Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is quick, easy and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and is much better (and healthier) than takeout. This shrimp fried rice recipe makes fried rice that is fluffy, non-greasy and loaded with delicious shrimp in every bite.

If you love low effort, high reward meals – this one is for you! It’s the perfect one pot meal that does not hold back on flavor. This shrimp fried rice is made with simple pantry staples and can be adapted with whatever veggies you have on hand. If you make fried rice often, check out my easy spicy egg fried rice and chicken fried rice recipes too. I’m sure you’ll love them!

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

The best fried rice recipes are often the simplest and this shrimp fried rice is no different. It is made with minimal ingredients without skimping out on flavor. Check the recipe card at the end for the detailed recipe.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice

• Shrimp: Medium sized shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined). Other sizes work too.
• Rice: Cold cooked rice makes the best fried rice.
• Garlic: Add more or less based on preference.
• Scallions: Green onions or spring onions can work too.
• Eggs: Adds flavor, texture and extra protein.
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Seasonings: Light soy sauce, chicken bouillon powder (or MSG), red chili flakes, salt and pepper.
• Cooking oil: Neutral cooking oil like sunflower, canola, peanut or avocado oil.

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

It’s essential to keep everything prepped as this shrimp fried rice comes together very quickly. Be sure to adjust heat as you go to prevent anything from burning.

1. Chop and marinate shrimp: Finely chop 1/3 of the shrimp. This will help flavor the fried rice and sneak in a bit of shrimp in every bite. Mix the remaining shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Let it sit while you prep the remaining ingredients.
2. Prep the vegetables: Mince garlic and white part of the scallions. Slice the scallion green tops for garnish. Peel and dice a carrot into small pieces.
3. Sear shrimp: Heat some oil in a wok and stir fry the whole marinated shrimp on high heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove seared shrimp and reduce the heat to low.
4. Scramble eggs: In a bowl, beat 2 eggs with a pinch of salt. Add it to the wok and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
5. Stir fry aromatics: Add some oil to the wok if needed and set flame to medium. Stir fry the minced garlic and scallion whites for 1 minute. Next add the chopped shrimp and stir fry for 1 minute. Add the red chili flakes, diced carrot and stir fry for 2 minutes.
6. Stir fry rice: Increase flame to high and add in the cold rice. Mix well and stir fry for 2 minutes.
7. Add seasonings: Add light soy sauce and chicken powder and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Once the rice is fluffy, taste and adjust salt as needed.
8. Add shrimp and eggs: Add the stir-fried shrimp and eggs and mix well.
9. Garnish: Switch off the flame and add the scallion greens. It will cook in the residual heat.

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Tips to Make Best Fried Rice

If your fried rice turns out clumpy, soggy or under-seasoned, you might need to improve your technique. Here are some tried and tested tips that will help you make take-out style fried rice at home.

• Use cold rice: Use day-old, cold, or leftover rice. Cold rice grains are firmer and less likely to clump together, resulting in a better texture for fried rice.
• Prep ingredients in advance: Fried rice comes together quickly, and having everything prepared in advance prevents burning or overcooking.
• Stir fry the rice well: Use a wok or a large, flat-bottomed pan and stir fry rice over high heat until all the grains are lightly fried. This improves the texture and flavor.
• Add Aromatics: Stir fry aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions in oil for a minute before adding other ingredients. This enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
• Garnish: Finish the fried rice with a lot of scallions or spring onions for a burst of freshness.

What to Serve with Shrimp Fried Rice

Turn your dinner table into a feast with these delicious takeout style dishes!

Fried Spring Rolls

Chinese Garlic Chicken

Chow Mein

Substitute Ingredients

• Shrimp: chicken, crab meat, eggs or tofu
• Scallions: Green onions, spring onions or cilantro (for garnish)
• Carrot: Peas, corn, bell peppers, green beans or zucchini
• Soy sauce: Salt, fish sauce or liquid aminos
• Red chili flakes: Hot chili powder or cayenne powder
• Chicken bouillon powder: MSG, mushroom powder, stock powder