If you have ever craved a delightful, quick, and flavorful dish that brings the perfect blend of savory shrimp and vibrant vegetables, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a harmonious fusion of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and fluffy rice, all kissed with the right amount of soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day of the week when you want something both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to elevate your dinner game while keeping things delightfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is half the fun when making the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from providing the perfect texture to adding bursts of flavor and color that make this dish pop.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined to ensure a tender bite and easy cooking.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors without overpowering.
- Ground white pepper: Offers subtle heat and a mild spice that blends seamlessly.
- Avocado oil: With a high smoke point, it’s perfect for stir-frying without burning.
- Onion: Adds a delicate sweetness and depth when diced finely.
- Green scallions: Separate the white and green parts for layering flavor and garnish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to release their fragrant and savory punch.
- Minced ginger: Brings a fresh and zesty kick that lifts the whole dish.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Convenient and colorful, they add texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Cooked white rice: Using cold rice helps keep the grains separate and prevents sogginess.
- Large eggs: Scrambled into the mix for extra richness and classic fried rice appeal.
- Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides the perfect savory umami twist without too much salt.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and finishing touch that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp some love with kosher salt and ground white pepper. This simple seasoning primes them to shine once cooked, making sure each bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat up two tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet. When it’s shimmering hot, lay your shrimp in a single layer to cook quickly, about one to two minutes on the first side and another 30 seconds after flipping. You want them just opaque and perfectly tender, so be careful not to overcook. Set them aside for the moment.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Using the same pan, toss in diced onion, the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry these ingredients until they release their lovely fragrances, roughly around one minute. This step builds the foundation of flavor that you’ll taste in every forkful.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Next up, add your frozen peas and carrots straight from the freezer. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they become tender but still maintain a bit of bite. This adds that appealing texture contrast and a splash of color that brightens the entire dish.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Push those veggies to one side of your wok and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble gently until they’re softly set, about one minute. These fluffy eggs provide richness and a smooth counterpoint to the other elements.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Rice and Shrimp
Now it’s time for the heart of the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: combining everything together. Add the cold cooked rice, the seared shrimp, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and toasted sesame oil to the wok. Stir thoroughly and keep cooking for another two minutes, letting the flavors meld and the rice get a little toasty.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, toss in the green parts of the scallions just before serving for an added pop of freshness and crunch. Serve this hot, innovative, and delicious Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe straight from the wok. Each bite is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Green scallions are an excellent natural garnish for this dish, lending a fresh crunch. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro to elevate the flavors and add eye-catching appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with light and crisp sides like a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy can balance and brighten your meal with refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, try serving the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or pineapple halves. It adds a tropical flair and makes for a charming presentation that will wow your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp fried rice should be cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to three days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, place cooled fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to two months. When freezing, lay it flat in bags to save space and make thawing easier.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers by gently stir-frying them in a pan over medium heat or microwaving with a damp paper towel cover to keep moisture in. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce during reheating can revive freshness and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Absolutely! Fresh peas and carrots give a wonderful crunch and sweetness, just make sure to chop them into small pieces and stir-fry a bit longer to soften them properly.
What type of rice works best for this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe?
Day-old cooked white rice is ideal since it’s drier and prevents clumping, resulting in a better texture. Jasmine rice is a popular choice, but any long-grain white rice works beautifully.
Can I substitute shrimp with other proteins?
Definitely! Chicken, tofu, or even diced pork can be used instead, but those cooking times will vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari soy sauce, which is naturally gluten-free, or substitute with coconut aminos to keep the dish safe and full of flavor.
How can I make this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add fresh chopped chili, a few dashes of hot sauce, or stirred-in chili flakes right when cooking the aromatics. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a well-made Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels homemade yet special every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family gathering, or impressing guests, this recipe delivers amazing taste and comfort on every plate. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this colorful, vibrant, and utterly delicious creation – you won’t regret it!
Print
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh aromatics, mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and fluffy white rice tossed in a savory tamari and sesame oil sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that combines the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 green scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
Rice & Eggs
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to turn opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add the Aromatics: To the same wok, add the diced onion, the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about one minute, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots directly from the freezer into the wok. Stir-fry the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through completely.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until softly set, about one minute, then incorporate with the vegetables.
- Stir-Fry the Rice and Shrimp: Add the cooked white rice, seared shrimp, tamari soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil to the wok. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and continue to stir-fry for 2 minutes until everything is evenly heated and flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Toss in the green parts of the scallions just before serving. Serve the shrimp fried rice hot and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Using cold leftover rice helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy during frying.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos is used.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to taste for preferred saltiness.
- Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation.
- To add more depth, consider adding a dash of white pepper or chili flakes.
