Restaurant Style Shrimp Fried Rice loaded with juicy tender shrimp, rice, carrots, scallions and eggs! So much better than takeout, made in one pan and ready in under 35 minutes!
Love takeout recipes as much as I do? Then try my Authentic Beef Fried Rice or my Chicken Chow Mein!
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Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
I love making fried rice at home! It’s super fast to throw together and is easy to customize. I’ve made everything from Beef Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice to our most popular Chinese Fried Rice!. Needless to say, I am a self-proclaimed fried rice expert. 😊
Fried rice is a great meal when you need dinner on the table fast! Plus everything can be made in one pan making it an easy clean-up. Win-win!
Fried rice is also a great clean-out-the-fridge kind of dish. I typically use whatever I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll substitute mushrooms, leeks, or even celery in fried rice when I have only a few ingredients on hand. I also like my fried rice with a lot of eggs AND a lot of Sriracha. I probably triple the amount of Sriracha in the recipe when I make it for myself!
One of the best things about making fried rice at home is that you can control what’s in it. No hidden ingredients or msg. You can also make it as spicy or salty as you like!
What is in Shrimp Fried Rice?
- Shrimp: I use large, raw shrimp. They are easily found in large supermarkets in the frozen section, and some places may even have fresh shrimp. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- Rice: The key to making the best Fried Rice is to use cooked and cooled rice. You can make it the day before and store it in the fridge until it’s time to cook! I prefer to use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. It cooks up fluffy and does not clump together.
- Vegetables: I use diced carrots, garlic, and frozen peas. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, fresh or frozen! Pre-packaged bags of stir fry vegetables are perfect for this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe.
- Eggs: Are added for a little more protein and flavor. You can omit and substitute tofu if you are allergic to eggs.
- Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a fermented sauce made of fish or krill. It adds tons of umami to this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe!
- Soy Sauce: I always use low sodium soy sauce however dark or regular soy sauce can be substituted just make sure to dilute it a bit with water to cut down on the saltiness.
- Sriracha sauce and chili sauce: Here’s where the heat comes in, plus a little extra sweetness! These two sauces can be found in the international aisle of large supermarkets, or in your local Asian grocery store. If you are a fan of spicy add some extra Sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Garnish: I like to top my stir-fried rice with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
How to make Shrimp Fried Rice
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet. Add shrimp and cook until tender and fully cooked about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add in the carrots and saute for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute. Add in the cold, cooked rice and peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit.
Make a well in the center of the pan and add the eggs stirring constantly until the eggs are fully cooked. Fold the eggs into the rice and add the Sriracha, fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili sauce.
Top with scallions, and sesame seeds, and serve immediately!
Make this fried rice your own!
- In place of the shrimp add chicken, ham, beef, or bacon. Simply brown the meat in the pan first, set aside then toss it back in with the rice and veggies once they’ve finished cooking.
- In place of the rice try adding riced cauliflower for a healthy gluten-free twist.
- Quinoa is another healthy low-carb option. You can cook the quinoa ahead of time and add it just like you would the rice.
- For a twist try adding chopped-up kimchi to this shrimp fried rice recipe. It adds the perfect tang and heat!
- Feel free to substitute whatever vegetables you have on hand. Red bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, or broccoli would all be great in this!
- Save time and make this recipe in the air fryer!
What goes with Shrimp Fried Rice?
- Homemade Egg Rolls
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Egg Drop Soup
- Homemade Dumplings
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Wonton Soup
- Mongolian Beef
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Chicken Chow Mein
My go-to tips for making fried rice
- Use day-old rice for the best results! If you’re like me and aren’t the best about planning ahead simply cook the rice spread it out on a sheet tray covered with parchment paper and freeze it until cooled.
- Add COLD rice: The temperature of the rice really does matter! Cold rice fries better than warm rice. Warm even lukewarm rice when fried can get mushy and stick to the pan.
- Break up clumps of rice: If you do use day-old rice make sure to break up the rice with your fingers. When the rice gets cold and sits in the fridge it tends to clump up. Separating the clumps makes sure all of the rice will get properly toasted.
- Add whatever vegetables you have on hand! Mushrooms, onions, edamame, broccoli, and bell pepper would all be great choices! If you are short on time and don’t feel like chopping and sautéing the carrot simply substitute a frozen mixed vegetable medley with peas and carrots in it.
- Use high heat! If we want our shrimp-fried rice to taste like the restaurant version we have to mimic the wok and use high heat! High heat browns the rice and veggies and cooks it quickly so it doesn’t get mushy. Also, make sure not to stir the fried rice too much while you are cooking or the rice won’t get a chance to brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the secret ingredient to Chinese fried rice? The secret ingredient to making the most perfect fried rice is cooked and cooled rice! Using freshly cooked, hot rice will just turn into mush, however, using rice that is a day or so old guarantees the best consistency as the rice has time to firm up a little.
- Is Shrimp Fried Rice good for weight loss? It can definitely be a great recipe for weight loss as it is fairly light and healthy! A few tips: Go easy on the oil, and amp up the veggies! The more vegetables you add, the lighter this recipe will be which will make it better for weight loss as well.
- Why do they call it “Shrimp Fried Rice”? It’s called “Shrimp Fried Rice” because the recipe is the same as regular fried rice with the addition of shrimp! There are many different varieties of fried rice, such as Vegetable Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Beef Fried Rice, and Garlic Fried Rice, for example.
Learn how to reheat leftover fried rice!
Here are other takeout recipes to make at home!
- Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
- Easy Spicy Szechuan Beef
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- Chinese Pepper Steak
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- 30 Minute General Tso’s Chicken
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium carrot, small dice
- 2 cups large shrimp, left whole
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 4 eggs, whisked
- 4 cups cooked and cooled rice
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1/2 tsp Fish Sauce
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tbsp scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet. Add shrimp and cook until tender and fully cooked about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add in the carrots and saute for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute.
- Add in the cold cooked rice and peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit.
- Make a well in the center of the pan and add the eggs stirring constantly until the eggs are fully cooked. Fold the eggs into the rice and add in the Sriracha, fish sauce, soy sauce and chili sauce.
- Top with scallions and serve immediately!
Nutrition Information
Did you make this?
I'd love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don't forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Claudia
Don’t you have to cook the brown rice first??
Kelley
Hi Claudia,
Yes you have to cook the brown rice first. I have updated the recipe. Sorry for the confusion!
Thanks!
Kelley
Peter
Aren’t raw shrimp are translucent– maybe you mean opaque!
Nathan
Hi Peter,
Yes, You are correct!
I’ve changed it in the instructions.
Thank you for catching that!
Nathan
@chefsavvy
Jan Win
Do you mention when you add the rice to the mixture? I do know the time but some readers may find this confusing.
Nathan
hi Jan,
Thank you for your comment! Ill look over the recipe and try to reword it so it is more clear. Thank you for trying out the fried rice!
Nathan
@chefsavvy
Eminejomo Ikponmwen
I love your recipes, they are healthy and easy
Luis @kitchenviva
Perfect instruction for making shrimp fried rice. Thank you for sharing this instruction with us.
Kelley Simmons
You are so welcome! Hope you enjoyed the recipe!
Dannii
We all love rice, so I am always looking for new ways to cook with it and this was delicious.
Mirlene
I’m a fan of fried rice especially when it has shrimps involved. Loved it so much that I’m making it again with more shrimps!
Ieva
Yum yum yum! Perfectly seasoned and balanced! Loved the kick of sriracha in it! Will 100% make again 🙂
Tayler
We had this shrimp fried rice for dinner last night and it was incredible. My whole family devoured it!
Kelley Simmons
So glad to hear you and your family enjoyed this Tayler! Thanks so much for sharing!
Chandra Whatley
Excellent- it all got eaten. I’ve got lucky eaters that like restaurant food but don’t like the idea of inferior quality of the ingredients. Do we eat at home slot. I’m always looking for new entree s to try. This was s hit. Trying Mongolian beef next. 😁.