This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights! With tasty shrimp, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s satisfying and super simple to make.
You can whip this up in no time, just like I do when I’m running late for dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers—now you don’t have to worry about what to do with that extra rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for fried rice. If you don’t have jasmine, use long-grain rice or even leftover white rice. Day-old rice works best since it’s dryer and less sticky.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are great here. You can also use larger shrimp or even cooked shrimp to save time. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try chicken or tofu as a protein alternative!
Vegetables: Carrots and peas are classic choices. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, broccoli, or even leftover stir-fry veggies to mix things up. Just make sure they are cut small for even cooking.
Eggs: They add richness and flavor! Egg substitutes like tofu scrambles or chickpea flour can work if you’re avoiding eggs.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is perfect, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free options. If you want a different taste, coconut aminos are also a nice choice.
How Do You Get the Rice Just Right in Fried Rice?
The biggest key to perfect fried rice is using the right kind of rice and ensuring it’s not too wet. Here’s how to do it:
- Use day-old rice if possible, as it’s drier. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out before cooking.
- Make sure to break up any clumps before adding it to the pan. This helps it fry evenly without becoming mushy.
- Stir-fry on high heat to get a nice, toasty flavor without steaming the rice.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a big batch, fry in batches for the best results.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect texture in your shrimp fried rice!
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe for Weeknights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 lb (about 225g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple shrimp fried rice recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a quick meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by preparing all your ingredients: dice the carrots, chop the onion and green onions, mince the garlic, and ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Make sure the cooked rice is separated so there are no clumps.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, green peas, and corn (if using). Stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor!
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble them gently until fully cooked, then mix them in with the vegetables. This will make your dish richer and more flavorful.
5. Mix in the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This is the key to bringing aromatics into your fried rice.
6. Add the Rice:
Now, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with the cooked rice to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and break up any rice clumps. Stir fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the rice is hot.
7. Season the Fried Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over your rice mixture. Thoroughly mix everything so that the sauces coat the rice evenly. This is where the flavor really develops!
8. Add the Shrimp Back:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with black pepper, and stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through and flavors are blended nicely.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and garnish your delicious shrimp fried rice with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your quick and easy meal, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag to speed up the process. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
If jasmine rice isn’t available, you can use long-grain white rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that if you use brown rice, the cooking time may be longer, and it should ideally be cooked ahead of time to keep the dish quick.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the shrimp with tofu or hold the protein altogether. You can also add more vegetables or even plant-based protein sources like tempeh for a hearty meal. Use soy sauce or tamari for seasoning, ensuring it’s gluten-free if needed.
How to Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. Stir well to heat evenly!
