Shrimp Fried Rice

Looking for ways to use leftover rice? This shrimp fried rice recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice

1. Rice: Use day-old, cooked rice if possible. Freshly made rice can be too moist and sticky. Aim for medium- or long-grain rice for better texture.
2. Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen both work well, but make sure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
3. Vegetables: Common choices include peas, carrots, bell peppers, green onions and corn. You can also add other vegetables you enjoy.
4. Eggs: While optional, eggs add richness and flavor to Shrimp Fried Rice.
5. Soy Sauce: This is the primary seasoning. You may want to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
6. Seasonings: Consider adding garlic, ginger, sesame oil and pepper for extra flavor.
7. Oils: Use high smoke point oils such as avocado oil for frying. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 520 degrees F!

Cooking tips

1. Prep ingredients: Have all your ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice prepped and ready before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables and measuring out sauces.
2. Heat your pan: Make sure your wok or frying pan is very hot before adding the oil. A hot pan helps to sear the shrimp and vegetables properly, preventing them from being soggy.
3. Cook ingredients in stages: Cook shrimp first until pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan. Stir-fry vegetables, then add them back with the rice and any sauces.
4. Don’t crowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch of Shrimp Fried Rice, consider cooking in smaller quantities to ensure even cooking.
5. Use leftover rice: Day-old rice is drier and will fry up without becoming mushy. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool to remove some moisture.
6. Add sauce gradually: Start with a small amount of soy sauce or other sauces, then adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the dish.
7. Finish with green onions: Add sliced green onions to Shrimp Fried Rice at the very end for freshness and crunch.

Storing and reheating Shrimp Fried Rice

1. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat in a pan or wok over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.

Serving suggestions for Shrimp Fried Rice

1. Garnish: Top with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
2. Pair with Sauce: Serve with soy sauce, chili sauce, or sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Add Protein: If you like, you can add other proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu to make it heartier.

Consider making these other delicious rice recipes

Mexican Red Rice

Yankee Red Beans and Rice

Stick of Butter Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

What to do with that leftover cooked rice? Shrimp Fried Rice is quick, easy and delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
• Category: Entree
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons oil (I like to use sesame oil)

2 cups shrimp, cooked and chopped, or whole small shrimp

2 cups cold cooked rice

1 cup green onion, chopped (tops also; save some raw for garnish)

1/8 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)

2 eggs

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

Sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Brown shrimp in oil until pink and opaque.
2. Add rice; brown lightly while stirring.
3. Add onion and bell pepper, if using; cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs, soy sauce and salt. Cook, stirring until eggs are set.
5. Fold in chopped green onions.
6. Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes

Photo credit: author/87d134 jeffreyw on VisualHunt / CC BY