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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and wonderfully satisfying, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It brings together plump, tender shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a perfect balance of savory seasonings all in one skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and delivers that comforting takeout taste you love—without the wait or extra oil. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to achieving that perfect taste and texture in your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe. Each element plays a key role—from the sweet peas and carrots adding color and crunch to the sesame oil bringing that irresistible nutty aroma.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and rice.
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds a subtle, warm heat without overpowering the dish.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil: Perfect for high heat cooking with a mild flavor.
- ½ small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and body to the base of the dish.
- 2 green scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated): White parts give a gentle bite; green parts add fresh brightness at the end.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts just the right kick of aromatic pungency.
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger: Adds a warm, zesty contrast that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots: Quick-adding sweetness and color without fuss.
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold): The perfect canvas to soak up all those amazing flavors.
- 3 large eggs, beaten: Provides a lovely silkiness and extra protein.
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds that umami punch with a little depth and saltiness.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: For that finishing nutty aroma, the hallmark of a truly great fried rice.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper in a medium bowl. This simple seasoning sets the stage for juicy, flavorful shrimp which will shine as the key ingredient in your dish.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay your shrimp in a single layer and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds until they’re just opaque. Avoid overcooking here to keep them tender and juicy. Once done, remove them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
In the same wok, toss in the diced onion, the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir-fry for about a minute until everything becomes beautifully fragrant — this fragrant base is crucial because it infuses the oil and later the rice with that irresistible savory scent.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Directly add the frozen peas and carrots to the aromatic mixture without thawing. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, adding a touch of natural sweetness and a pleasing texture contrast.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Push the cooked veggies to one side of your wok. Pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side and scramble gently until they’re softly set — this adds a lovely creaminess and helps everything bind together later.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Rice and Shrimp
Now comes the magic moment. Add your cold cooked rice, seared shrimp, tamari soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil all into the wok. Stir everything thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of rice, and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Your Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Finally, toss in the green parts of the scallions right before serving to add that fresh, crisp finish. Serve your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe hot and enjoy the incredible harmony of tastes and textures you just created!
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While the green scallions bring a subtle freshness, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. A wedge of lime on the side brightens up the dish beautifully with just a squeeze.
Side Dishes
Although this shrimp fried rice holds its own as a full meal, it pairs wonderfully with crisp sides like cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. For something heartier, a simple miso soup or steamed dumplings make delightful compliments.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, serve the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe inside halved pineapple shells to give a tropical flair. Another fun idea: turn it into stuffed bell peppers or lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held variation that’s both festive and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold but reheating will bring out those savory notes even more.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover shrimp fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of oil to bring back the fried rice’s original texture and warmth. Stir frequently to heat evenly and keep those shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just keep in mind it takes a bit longer to cook, so use pre-cooked and chilled brown rice for best results.
What can I substitute for shrimp if I’m not a fan?
Chicken, tofu, or even diced ham are excellent alternatives that soak up the seasonings beautifully while giving you lots of protein.
Is freezing shrimp fried rice good for texture?
Freezing may slightly soften the rice and veggies, but if stored and reheated properly, it remains tasty and convenient for future meals.
Do I need to use cold rice for this recipe?
Cold rice is ideal because it helps keep the grains separate during stir-frying and prevents mushiness. If you’re making rice fresh, spread it out to cool before cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce makes this dish gluten-free and equally delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe at home is such a joyful experience—it’s quick, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s sure to become one of those cherished dishes you want to make again and again. So grab your wok, fire up the stove, and dive into this deliciously comforting meal today!
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Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and delicious Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a quick weeknight meal packed with flavorful ingredients like shrimp, veggies, scrambled eggs, and seasoned rice. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect balance of protein and veggies with savory tamari and toasted sesame oil for authentic Asian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Vegetables and 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
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with kosher salt and ground white pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- 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, then flip and cook another 30 seconds until just opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Add the Aromatics: In the same wok, add the diced onion, the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry this mixture for about one minute until fragrant and softened.
- Cook the Veggies: Add the frozen peas and carrots directly from the freezer to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they are warmed through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs on the cleared side and scramble gently until the eggs are softly set, about one minute.
- Stir-Fry the Rice and Shrimp: Add the cooked white rice, cooked shrimp, tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and toasted sesame oil to the wok. Stir thoroughly and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing all ingredients to heat through evenly and combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Toss in the green parts of the scallions before serving. Serve the shrimp fried rice hot and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice if possible; it prevents the rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- If you don’t have tamari soy sauce, regular soy sauce can be substituted but adjust for saltiness.
- Avocado oil is used here for its high smoke point, but other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil will work.
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp ahead of time saves prep time.
- The recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your tamari or soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
