How to make the perfect Shrimp Fried Rice

This shrimp fried rice recipe is a perfect way to use leftover rice and makes a great dinner in less than 20 minutes. We love fried rice, and when you can make an easy dinner that seems like it takes a long time to make.... Well, that's a bonus! This no-take-out takeout shrimp fried is full of flavor and really is a favorite in our house.

We've been making this fantastic rice dish for quite some time now, and over the years, we've managed to cut down on the calorie count without sacrificing the delicious taste. One thing that makes this recipe unique is that we don't fry the eggs in butter. Instead, we mix them in with the rice while it's cooking! We got this idea from a rice dish we used to enjoy in Japan, where a raw egg was placed on top of steaming hot rice and then mixed in to cook and add flavor to the rice. This is what makes our shrimp fried rice stand out from traditional Chinese fried rice. Personally, I think that mixing the eggs in enhances the rice's texture and gives it an amazing flavor!!!

What protein to use in Fried Rice?

One of the best things about making this fried rice is that you can use any type of protein and it will still turn out great. Well, except for hot dogs - let's leave those out! We usually make this recipe with shrimp, pork chops, pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, and even tofu! The only thing that changes is the protein you choose to use. Don't worry, all the sauces and veggies are the same. Actually, we've even mixed up the veggies before - adding baby bok choy to the shrimp fried rice is amazing!  As for the sauces, we use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to give the dish a savory and slightly sweet taste. 

So, there you have it - a customizable and delicious fried rice recipe that you can make your own by simply switching up the protein and veggies. Give fried rice a try, and let us know what you think!

How to make the Shrimp Fried Rice

When it comes to cooking, I always find it helpful to get all the ingredients out before starting. This is especially true for this delicious shrimp fried rice recipe, as it only takes about 10 minutes to cook. To make things easier on yourself, be sure to measure out the sauce and chop up the veggies ahead of time. That way, you can relax and enjoy the process without any unnecessary stress!

TIP: Using leftover rice, which is best if it's a day or two old, is a great way to make delicious shrimp fried rice. The reason for this is that the rice tends to be drier, which prevents it from getting clumpy, and allows the sauces to soak into the rice, bringing out the amazing flavors of all the sauces and veggies.

First Steps

The shrimp fried rice is a very fast recipe, so it is important to get everything ready. Measure everything, chop the onion, garlic, and carrots, grate the ginger, and get the peas out of the freezer. Remove the shells and devein the shrimp.

Heat the oil in a large pan or wok. Add the onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Saute for a couple of minutes until the onions are translucent.

Adding the shrimp

Add the shrimp. Of course, this is the most important step for shrimp fried rice!!! Haha Cook them for just a minute or until they turn pink. Don't worry; they'll continue cooking with the veggies.

Add the carrots and peas with the shrimp.  Cook until the shrimp is firm and pink in color.  The carrots and peas will have a nice texture.

Now add the rice!!!! Toss the rice with the shrimp and veggies. Oh, we added some Thai peppers for spice. The peppers are not necessary if you want a milder fried rice.

Mix in the Sauces

Add the sauces once the rice is mixed in and heated through. This will take a few minutes. Stir the sauces into the rice. It will look like there isn't enough sauce, but it is a perfect amount. One time, when we made this recipe, we cut back on the soy sauce, thinking it wasn't needed. We were wrong. The soy sauce really adds the flavor necessary to pop everything in this dish.

NOTE: Dark soy sauce is, for the most part, thicker, less salty, and slightly sweeter than light soy sauce. Light soy sauce is saltier and used more for flavor.

Final Steps - the eggs!

The final step is adding the eggs! There are two ways to go about it. The first one is super easy - just crack the eggs straight into the rice and toss them through. This way, the eggs cook together with the rice and lock in all the fantastic flavors. The second method is the traditional way to make the eggs, but it involves a bit more effort. You'll need to melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a separate pan and scramble the eggs in it. Once they're cooked, mix them into the fried rice. Both methods are equally delicious, but I personally prefer the first one. Not only is it hassle-free, but it also helps you cut a few calories by cutting out the butter.

Enjoy Shrimp Fried Rice

Now for the best part of this Shrimp fried rice dish. Top with the chopped green onions, serve, and Enjoy!!!

We hope this shrimp fried rice becomes a family favorite for your family like it is for us. And you enjoy this no-takeout takeout dish at home!

Here are some other recipes you might like to check out:

• Cauliflower rice with a twist - An easy cauliflower rice dish that goes with everything.
• Pork fried cauliflower rice - Quick, easy, flavorful pork-fried cauliflower rice
• Black beans with rice and ham - This easy Black Beans and Rice with Ham dish is loaded with flavor and spices for a nutritious and delicious main or side dish.
• Pesto cauliflower rice - Combine zesty pesto with cauliflower rice to create a healthy and delicious side dish that brings the taste of summer to your plate. Pair it with grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a satisfying meal.
• Cauliflower parmesan in the air fryer - A delicious twist on a classic dish with Air Fryer Cauliflower Parmesan. It's cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for a veggie-friendly dinner.