This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe turns chilled jasmine rice, juicy shrimp, fluffy eggs, and colorful vegetables into a savory, satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes. A quick toss in a hot pan brings everything together with garlic, shallots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sesame oil, making this a wonderfully practical meal that tastes like a treat.
Ingredients You'll Need
The ingredient list is simple, but each addition brings something special, from the sweetness of the shrimp to the savory sauces and tender vegetables. For the best texture, have everything measured and ready before you heat the pan.
- Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil that can handle high heat, such as canola or vegetable oil, and keep a little extra nearby if the pan looks dry.
- Large eggs: Six eggs add soft, savory bites throughout the rice; scramble them just until set so they stay tender.
- Shallots: About four thinly sliced shallots bring a gentle sweetness and fragrant flavor to the base of the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds that irresistible savory aroma, so keep it moving in the pan to prevent it from burning.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, corn, and carrots add color and a little sweetness, and they can go straight into the pan from frozen.
- Shrimp: Use 12 ounces of peeled and deveined shrimp; pat them dry so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Six cups of chilled rice give the dish its classic fluffy, separate grains; day-old rice is especially easy to stir-fry.
- Light soy sauce: Two tablespoons season the rice with a salty, savory taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Oyster sauce: Two tablespoons lend a rich, rounded savoriness that makes the rice taste wonderfully satisfying.
- Sesame oil: Two teaspoons add a toasty aroma, so stir it in with the sauces rather than using it as the main cooking oil.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, keeping in mind that both sauces already bring saltiness.
- Green onions: Two sliced green onions add a fresh, mild bite and a bright finish just before serving.
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Set out the rice, sauces, vegetables, and aromatics before you start. The cooking moves quickly once the wok or pan is hot, and keeping the shrimp and eggs ready to add back at the end helps them stay tender.
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Beat the eggs in a bowl until the yolks and whites are combined. Heat about half of the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the eggs, and scramble until just set. Break up any large pieces, transfer the eggs to a bowl, and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
Add another splash of oil to the pan, then stir in the sliced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for about a minute, stirring often, until the shallots turn translucent and the garlic smells fragrant and lightly golden. If the garlic starts browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Shrimp
Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are hot and tender. Push them to one side of the pan, add a little more oil if needed, and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear for about a minute, flip, and cook until opaque and just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the eggs so they do not overcook while the rice fries.
Step 4: Fry the Chilled Rice
Add the chilled jasmine rice to the pan, using your spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry until the grains are separated and heated through, about five minutes. A wide pan gives the rice room to fry; if your skillet is crowded, work in batches for a better texture.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Turn the heat to high and stir-fry for about three minutes, tossing frequently so the sauces coat the rice evenly. Fold the eggs and shrimp back into the pan and stir just until heated through, then scatter sliced green onions over the top and serve right away.
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are an easy, fresh finish, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of chili oil for extra warmth. Keep garnishes light so the shrimp, egg, and savory rice remain the stars of the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish is filling enough to serve on its own, especially for a quick weeknight dinner. For a bigger spread, pair it with steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, cucumber salad, or a simple bowl of miso soup. A little lime on the side is lovely if you enjoy a bright, tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rice in individual bowls and finish each one with green onions and sesame seeds for an easy, inviting presentation. For a family-style meal, pile it onto a warm platter and tuck lime wedges around the edge. You can also spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hands-on way to enjoy the same savory filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover rice cool promptly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Keep it chilled and enjoy within three to four days. Since this dish contains shrimp and egg, avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Cool the rice quickly before packing it, and leave a little room in each container for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the most even result.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the rice in a skillet over medium-high heat with a small splash of water or oil, stirring until it is steaming hot throughout. A microwave works too: cover the portion loosely, add a teaspoon of water, and heat in short bursts, stirring between each one.
FAQs
Can I make the Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe with freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but freshly cooked rice tends to be soft and steamy, so the grains may clump in the pan. Spread it on a tray and chill it until cool, ideally for a few hours, before stir-frying. Chilled rice is drier and separates more easily.
What kind of shrimp works best?
Peeled and deveined medium or large shrimp are convenient and cook quickly. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the hot pan. Smaller shrimp cook faster, so watch closely and remove them as soon as they turn opaque.
Can I use a regular skillet instead of a wok?
Absolutely. Use your largest, heaviest skillet and let it heat up before adding the ingredients. If the pan feels crowded, fry the rice in two batches; too much rice at once can release steam and make the grains soft rather than lightly crisp.
How can I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the rice after adding the sauces, then add salt and pepper a little at a time. For a saltier, deeper flavor, add a small splash of soy sauce; for more heat, finish with chili oil or sliced fresh chili. A squeeze of lime can brighten the savory flavors without adding more salt.
Can I change the vegetables?
Yes. Finely chopped bell pepper, cabbage, broccoli, or green beans can all work well. Cut firmer vegetables into small pieces so they cook quickly, and add them according to how long they need in the pan. Keep the overall amount similar so the rice still has room to fry.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is a delicious way to turn chilled rice and a handful of everyday ingredients into a complete, colorful meal. Make it your own with your favorite vegetables or a little extra chili, then bring the pan straight to the table while everything is hot and fragrant.
PrintShrimp Fried Rice Recipe
This quick shrimp fried rice brings together juicy shrimp, fluffy jasmine rice, tender vegetables, and scrambled eggs in a savory soy, oyster, and sesame sauce. Made in one wok or large pan, it’s a satisfying 25-minute dinner that’s easy to customize with your favorite mixed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
For the fried rice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup sliced shallots (about 4 shallots)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables, such as peas, corn, and carrots
- 12 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp (about 340 grams)
- 6 cups cooked, chilled jasmine rice
For seasoning and garnish
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs.
Beat the eggs in a bowl until evenly combined. Heat about half the cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble until just cooked, breaking up any large pieces. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics.
Add a little more oil to the wok, followed by the garlic and shallots. Sauté until the garlic is golden and the shallots are translucent.
- Cook the vegetables.
Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry until heated through and cooked.
- Sear the shrimp.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil if needed, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 1 minute, flip, and cook for another minute.
- Add the rice.
Mix the shrimp and vegetables together. Add the chilled rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula, and stir until the grains are separated.
- Return the eggs to the pan.
Stir in the scrambled eggs and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything heats evenly.
- Season and finish.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat to high and pan-fry for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice evenly.
- Garnish and serve.
Top with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rice that has been cooked and thoroughly chilled; cold rice separates more easily and is less likely to turn mushy in the pan.
- If cooking rice specifically for this recipe, spread it out to cool quickly and refrigerate it promptly.
- Cook in batches if your pan is crowded. A very full pan can steam the rice instead of frying it.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that both sauces are already salty.

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