Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• Shrimp — use large, jumbo, or colossal size shrimp already peeled and deveined to save prep time. Raw shrimp gives the best flavor and texture but pre-cooked works if that is what you have — just heat for 1–2 minutes per side instead of cooking through
• Long-grain white rice — day-old cold rice is essential for the best fried rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and will turn mushy. Make it the night before or use microwavable rice pouches straight from the package — they work perfectly
• Large eggs — scrambled right in the skillet alongside the shrimp and vegetables. They add richness and protein to every bite
• Sesame oil — the flavor that makes this taste like restaurant fried rice. A little goes a long way — do not skip it
• Vegetable oil — for cooking the shrimp and vegetables over high heat. Avocado oil or canola oil also work
• Low-sodium soy sauce — the base of the seasoning. Low-sodium keeps you in control of the saltiness. Coconut aminos work as a gluten-free substitute
• Frozen peas and carrots — no need to thaw first. Toss them straight into the hot skillet and they cook perfectly alongside everything else
• Green onions — sliced and added at the end for fresh flavor and color
• Salt and pepper — simple seasoning to finish

Scroll to the bottom for the full list of ingredients and recipe in the recipe card.

Another shrimp-based idea is my delicious panko shrimp or baja shrimp tacos.

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

The key to perfect fried rice is high heat and cold rice. High heat gives you that slightly smoky wok-style flavor and cold day-old rice stays separate and fluffy instead of clumping together. Here is how it comes together in under 20 minutes:

Step 1 – Cook Shrimp and Vegetables – First you need to cook the shrimp and veggies in cooking oil. I like to do this together and it only takes a few minutes.

Step 2 – Scramble Eggs – Slide your shrimp and veggies to the side so you can scramble the beaten eggs.

Step 3 – Stir Cooked Rice and Seasoning in – Add the rice and stir in seasonings. Make sure to combine thoroughly.

Step 4 – Heat Thoroughly – Make sure everything is heated through in skillet on medium high heat. Top with green onions and stir to combine.

Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – It is that simple to make shrimp fried rice at home.

Recipe Tips

• Always use cold day-old rice. This is the single most important tip for perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and turns mushy in the skillet. Make the rice the night before or use microwavable rice pouches straight from the package — both work perfectly
• Cook on high heat. High heat is what gives fried rice that slightly smoky restaurant flavor. Do not be afraid to turn up the heat — stir frequently so nothing burns
• Cook the shrimp first then set aside. Shrimp cook in 2–3 minutes and overcook quickly. Remove them from the skillet after cooking and add them back at the very end — this keeps them tender and juicy instead of rubbery
• Do not crowd the pan. Use the largest skillet you have. Crowding causes steaming instead of frying and you lose the crispy edges that make fried rice so good
• Add the soy sauce gradually. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more — soy sauce varies in saltiness by brand and it is easier to add more than to fix an oversalted dish

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap shrimp for diced chicken, beef, pork, or salmon for a completely different dish using the same method
• Add edamame, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or chopped broccoli for extra vegetables
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter lower-carb version
• Make it gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for coconut aminos and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free
• Add a drizzle of oyster sauce at the end for a richer deeper flavor
• Make it spicy — add sriracha or red pepper flakes with the soy sauce

What Goes with Shrimp Fried Rice?

This recipe is a complete meal on its own but these sides make it feel like a full restaurant spread:

• Egg Drop Soup
• Egg Rolls
• Simple Green Salad
• Steamed Vegetables
• Cooked Salmon

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Storing leftover shrimp is easy to do. Place in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Shrimp stir fry rice recipe will last about 3 to 4 days if stored correctly.
• Reheating – When you ready to reheat the homemade shrimp fried rice you can remove the shrimp and reheat the rice. Once the rice is close to be heated, add the shrimp back in with the rice and heat in the microwave. This keeps the shrimp from overcooking and getting mushy.
• Freezing – Homemade shrimp fried rice can easily be frozen if you have leftovers. Place the room temperature fried rice in a airtight freezer container and place in the freezer. It will last about 3 months in the freezer. Once you are ready to serve again, just thaw out in the fridge overnight. This will make an easy weeknight. Just heat and serve.