This easy shrimp fried rice is your go-to dish for quick meals! It’s packed with tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all stir-fried to perfection.
What I love most is how fast it comes together—just toss everything in a pan and let it sizzle! Plus, it’s a perfect way to use leftover rice. Yum! 🍤🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s drier and won’t get mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it quickly. This prevents clumping!
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work well, but you can substitute with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure they’re cooked thoroughly if using raw proteins.
Veggies: Carrots and peas are classic choices, but you can mix it up! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add fun colors and flavors. Frozen vegetables are convenient, too!
Eggs: If you’re vegan or allergic, consider using scrambled tofu or a plant-based egg substitute like chickpea flour mixed with water.
How Do You Make Sure Your Fried Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great fried rice lies in the cooking technique. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Heat your pan well before adding oil and ingredients. This prevents sticking and helps things cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have a lot of rice or protein, cook in batches to maintain high heat.
- Use a spatula to break up clumps of rice as you stir-fry. This ensures every grain gets a touch of flavor from the sauce.
- Finish with green onions for a fresh crunch and color. They add a nice aroma, too!
Follow these tips, and your shrimp fried rice will turn out delicious every time!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- For The Shrimp:
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- For The Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For The Flavor:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy shrimp fried rice takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and cook. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, peas, and corn (if you’re using it). Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to create some space. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked and then mix them in with the vegetables.
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This will give your fried rice an amazing aroma!
5. Mix in the Rice:
Now, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix it well with the eggs and vegetables. Stir everything together until combined.
6. Season and Stir-Fry:
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined. Make sure all the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
7. Add the Shrimp Back:
Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together and warm the shrimp through for another minute.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious shrimp fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy this easy and satisfying meal!
Want to spice things up? Add some chili sauce or sriracha for a kick!
FAQ for Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding them to your skillet!
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No worries! If you don’t have day-old rice, freshly cooked rice works too. Spread the hot rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for a few minutes to prevent it from being too sticky in the pan.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or stir-fry it in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this fried rice vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and using tofu instead. You might also want to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
