Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: Quick Flavorful Weeknight Meal

You don’t need to order takeout to enjoy your favorite dishes. This easy Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is quick to prepare and often tastes better than restaurant versions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll likely prefer the homemade version.

Fried rice has been a staple for generations. Shrimp Fried Rice makes a satisfying main course—hearty, flavorful, and simple to make. Soy sauce and sesame oil provide the savory backbone, while shrimp adds protein and texture.

This is a great weeknight meal when time is limited: it comes together fast and fills everyone up. Leftovers reheat well, too.

What should I serve as a side dish?

This recipe is a complete meal on its own, so no side dishes are necessary. If you want extras, classic options include egg rolls, wontons, or dumplings.

Is this a healthy dish?

The nutritional balance depends on the rice you use. White rice is higher in simple carbohydrates, while brown rice adds fiber and nutrients. Shrimp provides lean protein, making the dish more balanced when paired with vegetables.

Can I use instant rice?

Instant rice will work in a pinch, but it lacks the texture and flavor of jasmine or basmati rice. For best results, use jasmine or basmati and follow a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio for stovetop cooking.

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked rice

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups peas and carrots, frozen and thawed

2 tbsp green onions, sliced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

1 large egg, whisked

How to make Fried Rice with Shrimp:

Step 1. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry; set aside.

Step 2. Cook the rice according to package directions and let it cool slightly; day-old rice works best if you have it.

Step 3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic.

Step 4. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5. Add the shrimp and the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet.

Step 6. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Step 7. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and sesame oil.

Step 8. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps.

Step 9. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice and stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 10. Sauté for about 4 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp slightly and absorb the flavors.

Step 11. Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour the beaten egg into the empty space.

Step 12. Cook the egg until set, then mix it into the rice evenly.

Step 13. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

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