🦐 Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe – Better Than Takeout!
If you love the satisfying mix of tender shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and savory soy sauce, then you’re in for a treat! This shrimp fried rice recipe is quick, flavorful, and tastes even better than takeout. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from choosing the right rice and shrimp to mastering the perfect stir-fry technique. Plus, you’ll find expert tips, variations, and storage suggestions to make this your go-to shrimp fried rice recipe every time.
🍚 What Is Shrimp Fried Rice?
Shrimp fried rice is a classic Asian-inspired dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with shrimp, vegetables, eggs, and soy-based seasonings. It’s a complete meal in one pan — high in protein, rich in flavor, and ready in minutes. The key to great fried rice lies in using cold, day-old rice that fries up with that irresistible chewy, non-sticky texture.
🧂 Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.
✅ One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup required.
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or spice level.
✅ Tastes like restaurant takeout – But healthier and budget-friendly.
✅ Perfect for leftovers – Great way to use up extra rice or veggies.
🍤 Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect shrimp fried rice recipe at home:
🦐 Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium or large size)
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
🍶 Seasoning & Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds great depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Sriracha (optional for spice)
🔪 How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to master the perfect shrimp fried rice recipe every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, prep everything — chop veggies, beat eggs, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This ensures quick, even cooking since fried rice moves fast once you start stir-frying.
💡 Pro tip: Using dry shrimp prevents sogginess and helps them sear beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
You don’t want to overcook them here — they’ll go back into the pan later.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
- Add a bit more oil to the same pan.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until just set.
- Push them to one side of the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add your mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Rice
- Add your cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to get that signature fried rice texture.
💡 Tip: If your rice feels too sticky, drizzle a touch of oil while stir-frying to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add Seasonings & Shrimp
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar (if using).
- Stir well until all the rice is evenly coated.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Finish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Serve hot — straight from the wok — and enjoy your delicious shrimp fried rice!
🕒 Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Fried Rice
Here are some expert tips to take your shrimp fried rice recipe to the next level:
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too soft and will turn mushy. Cold rice fries beautifully.
- High heat is key: Fried rice needs quick, high-heat cooking to give it that smoky, “wok hei” flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you double the recipe, cook in batches for better texture.
- Add shrimp last: This prevents overcooking and keeps them juicy.
- Customize it: Swap shrimp for chicken, beef, or tofu if desired.
🌈 Variations to Try
This shrimp fried rice recipe is super versatile! Try one of these fun twists:
🍍 Hawaiian Shrimp Fried Rice
Add pineapple chunks and diced ham for a sweet and savory island-inspired twist.
🌶️ Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Toss in chili paste, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
🥦 Healthy Veggie Shrimp Fried Rice
Load up on broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for a lighter version.
🍛 Thai-Style Shrimp Fried Rice
Use fish sauce, lime juice, and cilantro for a zesty Thai flavor.
🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
Add a pat of butter and double the garlic for a rich, aromatic version.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Fried Rice
🧃 Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil for best results.
- Alternatively, microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
💡 Tip: Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to keep it from drying out.
🥡 What to Serve with Shrimp Fried Rice
While shrimp fried rice can stand alone as a complete meal, it also pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired dishes. Here are some ideas:
- 🥢 Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
- 🍜 Chicken or Shrimp Lo Mein
- 🥬 Garlic Bok Choy or Stir-Fried Broccoli
- 🍗 Teriyaki Chicken
- 🥣 Hot and Sour Soup
Or simply serve it with a side of soy sauce, chili oil, or kimchi for an extra flavor kick.
💪 Health Benefits of Shrimp Fried Rice
Believe it or not, shrimp fried rice can be quite nutritious when made at home. Here’s why:
- High in protein: Shrimp and eggs provide lean protein that keeps you full longer.
- Rich in vitamins & minerals: Veggies like peas and carrots add fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
- Low in fat: When cooked with minimal oil, it’s much lighter than restaurant versions.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free meal.
🧾 Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups cold cooked rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink; remove and set aside.
- Scramble eggs in the same pan and push them to the side.
- Add garlic and vegetables; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add rice and break up any clumps.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Return shrimp to the pan and mix well.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This shrimp fried rice recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever that takeout craving hits. Once you try it, you’ll never look at restaurant fried rice the same way again!
So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and make this shrimp fried rice recipe tonight — your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!
