Name: Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails off; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 1 cup mung bean sprouts; 1/2 cup matchstick carrots; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3 cups cooked and cooled rice; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you’ve been craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is your new best friend. With juicy shrimp, colorful veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice all wok-tossed to perfection, every bite bursts with savory goodness and a touch of warmth from toasted sesame oil. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exciting, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy, delicious classic in your weeknight repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the bottom left and going clockwise, there is a bowl with a bright yellow beaten egg mixture, a bowl of white rice with a fluffy texture, a small bowl of chopped green onions, a bowl with a pale yellow liquid (likely oil), a bowl with dark soy sauce, a bowl with orange and green mixed diced carrots and peas, a small bowl with salt and black pepper, and a bowl filled with raw peeled shrimp that are light gray and plump. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack an essential punch to make the perfect shrimp fried rice. Each one adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that works harmoniously to create that irresistible dish everyone loves.

Vegetable oil: A neutral base for sautéing that helps all the flavors shimmer without overpowering them.
Medium shrimp (1 pound): Shelled and deveined, tails off – the star protein delivering a juicy bite and slightly sweet flavor.
Scallions (2): Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion kick and vibrant green color.
Mung bean sprouts (1 cup): Crunchy and light, they add a satisfying bite and freshness to every spoonful.
Matchstick carrots (1/2 cup): Sweet and colorful, these bring a lovely crunch and bright orange hue.
Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Small pops of sweetness and beautiful green contrast throughout the dish.
Large eggs (2): Lightly beaten to create fluffy, tender scrambled pieces folded into the rice.
Cooked and cooled rice (3 cups): Using day-old rice is key for that perfect texture that’s neither mushy nor dry.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): A salty, umami-rich element that ties all the flavors together.
Dark soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deeper color and a richer, slightly sweet aroma.
Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A fragrant finishing oil that elevates the dish with subtle nuttiness.

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the shrimp

Start by heating a quarter of your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté, stirring constantly, until they turn that beautiful shade of pink and are cooked through—about 5 minutes. This step ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender. When done, transfer them to a plate and set aside so you can add them back in later without overcooking.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies

Next, add another quarter of the oil to the skillet and toss in the scallions, mung bean sprouts, matchstick carrots, and peas. Cook everything, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are just slightly softened—roughly 3 minutes. This gentle sauté keeps their crunch and bright color intact. Once ready, move these veggies to join the shrimp on the plate.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

Add another portion of oil to your pan, then pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Stir them occasionally to create soft scrambled bits that will add richness and texture. It usually takes about 1 minute for the eggs to cook through perfectly. Once done, add them to the plate with your shrimp and vegetables.

Step 4: Crisp the rice

Finally, pour the remaining oil into the pan and add your cooked, cooled rice. Let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes so it can get a slight char—a key moment that brings wonderful texture and a touch of smoky flavor. Then stir the rice to mix that crisped layer in evenly.

Step 5: Combine everything with sauces

Return the shrimp, veggies, and eggs to the pan with the rice. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and drizzle the toasted sesame oil on top. Stir everything together well to marry those bold and savory flavors. Let it cook for around 3 more minutes so the dish warms through and the flavors blend beautifully. At this point, your shrimp fried rice is ready to serve!

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

A black pan filled with cooked shrimp arranged evenly in a circular pattern, showing their pink and white textures with small black pepper flecks, sautéed with minced garlic bits scattered underneath and around the shrimp. Around the pan on a white marbled surface, there are four small white bowls each holding a different chopped ingredient: bright green peas in the top right bowl, diced orange carrots below them, chopped red onions beside the carrots, and yellow corn kernels in the bottom right bowl. The pan is on a black electric burner with a visible knob at the bottom center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance your shrimp fried rice, sprinkle extra sliced scallions or finely chopped fresh cilantro over the top. A few toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime can add an exciting fresh crunch or zesty brightness that really lifts the flavors. These simple touches make the dish look as great as it tastes, inviting everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This shrimp fried rice pairs deliciously with light side dishes like a crisp Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of hot miso soup. If you want to add even more flair, serve it alongside steamed dumplings or crispy spring rolls for a balanced, truly satisfying meal that covers all your cravings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting the shrimp fried rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun, tropical vibe. You could also use small lettuce cups and serve portions wrapped for a hand-held dinner twist. For a family-style feast, place the rice in a large, decorative bowl surrounded by colorful sides and garnishes so everyone can serve themselves freely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), transfer your shrimp fried rice into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day quick lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

You can freeze shrimp fried rice, but take care to cool it completely before packing it tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen shrimp fried rice maintains its best quality for about 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

When reheating, the stovetop method works wonders to revive that just-cooked texture. Warm some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the rice, stirring occasionally until heated through and slightly crispy again. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover loosely to keep moisture in and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp for this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. Frozen shrimp work well too, as long as you thaw and drain them properly.

Is it important to use day-old rice?

Yes, day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and firmer, preventing clumps or mushiness in the dish. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and can result in soggy fried rice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You can easily swap the shrimp for tofu or extra vegetables, and replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or simply omit them. Just adjust cooking times as needed to keep everything flavorful.

What type of soy sauce should I use?

Regular soy sauce works great for the salty umami base, while dark soy sauce adds rich color and a slightly sweet depth. Using both provides a balanced, authentic flavor in this shrimp fried rice recipe.

How spicy is this dish? Can I add chili?

This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all palates. If you love a kick, feel free to add sliced fresh chili, chili flakes, or a dash of sambal oelek when adding the sauces.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want that satisfying home-cooked meal without fuss. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll have a delicious go-to that impresses every time. Give it a try and savor every bite!

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need