Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe in 30 Minutes

If you're craving a quick, satisfying seafood dish that’s brimming with flavor, shrimp fried rice is the answer. Loved by seafood enthusiasts and busy families alike, this recipe delivers a delicious, wholesome meal in under 30 minutes.

Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting in the kitchen, shrimp fried rice is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

In this guide, you'll learn how to make a restaurant-quality shrimp fried rice at home, including tips for preparation, cooking, and adding your own special touch.

Why Shrimp Fried Rice is a Household Favorite

Shrimp fried rice is not just a meal; it's an experience—a beautiful symphony of savory shrimp, tender rice, and crisp vegetables. Its popularity stems from its versatility. You can prepare it with day-old rice, fresh vegetables from the fridge, and a handful of pantry staples.

Some benefits of shrimp fried rice include:

Quick Cooking Time – Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Nutritious and Balanced – Combines protein, grains, and veggies in one dish.
Bursting With Flavor – Soy and sesame oils elevate the dish to flavorful heights.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or sauces to make it personal.

Plus, it looks as good as it tastes—a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice

To make shrimp fried rice at home, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to tweak quantities or add your own flair as you like!

Core Ingredients

1 lb of shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Fresh or frozen shrimp works well.
4 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old) – Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal.
3 eggs – Lightly beaten for fluffiness.
2 cups of mixed vegetables – Carrots, peas, scallions, and bell peppers are great options.
3 tablespoons of soy sauce – Adds that signature umami flavor.
2 teaspoons of sesame oil – Elevates flavor with aromatic nuttiness.
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or wok oil – For stir-frying the ingredients.

Optional Additions

1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – For extra depth.
Chili flakes – If you like a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before cooking, get all your ingredients ready. Dice the vegetables, peel the shrimp, and lightly beat the eggs. Make sure the rice is cold—day-old rice works best as it won’t clump together while frying.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet on medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink.
Set the shrimp aside on a plate.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Using the same wok or skillet, pour in the beaten eggs.
Scramble them gently until fully cooked. Break them into small pieces with your spatula, and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok.
Toss in minced garlic, ginger, and scallions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Rice

Add your mixed vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Increase the heat to high, then add the cold, cooked rice.
Break up any lumps with your spatula and stir well to combine.

Step 6: Add Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir thoroughly.
Toss in the cooked eggs and shrimp, mixing everything until evenly combined.
Optionally, stir in oyster sauce or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shrimp fried rice and garnish with fresh scallions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice – Freshly cooked rice tends to stick together. Leftover rice is firmer and perfect for stir-frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Use a large wok or skillet to allow ingredients to fry evenly.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp Works Too – If you’re pressed for time, use pre-cooked shrimp and add them in during Step 6.
Customize Your Veggies – Zucchini, spinach, and broccoli also make great additions.

Why Home-Cooked Shrimp Fried Rice Beats Takeout

While takeout fried rice is convenient, making it at home comes with many advantages:

Full Control Over Ingredients – Adjust salt, oil, and sauce quantities to suit your preference.
Healthier Options – Add more veggies and less oil for a guilt-free meal.
Cost-Effective – Save money by using leftover ingredients from your kitchen.

Home-cooked shrimp fried rice is fresher, healthier, and can be tailored to your unique taste buds.

Add a Twist to Your Shrimp Fried Rice

If you're feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to try:

Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice – Add chunks of pineapple for a tropical twist.
Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice – Throw in extra chili powder or Sriracha for heat.
Thai-Style Fried Rice – Swap soy sauce for fish sauce and add a dash of lime juice.

Bring Shrimp Fried Rice to Your Table Tonight

Shrimp fried rice is the ultimate go-to meal—it’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. From busy families to seafood lovers, it’s the dish that keeps everyone at the table happy.

Why settle for takeout when you can cook a flavorful and nutritious shrimp fried rice at home? Grab your ingredients, fire up the wok, and get cooking tonight!