutral-tasting oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
1 small onion, dicedChoose a small onion that is sweet and has a mild flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedChoose fresh and high-quality garlic that is firm and has a good texture. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 cup mixed vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and cornChoose a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the dish. You can also use frozen or canned vegetables if you prefer.
2 teaspoons soy sauceChoose a high-quality soy sauce that is rich and savory. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos if you prefer.
1 teaspoon oyster sauceChoose a high-quality oyster sauce that is rich and savory. You can also use hoisin sauce or fish sauce if you prefer.
1 teaspoon sesame oilChoose a high-quality sesame oil that is rich and nutty. You can also use other oils, such as peanut or avocado oil, if you prefer.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to taste to add flavor and depth to the dish. You can also use other seasonings, such as sugar or chili flakes, if you prefer.
2 green onions, choppedChoose fresh and high-quality green onions that are firm and have a good texture. You can also use other herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if you prefer.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesChoose a fresh and high-quality lemon that is firm and has a good texture. You can also use other citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSpatula and tongs

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced onion and cook until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6
Push the rice to one side of the skillet or wok. Add a little more oil if necessary, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the other side of the skillet or wok.
7
Cook the shrimp until they are pink and reach 145 F (63 C), about 2-3 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the shrimp.
8
Stir-fry the shrimp with the rice and vegetables for 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined.
9
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet or wok and stir-fry for 1 minute, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
10
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir-fry for another minute.
11
Transfer the shrimp fried rice to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
12
Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the shrimp to stay juicy.

Expert Tips

Use day-old rice to make the best shrimp fried rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make the dish clumpy and unappetizing.
Choose high-quality shrimp that are fresh and have a good texture. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don't overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and reach 145 F (63 C) internally, but still be juicy and tender.
Use a variety of colors and textures to add depth and interest to the dish. This can include mixed vegetables, chopped green onions, and lemon wedges.
Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite ingredients to the dish. This can include other proteins, such as chicken or tofu, or other seasonings, such as sugar or chili flakes.
Make sure to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and constantly, to prevent them from burning or becoming too brown. This will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Use a large enough skillet or wok to hold all the ingredients. This will help to prevent the dish from becoming too crowded and clumpy.
Don't overcrowd the skillet or wok. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary, to ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly and quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice. This can make the dish clumpy and unappetizing.
Overcooking the shrimp. This can make them tough and dry, instead of juicy and tender.
Not using enough oil in the skillet or wok. This can cause the ingredients to stick and burn, instead of cooking evenly and quickly.
Not stirring the ingredients quickly and constantly. This can cause them to burn or become too brown, instead of cooking evenly and quickly.
Adding too much soy sauce or oyster sauce. This can make the dish too salty and overpowering, instead of balanced and flavorful.
Not letting the dish rest before serving. This can cause the flavors to not meld together, and the shrimp to not stay juicy and tender.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding other proteins, such as chicken or tofu, to the dish. This can add variety and interest to the recipe.
Using different types of vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to add color and texture to the dish.
Adding other seasonings, such as sugar or chili flakes, to the dish. This can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Using different types of oil, such as peanut or avocado oil, to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Adding nuts or seeds, such as cashews or sesame seeds, to the dish. This can add crunch and texture to the recipe.
Using different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, to add flavor and brightness to the dish.
Adding other herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the dish. This can add freshness and flavor to the recipe.

What to Serve With Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main dish, with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. You can also serve it as a side dish, with a main course such as grilled chicken or beef.

Here are some ideas for serving shrimp fried rice: with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots, with a salad of mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette, or with a bowl of egg drop soup. You can also serve it with a variety of drinks, such as iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Steamed broccoli or carrotsMixed greens salad with citrus vinaigretteEgg drop soupGrilled chicken or beefFried wontons or egg rollsPickled ginger or wasabi

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Shrimp fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

To freeze the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. When you're ready to reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it's heated through and crispy.

Here are some tips for reheating shrimp fried rice: use a little oil to prevent sticking, stir constantly to prevent burning, and add a little water if the dish becomes too dry. You can also add other ingredients, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, to the dish during reheating to add flavor and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for shrimp fried rice?

Day-old rice is best for shrimp fried rice, as it is drier and easier to cook with than freshly cooked rice. You can also use leftover rice from a previous meal.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and dry?

To prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and dry, make sure to not overcook them. They should be pink and reach 145 F (63 C) internally, but still be juicy and tender.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

What type of oil is best for stir-frying?

A neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is best for stir-frying. You can also use other oils, such as peanut or avocado oil, if you prefer.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish, such as other proteins, vegetables, or seasonings. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

How do I store shrimp fried rice?

Shrimp fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

How do I reheat shrimp fried rice?

To reheat shrimp fried rice, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it's heated through and crispy. You can also add a little oil to prevent sticking and a little water if the dish becomes too dry.

Can I make shrimp fried rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make shrimp fried rice ahead of time. Simply cook the rice and let it cool, then prepare the other ingredients and stir-fry them together. Store the dish in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it.

The Full Recipe

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