Easy Shrimp Fried Rice | Quick and Flavorful Recipe

Learn how to make Shrimp Fried Rice with this quick and easy recipe! Packed with succulent shrimp, flavorful ham, and perfectly seasoned rice, it's a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Fried rice is a dish of cooked rice that has been stir-fried in a wok or a frying pan and is usually mixed with other ingredients such as eggs, vegetables, seafood, or meat. It is often eaten by itself or as an accompaniment to another dish.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a popular component of East Asian, Southeast Asian and certain South Asian cuisines, as well as a staple national dish of Indonesia. As a homemade dish, fried rice is typically made with ingredients left over from other dishes, leading to countless variations.

15 FAQs for Shrimp Fried Rice

1. Can I use any type of rice?
Yes, jasmine or long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier option.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables like diced carrots and peas work great. Just cook them until tender before adding the rice.

3. How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?
Use day-old, cold rice to keep the grains separate and prevent mushiness. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump together.

4. Can I add more proteins to the dish?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or tofu can be added along with or instead of the shrimp.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

6. Can I make this dish without shrimp?
Yes, you can omit the shrimp or replace it with another protein like chicken, beef, or tofu.

7. How do I reheat the fried rice without drying it out?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

8. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you are watching your salt intake.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a dash of sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level according to your preference.

11. What other oils can I use besides vegetable oil?
You can use canola oil, peanut oil, or even a light olive oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil.

12. Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and marinate the shrimp ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

13. Can I cook this dish in a wok?
Yes, a wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and ability to handle high heat evenly.

14. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure the pan is well-heated before adding the oil, and use enough oil to lightly coat the surface.

15. What can I serve with shrimp fried rice?
Pair it with a side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Shrimp Fried Rice Video Tutorial

Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

Serving: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 4 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (cooled, preferably overnight)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook and cool the rice, ideally overnight, to prevent it from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
Cook the Eggs and Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the eggs and cook until just set, then push to the side.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and eggs from the skillet and set aside.
Stir Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chopped ham and frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2 minutes.
Combine and Fry the Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir to combine.
- Pour in the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the cooked shrimp and eggs to the skillet. Stir everything together.
- Turn off the heat and stir in sesame oil, white pepper, and spring onions.
Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Fried Rice with a delicious restaurant-quality flavor.

Additional Notes

Rice: Using day-old, cold rice prevents it from clumping and becoming too soft.
Wok Alternative: A large non-stick skillet works well if you don't have a wok.
Substitutions: You can replace the ham with chicken, beef, or extra vegetables if preferred.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 1500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
Protein: 30g

Explore More Tasty Recipes

Must-Try Recipes

Easy Cajun Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe: Cajun-spiced chicken breasts stuffed with veggies and melted zesty pepper-jack cheese
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: This creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta is quick, delicious, and not to brag, but better than most restaurants.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Rice and Beef: These stuffed bell peppers are so easy to make, and they don't require a lot of time and effort.

Dive Into More Deliciousness

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Recipe Collection for endless culinary adventures.

And don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #KelvinsKitchen.