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Shrimp Fried Rice: A Flavorful 30-Minute Meal to Delight Your Taste Buds

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Shrimp Fried Rice is a versatile, quick-to-make dish thatā€™s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend treat. Bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and an irresistible aroma, this recipe combines the sweetness of shrimp, the umami of soy sauce, and the heartiness of leftover white rice into a dish that satisfies the entire family. Created by Natasha Kravchuk, this recipe is rated highly by hundreds of food enthusiasts, and for good reason. Not only does it use simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes. The dish is adaptable, making it easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether youā€™re a home cook looking to use up leftovers or a culinary adventurer seeking to elevate a classic, this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is sure to impress.

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Shrimp Fried Rice: A Flavorful 30-Minute Meal to Delight Your Taste Buds

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šŸ„”āœØ Shrimp Fried Rice is the flavorful fix your busy nights need! šŸ¤ Packed with succulent shrimp, tender veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. A delicious one-pan wonder thatā€™s as satisfying as it is simple. Ready for a taste of perfection? šŸ˜

#EasyFriedRice šŸ¤ #QuickAndTasty šŸš #ShrimpLovers šŸ¦ #ComfortFoodDoneRight šŸ” #FlavorExplosion šŸŒŸ #OnePanMeals šŸ„¢ #WeeknightWonders ā±ļø #DeliciousAndEasy ā¤ļø #AsianFusionEats šŸ„” #FoodieFavorites šŸ“

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb uncooked shrimp (26ā€“30 count): Peeled and deveined, these medium-sized shrimp cook quickly and provide a tender, juicy bite.
  • 1 tsp cornstarch: Used to coat the shrimp, this helps achieve a silky texture and prevents them from drying out during cooking.
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and enhancing their natural sweetness.
  • 3 Tbsp light olive oil or canola oil: A neutral cooking oil that allows the other flavors to shine.
  • 4 large eggs, beaten: Eggs add a rich, creamy element to the dish, balancing the flavors and adding protein.
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped: These fragrant greens provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the savory rice.
  • 5 cups leftover chilled white rice: Cold, pre-cooked rice is ideal for fried rice, as it separates easily and absorbs flavors better.
  • 12 oz frozen carrots and peas, thawed: A classic vegetable combination that adds sweetness, color, and crunch.
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (adjust to taste): This ingredient provides the salty, umami depth essential for fried rice.
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil: A few drops of this aromatic oil go a long way in enhancing the dishā€™s nutty flavor.

Instructions

  • Prepare the Shrimp
    Begin by marinating the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with cornstarch, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the shrimp evenly, then let them marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes. This step not only seasons the shrimp but also helps retain their moisture during cooking.
  • Cook the Shrimp
    Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Test the heat by flicking a bead of water onto the panā€”if it sizzles and evaporates instantly, the skillet is ready. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl it around the pan. Carefully add the shrimp, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for 1 minute on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl.
  • Scramble the Eggs
    Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir the eggs continuously with a spatula to break them into smaller pieces as they cook. Once the eggs are fully cooked and no longer runny, remove them from the skillet and set them aside in a separate bowl.
  • SautĆ© the Aromatics
    Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel to remove any residue, then return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the chopped green onions. SautƩ the onions for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Cook the Rice
    Add the chilled rice to the skillet, spreading it out evenly across the pan. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to create a slightly crispy texture. Stir the rice and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors from the skillet.
  • Add Seasonings and Vegetables
    Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or coconut aminos) over the rice, stirring to distribute the sauce evenly. Add the sesame oil for a burst of nutty aroma and toss in the thawed carrots and peas. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly incorporated and heated through.
  • Combine All Ingredients
    Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the components, ensuring the shrimp and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the entire dish is hot and the rice begins to sizzle. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed.

Notes

  • Use Chilled Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can result in a mushy texture. For the best results, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours.
  • Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Fried rice comes together quickly, so itā€™s important to work efficiently.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and tweak the soy sauce or sesame oil according to your preferences. If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
  • Customize the Protein: If shrimp isnā€™t your favorite, swap it out for diced chicken, or tofu.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

The beauty of Shrimp Fried Rice lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Hereā€™s what youā€™ll need:

  • 1 lb uncooked shrimp (26-30 count): Peeled and deveined, these medium-sized shrimp cook quickly and provide a tender, juicy bite.
  • 1 tsp cornstarch: Used to coat the shrimp, this helps achieve a silky texture and prevents them from drying out during cooking.
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and enhancing their natural sweetness.
  • 3 Tbsp light olive oil or canola oil: A neutral cooking oil that allows the other flavors to shine.
  • 4 large eggs, beaten: Eggs add a rich, creamy element to the dish, balancing the flavors and adding protein.
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped: These fragrant greens provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the savory rice.
  • 5 cups leftover chilled white rice: Cold, pre-cooked rice is ideal for fried rice, as it separates easily and absorbs flavors better.
  • 12 oz frozen carrots and peas, thawed: A classic vegetable combination that adds sweetness, color, and crunch.
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (adjust to taste): This ingredient provides the salty, umami depth essential for fried rice.
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil: A few drops of this aromatic oil go a long way in enhancing the dishā€™s nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp
    Begin by marinating the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with cornstarch, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the shrimp evenly, then let them marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes. This step not only seasons the shrimp but also helps retain their moisture during cooking.
  2. Cook the Shrimp
    Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Test the heat by flicking a bead of water onto the panā€”if it sizzles and evaporates instantly, the skillet is ready. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl it around the pan. Carefully add the shrimp, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for 1 minute on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl.
  3. Scramble the Eggs
    Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir the eggs continuously with a spatula to break them into smaller pieces as they cook. Once the eggs are fully cooked and no longer runny, remove them from the skillet and set them aside in a separate bowl.
  4. SautƩ the Aromatics
    Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel to remove any residue, then return it to medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the chopped green onions. SautƩ the onions for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  5. Cook the Rice
    Add the chilled rice to the skillet, spreading it out evenly across the pan. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to create a slightly crispy texture. Stir the rice and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors from the skillet.
  6. Add Seasonings and Vegetables
    Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or coconut aminos) over the rice, stirring to distribute the sauce evenly. Add the sesame oil for a burst of nutty aroma and toss in the thawed carrots and peas. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly incorporated and heated through.
  7. Combine All Ingredients
    Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the components, ensuring the shrimp and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the entire dish is hot and the rice begins to sizzle. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

Shrimp Fried Rice is a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. The shrimp bring a subtle sweetness that complements the salty, umami-rich soy sauce. The vegetables add a fresh crunch, while the scrambled eggs provide a soft, creamy contrast. The sesame oil ties everything together with its distinctive nutty aroma, creating a dish that is both satisfying and fragrant. The chilled rice, which has been transformed into golden, slightly crispy grains, adds an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Tips for Success

  • Use Chilled Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can result in a mushy texture. For the best results, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours.
  • Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Fried rice comes together quickly, so itā€™s important to work efficiently.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and tweak the soy sauce or sesame oil according to your preferences. If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
  • Customize the Protein: If shrimp isnā€™t your favorite, swap it out for diced chicken, pork, or tofu.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
  • Pineapple Fried Rice: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Garlic Butter Fried Rice: SautĆ© minced garlic in butter before adding the rice for a rich, buttery flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other dishes. Serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad, a bowl of miso soup, or steamed dumplings for a well-rounded feast. To elevate the presentation, garnish the fried rice with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish thatā€™s greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas makes it a comforting and satisfying meal thatā€™s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether youā€™re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish delivers every time. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Shrimp Fried Rice transform your mealtime.

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