Shrimp Fried Rice is one of my go-to one-pot, 30-minute meals that is high in protein with plenty of veggies! The juicy shrimp is pan-seared and then tossed with rice, scrambled egg, and your favorite vegetables for an easy family favorite meal with what you have on hand!

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe in a skillet with wooden spoon

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Helpful Reader Review

“This is the best shrimp stir fry! So easy to make and I like that you can add any vegetables to it. My family loves this one!” – Rhonda ★★★★★

Shrimp Fried Rice Video

Fried rice is so easy to make, but be sure to check out my tips for avoiding gummy, sticky rice, a process I picked up from one of my favorite OG bloggers, Jaden of steamykitchen.com.

Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Shrimp Fried Rice is so easy to make, and once you have a great basic recipe, you can easily change up it up by swapping protein and veggies for what you have on hand. That’s how I came up with my popular Chicken Fried Rice. I love how easy it is to make–and clean up! It’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly and won’t mess up the kitchen.

We love recreating Asian takeout dishes like Chow Mein, General Tso’s Chicken, and of course, saucy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Making fried rice is probably the easiest homemade takeout dish.

Best shrimp fried rice up close with shrimp, carrots, peas and egg

Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients

The shrimp fried rice cooking process moves quickly on a very hot skillet, so be sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you start to cook.

  • Rice: Start with cold cooked rice. Leftover rice is best. Avoid fresh, warm rice, or it will become sticky and gooey. I prefer Jasmine rice, but you can use medium, long-grain, or even brown rice.
  • Shrimp: 20-24 count or 26-30 count RAW peeled and deveined shrimp. You can use frozen shrimp thawed according to directions on the package. Make it vegetarian by leaving out the shrimp, like our Pineapple Fried Rice, or substitute it with whatever protein you have, such as ham, bacon (like this Bacon Mango Fried Rice), beef, or chicken.
  • Cornstarch – makes the shrimp slightly crisp when stir-fried, like in our Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
  • Vegetables: I use a bag of frozen peas and carrots, thawed according to package instructions, but you can substitute leftover steamed or roasted vegetables (like Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli).
  • Eggs: Large eggs add more protein, but you can omit the eggs if you’d prefer
  • Green onion – light and dark green parts, plus more to garnish. Don’t have any? Leave them out.
  • Soy Sauce – regular, low-sodium, or even coconut aminos, add them to taste to account for varying levels of salitness in the sauce, rice, and veggies. For Gluten-free Fried rice, check the label for GF, like this Tamari soy sauce.
  • Sesame oil – DO NOT SKIP the sesame oil, which makes it taste like authentic Chinese fried rice. Use pure sesame oil, not toasted.
Ingredients for quick 30-minute Asian meal including left over rice, steamed peas and carrots, coconut aminos or soy sauce, eggs, seafood, salt, sesame oil, cornstarch, and green onions

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

This shrimp fried rice takes just 10 minutes to cook, so allow the pan to come to high heat and add in order so the ingredients sear perfectly.

  1. Marinate shrimp in cornstarch, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the shrimp – Heat the skillet over medium/high heat, add cooking oil, and cook the shrimp for 1 minute per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
  3. Add beaten eggs into the hot skillet and scramble with your spatula until no longer runny. Transfer to the same plate as the shrimp.
  4. Cook green onions – Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, then increase to medium/high heat, and saute the chives in a little oil for 30 seconds.
  5. Spread cooked rice into the skillet and sizzle for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Flip and sizzle another 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add sauces & veggies – drizzle in Soy sauce and sesame oil to taste, and then stir in vegetables. *resist the urge to stir too often
  7. Add cooked shrimp and eggs back to the pan and stir to combine, and add more soy sauce to taste. Serve!
How to make shrimp fried rice step by step

Helpful Reader Review

“Oh my gosh this is so good! I doubled it. The only other changes I made were extra sesame oil and green onions because I love the flavors and added fresh chopped garlic with the onions. Soooo much flavor! Will definitely make it again.” – Betsy ★★★★★

Pan with seafood and rice Asian 30-minute meal recipe

I hope you’re inspired to make some Shrimp Fried Rice this week. You’ll love how easily it comes together in under 30 minutes and how your family will love it! Add this to the menu this week!

Shrimp Fried Rice

4.89 from 267 votes
Shrimp fried rice in skillet with spatula
Shrimp Fried Rice is one of my go-to 30-minute, one-pot dinners, and my family can't get enough of it. Shrimp and Rice is the best way to use leftover white rice and whatever vegetables you have on hand. Take out just doesn't compare!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people
  • 1 lb 26-30 count uncooked shrimp , (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp LIGHT olive oil, or canola
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 5 cups leftover chilled white rice , (rinse rice before cooking)*
  • 12 oz frozen carrots and peas, thawed
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos , or added to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  • Marinate shrimp – In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  • Cook the shrimp – Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium/high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and add shrimp to the hot skillet and spread them out in a single layer. Cook 1 minute per side, or until cooked through and opaque. Remove to a bowl.
  • Add beaten egg – Over medium heat, add beaten eggs to the same skillet. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until no longer runny. Remove to a bowl.
  • Cook green onion – Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium/high heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil and onions, and cook green onions until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  • Spread rice – Stir in rice, then spread it evenly over the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes without disturbing it, then stir and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.
  • Add sauces and veggies – Drizzle 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or add to taste) over rice and stir well. Add sesame oil and thawed vegetables and mix well.
  • Add cooked shrimp and cooked eggs back to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook until the rice is hot and sizzles, stirring frequently. Add more soy sauce to taste, if desired.

Notes

To cook rice for fried rice: rinse until the water runs clear, cook rice on the stovetop, then cool to room temperature. Spread it into a casserole dish or baking sheet to cool faster then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Storage and Reheating:
  • Cool the fried rice by spreading it into a shallow container and refrigerating it uncovered until cool. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, or heat from frozen in a covered saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through (165°F). You can also microwave a thawed portion for 30-second intervals (stirring between intervals) until the food registers 165°F.

Nutrition Per Serving

396kcal Calories44g Carbs25g Protein12g Fat2g Saturated Fat299mg Cholesterol1108mg Sodium281mg Potassium2g Fiber5585IU Vitamin A10.2mg Vitamin C158mg Calcium3.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Fried Rice
Amount per Serving
Calories
396
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Cholesterol
 
299
mg
100
%
Sodium
 
1108
mg
48
%
Potassium
 
281
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
44
g
15
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
 
5585
IU
112
%
Vitamin C
 
10.2
mg
12
%
Calcium
 
158
mg
16
%
Iron
 
3.3
mg
18
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: shrimp and rice, shrimp fried rice, shrimp fried rice recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 396
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Asian-Inspired Takeout Recipes

4.89 from 267 votes (98 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • valentina radion
    August 25, 2014

    Hi natasha, where can I buy toasted sesame oil? I want cook today

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 25, 2014

      We purchase it in the refrigerator section in Fred Meyer right next to the organic oil. If you have a natural store nearby, you can most likely find it there.

      Reply

      • valentina radion
        August 26, 2014

        Thank u so much !!

        Reply

  • Erika
    July 23, 2014

    Looove this!! So yummy!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 24, 2014

      Thanks Erika 🙂

      Reply

  • Mina
    July 22, 2014

    Very easy, very good

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 22, 2014

      I’m so glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks Mina!

      Reply

  • Vaughn Thomas
    June 18, 2014

    Thanks for your great recipe! I used brown rice and it tasted yummy! Thx again!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 18, 2014

      It’s so great to know that it works well with brown rice. Thanks for sharing your tip! 🙂

      Reply

  • moms dish
    February 23, 2014

    Hey sweets! Had this for dinner today, it was so delicious and I got to say I don’t “love” shrimp but loved this dish! Great recipe Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 23, 2014

      I’m so glad you loved the fried rice. It’s one of the dishes I crave! About the shrimp,… I still think we could be friends. lol.

      Reply

  • Lindasia
    October 4, 2013

    I love it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 4, 2013

      Haha. Thanks 😉 now that is a rave review!

      Reply

  • Valentina
    August 12, 2013

    What if I dont have left over rice? Is it a big difference if I just make some and use it right away?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 12, 2013

      You can make it fresh and let it cool down. If it’s too hot and steamy, it may make your stir fried rice a little sticky/mushy.

      Reply

  • irina
    August 7, 2013

    I have a silly question about the rice, is it supposed to be precooked when i put it in the skillet?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 7, 2013

      Rice needs to be precooked :).

      Reply

  • Julia
    June 20, 2013

    This recipe is amazing. I was totally blown away. It was quick and easy and super delicious. This one is definitely going into my recipe book.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 20, 2013

      Thank you Julia, I’m glad you like it 🙂 and than you for pointing out the temperature setting for the beef plov, I updated the recipe.

      Reply

  • yulia
    March 20, 2013

    Is it okay to use cooked shrimp? I totally did not notice you wrote uncooked and i went off and bought cooked shrimp peeled and deveined.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      That should be ok but don’t cook the shrimp too long or it will get rubbery.

      Reply

      • yulia
        March 29, 2013

        I made it with the cooked shrimp and oh my goodness it turned out so yummy:) thank you for this awesome recipe:)

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          March 30, 2013

          Awesome, I’m glad you like the recipe Yulia :).

          Reply

  • Christine
    March 6, 2012

    I made this for dinner tonight and I loved it! The shrimp were so delicious – nice and plump and not rubbery for a change. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply

  • sam
    December 11, 2011

    Hi. Great recipe. I found the best rice combo
    Is to use 50% jasmine rice and 50% basmati rice.
    I also stir in a dash of asian peanut oil at the very
    End to complete the dish.
    Corn starch acts like a tenderizer when uaed as a marinade.

    Sam

    Reply

  • Luda
    October 8, 2011

    Wow just noticed how I spelled my name it’s Luda 🙂 using me cell. Hehe:)

    Reply

  • Lusa
    October 8, 2011

    So I made this last night it turned out so yummy:) my kids loved it and so did I.:) so today I was like hmmmm..what should we have for lunch?. So I heated up the rice and a tortilla put rice and some cheese on top served it with mild sause it was one great burito!! Thanks Natasha my next is your tiramisu cake 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 8, 2011

      Yay – so glad you liked it 🙂 You will love the cake; one of my easiest cakes and delicous!! I wanna make it too now!!

      Reply

  • olesya
    April 8, 2011

    I am not a big fan of chinese but I had shrimp and rice in the house so I thought why not? I loved it and my kids loved it!! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 8, 2011

      That’s awesome! Kids can have very discriminating taste (I know mine does) so if the kids love it – it’s a winner! 🙂 Thanks stopping by and letting me know!

      Reply

  • Irina N.
    February 23, 2011

    Natasha what does the corn starch do?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 23, 2011

      It gives it a very light “crust”. That’s the way I learned to do it. I’m not sure if there is any other reason. I think you could probably do without it if you don’t have cornstarch.

      Reply

  • tina
    February 23, 2011

    Is homai rice good?

    Reply

  • tina
    February 22, 2011

    What kind of rice do you use?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 22, 2011

      It’s just a standard white rice – medium grain. You can probably use any kind of white rice (except instant rice)

      Reply

  • Margo
    February 17, 2011

    How apropos! I came home with a bag of shrimp and a bag of rice today, and here was the perfect recipe to try. It was a winner! Even my 17yo son called it a keeper recipe- high praise from that picky eater. I used brown rice, had peas but no carrots, used 3 cups of rice instead of 5… and it turned out wonderful. Thanks, Natasha!

    Reply

  • Veronica
    February 16, 2011

    oh, this sounds so good! I will have to use chicken since hubby hates shrimp but I might make this version for myself some time b/c I love it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 17, 2011

      I bet it would be good with chicken too. I should give it a whirl.

      Reply

      • Veronica
        February 21, 2011

        Well, I just made some chicken fried rice based on your recipe and it’s really good! I used brown rice and didn’t coat the chicken with cornstarch but everything else was pretty much the same. Thank you so much! It’s the first time I ever made fried rice without a seasoning packet. I didn’t know I could! lol

        Reply

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