Why You’ll Love this Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
This quick shrimp fried rice recipe will win you over from the first forkful.
I’m talking about a one-pan wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
You’ll appreciate how the day-old rice soaks up that savory soy sauce while staying perfectly firm.
The tender shrimp, crisp carrots, and aromatic green onions create a delightful textural dance in every bite.
And those eggs? They add the silky richness that ties everything together.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the hassle.
Can’t find fresh shrimp? Frozen works beautifully too—just thaw and drain well.
What Ingredients are in Quick Shrimp Fried Rice?
To create a delicious shrimp fried rice at home, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The beauty of this dish lies in how these everyday components transform when cooked together in a hot pan. I personally love how the aromatics begin to fill the kitchen as soon as they hit the oil—it’s that moment when you know something good is about to happen.
- 1 lb small shrimp
- 2 cups rice (preferably day-old, refrigerated rice)
- 3 eggs
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 tablespoons oil (divided use)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but don’t overthink it. Frozen shrimp works perfectly fine—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
The rice really should be cold from the refrigerator, as freshly cooked rice tends to become mushy in stir-fries.
And about that soy sauce? The recipe notes you can never have too much, so you might want to keep extra on the table for those who like to add a little more savory punch to their portion.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste—that’s the joy of home cooking, after all.
How to Make this Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
Making shrimp fried rice at home is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by cooking 1 lb of small shrimp in 2 tablespoons of oil if they’re frozen. You’ll want to cook them until completely thawed and—this is essential—until all the water has evaporated from the pan. Water is the enemy of that perfect stir-fry texture we’re after. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Next comes the aromatic base that gives this dish its irresistible flavor. Finely chop 1 carrot, 4 green onions, and 3 garlic cloves—you can do this by hand for a more rustic texture or use a food processor for speed and uniformity. Using a premium food processor can significantly reduce prep time while ensuring perfectly consistent cuts for even cooking.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in your pan, then add this vegetable mixture along with 2 cups of cold, day-old rice. Cold rice really does make all the difference, as it keeps its structure and doesn’t turn mushy. Season with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 teaspoons of salt, stirring frequently to make certain everything gets evenly coated and heated through.
When your rice mixture is hot and beginning to get that lovely toasted aroma, it’s time to return the shrimp to the pan and add 3 eggs. You can crack them directly into the pan, stirring quickly to distribute them throughout the dish as they cook. For leftovers, consider using a food dehydrator to create delicious dried shrimp snacks from any remaining cooked shrimp.
Continue cooking until your vegetables reach your preferred level of tenderness—I like mine with just a slight crunch for textural contrast. Serve immediately with extra soy sauce on the side, because as the recipe wisely notes, you can never have too much soy sauce. The combination of tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and those savory notes from the soy sauce creates a comfort food that’s somehow both familiar and exciting with every bite.
Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Substitutions and Variations
While our basic shrimp fried rice recipe delivers delicious results every time, the beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. You can swap the shrimp for chicken, beef, or tofu if seafood isn’t your thing.
Don’t have carrots? Try peas, corn, or diced bell peppers instead.
Day-old rice is ideal, but in a pinch, freshly cooked rice cooled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes works too.
For a flavor twist, try oyster sauce or a dash of sesame oil along with the soy sauce.
Can’t get enough garlic? Me neither—double it up! Remember, fried rice is the ultimate kitchen-sink recipe.
What to Serve with Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice, though delicious on its own, becomes a spectacular meal when paired with complementary sides that balance its savory richness.
I love serving mine with crisp vegetable spring rolls or crunchy egg rolls for that delightful textural contrast. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the umami flavors beautifully.
For protein lovers, teriyaki chicken skewers make wonderful companions.
Can’t forget a side of spicy garlic broccoli, either. These veggies soak up any extra soy sauce that might be floating around, because honestly, who doesn’t agree there’s never enough soy sauce with fried rice?
Final Thoughts
After you’ve mastered this quick and simple shrimp fried rice, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again. I’m convinced it’s one of those perfect weeknight meals that just makes life better. The combination of plump shrimp, veggies, and seasoned rice creates a complete meal in one pan—isn’t that what we’re all looking for? And when you’re ready to impress dinner guests with something more elaborate, try preparing crispy pork belly with its irresistible crackling skin and rich flavors. For those cozy days when you want something different, try making a comforting chicken soup with vegetables and egg noodles for another delicious homemade alternative.
