Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe | A Quick 20-Minute Dinner Idea

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe (Better Than Takeout, a Quick Weeknight Dinner)

A fast and flavorful recipe for shrimp fried rice made with cold day-old rice, juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a simple sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 360

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked white rice chilled (day-old jasmine or long grain preferred).
• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots thawed
• 3 green onions sliced
• 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 TBSP oyster sauce optional.
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp neutral oil canola or avocado oil works best
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Prep everything first.

1. Have all the ingredients chopped and measured. Cold rice should be broken up into loose grains.

Cook the shrimp.

1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until opaque. Remove and set aside.

Scramble the eggs.

1. Add another ½ tbsp of oil. Pour in beaten eggs, stir gently until just set, then remove to a plate.

Sauté Veggies & Garlic

1. Add garlic and thawed veggies. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and heated through.
2. Add rice & sauce
3. Turn the heat to high. Add the remaining oil and rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up the clumps. Added soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Finish with shrimp, eggs, and green onion.
5. Return cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Top with green onions and serve hot.

Video

Notes

The secret to amazing shrimp fried rice is all about prepping early and cooking hot. Always use cold, day-old rice because fresh rice gets soft and mushy when it hits high heat. Cook the shrimp and eggs separately so they stay tender and don’t overcook. Then mix everything together at the end to keep the flavors sharp and the texture perfect. And most importantly, use a very hot pan. That's what gives you that slightly crispy, restaurant-style finish. Stir-frying is quick, but your setup needs to be right first.

Seasonal Variations

Enjoy this recipe all year long with simple ingredient swaps that match the season.

Spring Variation:

Use fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley to create a lighter, spring-inspired version of this recipe. Adding lemon zest or seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, can brighten up the dish naturally.

Summer Variation:

For a refreshing twist, pair the dish with fresh summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, or zucchini. A touch of citrus or a chilled side salad turns this into a perfect, easy summer dinner idea.

Fall Variation:

Warm, comforting flavors work best here. Add mushrooms, roasted garlic, or a creamy broth to give your dish a cozy fall comfort-food appeal without overpowering the original flavors.

Winter Variation:

In the colder months, make the dish heartier with ingredients like spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of warming spices can help transform it into a simple winter dinner recipe that still feels balanced and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

These serving ideas will help you enjoy the dish in different ways, whether you want something simple or more elevated.

Serving with Light Side Dishes:

Pair this recipe with easy vegetable side dishes for busy weeknights, such as steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad.

Make it a Full Meal:

For a complete dinner, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or oven-roasted vegetables. These additions enhance the flavors while keeping the meal beginner-friendly.

Healthy-Style Option:

If you’re aiming for a lighter plate, pair it with high-protein grain bowls, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. This approach keeps the dish satisfying while supporting a healthy weeknight dinner idea.

Entertaining Guests:

Elevate the presentation with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of parmesan for a dish that works perfectly as an easy dinner for family gatherings or weekend hosting.

Tips & Tricks

Use these helpful tips to get perfect results every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Choosing fresh herbs, garlic, and seasonal produce builds authentic flavor and helps you create a restaurant-quality homemade dish without any extra effort.

Don’t Overcook:

Whether you’re preparing meat, pasta, or vegetables, avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and texture. This simple step is essential to achieving a balanced and flavorful home-cooked meal.

Adjust to Taste:

Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add your favorite herbs. Personalizing the dish ensures it fits your preferences while keeping it an easy recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Prep Ahead:

Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, or marinate proteins ahead of time. These small steps help transform the recipe into a quick weeknight dinner that comes together easily.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~360
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)