Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

If you love takeout but want all the freshness of homemade, this Shrimp Fried Rice is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp mingling with vibrant veggies, fluffy rice, and swirls of savory-sweet sauce—all in just 30 minutes, using easy ingredients you probably already have!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something truly magical about how simple, everyday ingredients can come together and turn into a Shrimp Fried Rice masterpiece. Each component plays a delicious role: shrimp for protein and flavor, a medley of veggies for color and crunch, and that crave-worthy sauce for the perfect finish.

• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): These little guys cook up sweet and juicy, soaking up all the flavor—use fresh or thawed frozen.
• Cooked rice (4 cups, white or brown): Day-old rice works best for the fluffiest, non-mushy fried rice magic.
• Frozen veggie blend (1 1/2 cups): Peas and carrots give you classic texture, sweetness, and a pop of color—no chopping required!
• Frozen sweet corn (1 cup): Adds a little burst of sweetness with every bite.
• Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped): For freshness and a mild onion bite—plus, they’re perfect as a garnish!
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp; garlic brings the whole wok to life.
• Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): For that irresistible, zippy, bright undertone that makes the dish truly sing.
• Eggs (3 large, lightly beaten): They add protein and that signature fried rice silkiness.
• Soy sauce (4 tablespoons, low-sodium): Provides savory depth without being too salty—perfect for layering flavor.
• Mirin (1 tablespoon): This touch of sweet rice wine rounds out the sauce and adds subtle complexity—skip if needed, but it’s delightful!
• Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): A few drops at the start bring rich, nutty aromas to the whole dish.
• Vegetable or canola oil (2 tablespoons): For stir-frying everything in a flash over high heat.
• Salt and pepper (optional/to taste): Season at the very end to keep every bite perfectly balanced.

Variations

One of the best things about Shrimp Fried Rice is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. You can swap in veggies, try different proteins, or make it as spicy (or mild!) as you like.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Go veggie: Skip the shrimp and add extra mushrooms, tofu, or edamame for a plant-based twist that’s just as filling.
• Pineapple fried rice: Toss in some diced pineapple during the last minute for a sweet-and-savory delight.
• Switch the grain: Use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for different flavors and textures.
• Try different proteins: Swap in chicken, pork, leftover steak, or even a mix of seafood if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating your largest non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Swirl in the vegetable oil and, once it shimmers, add your shrimp in a single layer. Stir and flip for about 5 minutes, letting them turn just golden and curl into tender C-shapes. As soon as they’re done, scoop them out onto a plate so they don’t overcook—shrimp should be juicy and not rubbery!

Step 2: Flavor Base

To the same pan, pour in the sesame oil. When it’s fragrant, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them for 30 seconds—just until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible and the aromatics are sizzling but not brown.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Toss in your frozen veggies, corn, and green onions. Stir-fry everything for 2–3 minutes, or just until the veggies begin to soften and brighten in color. The secret is to keep them crisp-tender so every bite of your Shrimp Fried Rice is full of life.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push all the veggies to one side of the skillet, and pour the lightly beaten eggs onto the empty side. As the eggs set, scramble them gently with your spatula. Once they’re just cooked (still soft!), toss them together with the veggies so everything mingles.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked shrimp back into the skillet, then pour in the rice. Drizzle the soy sauce and mirin all over, and toss everything together so each grain of rice gets coated in flavor. Fry for another 2 minutes—or until the shrimp, rice, and veggies are piping hot and ready to serve. Taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice

Garnishes

Top your Shrimp Fried Rice with extra chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of chili oil for a little sparkle and heat. A wedge of lime can add a refreshing zing, especially if you’re feeling tropical!

Side Dishes

This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a light miso soup, crispy spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad. These sides add lovely contrast and make every dinner feel like a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Shrimp Fried Rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves or small individual bowls. Or spoon it into lettuce cups for a playful, hands-on appetizer everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Shrimp Fried Rice cool to room temperature, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for lunchboxes or midnight snacks!

Freezing

You can freeze Shrimp Fried Rice for up to a month. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy. The veggies might soften slightly, but the flavors still shine.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Shrimp Fried Rice in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water or extra splash of soy sauce to loosen things up, and stir until steaming hot. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover to keep the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how fun, flavorful, and totally satisfying Shrimp Fried Rice can be at home. It’s a dinner that never disappoints—simple, customizable, and bursting with homemade goodness. Give it a try tonight and let it become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

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