Shrimp Fried Rice is one of my go-to 30-minute meals and my family can’t get enough of it. Shrimp and rice loaded with veggies and egg is a protein-packed and easy dinner. Fried Rice is the best way to use leftover Cooked Rice.

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.

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe in skillet with spoon

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Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Even though fried rice is easy to make, there are some things to know before you start to avoid gummy and sticky rice. I learned how to make (non-sticky) fried rice years ago from one of my favorite bloggers, Jaden of steamykitchen.com.

Once you have a great basic recipe for fried rice, you can easily change up the protein depending on what you have in the refrigerator or what leftovers you have from dinner the night before. That’s how we came up with our popular Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.

Shrimp Fried Rice Video Tutorial

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Secrets for the Best Fried Rice

Here is our best advice for making perfect (non-sticky) fried rice:

  • Ingredients prepped ahead: The cooking process moves fast, so be sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start the stove
  • Chilled rice: Start with cold cooked rice. Leftover rice is best. Avoid fresh, warm rice or it will become sticky and gooey when it hits the pan.
  • High heat: Fried rice is supposed to cook quickly over high heat so give your pan a chance to heat up. Also, give the ingredients time to sizzle and resist the urge to stir constantly.
  • Follow the process: Add ingredients to the pan separately and in the order listed. Adding everything at once will cool the pan too quickly and your fried rice will fail.
  • Add sauces to taste: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste preference. Depending on how your rice was cooked (with or without salt) or if you use low sodium soy sauce, you will likely need to adjust soy sauce and sesame oil.
Best shrimp fried rice up close with shrimp, carrots, peas and egg

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice

  • Rice: cooked and chilled rice works best (more on that below)
  • Shrimp: use 20-24 count or 26-30 count RAW peeled and deveined shrimp.
  • Cornstarch – makes the shrimp slightly crisp when stir-fried like in our Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
  • Vegetables: we use a bag of frozen peas and carrots that we thaw according to package instructions.
  • Eggs: large eggs add more protein and great texture and color to this dish
  • Green onion – light and dark green parts, plus more to garnish
  • Soy Sauce – use regular, low sodium or even coconut aminos then add them to taste since they will have varying amounts of salt in them.
  • 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 shrimp and rice

How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice

From the time the shrimp hits the skillet, it takes about 10 minutes on the stove so you want everything measured out, prepped, and ready to add to the skillet.

  1. Marinate shrimp – toss shrimp together with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Heat the skillet – preheat over medium/high heat then add cooking oil and shrimp. Cook 1 minute per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
  3. Add beaten eggs – pour eggs into the hot skillet and scramble with your spatula until no longer runny. Transfer to the same plate as the shrimp.
  4. Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel then increase to medium/high heat, add oil and chives, and saute for 30 seconds.
  5. Spread 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 then stir in vegetables.
  7. Add cooked shrimp and eggs back to the pan and stir to combine and add more soy sauce to taste.
How to make shrimp fried rice step by step

How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice

Leftover chilled white rice is best, but If you don’t have leftover white rice, you can make it ahead, but be sure to rinse the rice until water runs clear prior to cooking to remove the extra starch.

Cook White Rice on the Stovetop then cool to room temperature, spread the rice into a casserole dish or baking sheet, and refrigerate until chilled. This will help dry out the rice so it doesn’t turn gummy on the skillet. We love Jasmine rice, but medium or long grain rice will work.

Common Questions

What is the best rice for fried rice?

We love Jasmine rice, but medium or long grain rice will work. You can even use leftover brown rice for healthier fried rice.

Is fried rice gluten-free?

Rice is gluten-free, so you really just need to make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free like this Tamari soy sauce.

Can I make soy-free fried rice?

Instead of soy sauce, try using Coconut Aminos, but you need a little more since it contains less salt.

Can I substitute the shrimp?

You can leave out the shrimp altogether to make it vegetarian 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 for Chicken Fried Rice.

Fried rice recipe with shrimp and rice

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More Asian Recipes to try

Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

4.89 from 254 votes
Shrimp fried rice in skillet with spatula
Shrimp Fried Rice is one of my go-to 30-minute dinners and my family can't get enough of it. Shrimp and Rice is the best way to use leftover white rice.
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

  • In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium/high heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil and onions and cook green onion until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 Recipe
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
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 396
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

This recipe was first published in 2014 and republished in 2022. We have added a video, new photos (see original photo below), and more tips for making the Best Shrimp Fried Rice.

Chinese fried rice recipe
4.89 from 254 votes (98 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Andre Sherrill
    September 15, 2018

    First time making Shrimp Fried Rice and it turn out great. Have to try some ginger next time. Natasha explained it so simple that I was confident that it was going to come out great, and it did.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2018

      I”m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, Andre! Thank you so much for sharing this great review with me!

      Reply

  • Kathleen
    September 15, 2018

    Husband and I just made this and loved it! We cut the recipe in half and it turned out perfectly. The sesame oil is a key ingredient and should not be skipped. It was quick, easy, and delicious. Thanks for another great dinner idea.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Kathleen! Thank you for the awesome review!

      Reply

  • Michelle Schreib
    September 15, 2018

    Would you please be able to list in your recipes how much one serving is, as in 1 cup, 1/2 cup, etc.? My husband is diabetic so we do carb counting and it would be extremely helpful to have this info when calculating the amount of insulin he needs for a meal. Thank you! Love your recipes & videos!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2018

      Hi Michelle! I wish I had measured it that way! That is a great question. This entire recipe makes 6 servings so 1/6th of the recipe.

      Reply

  • Jenna
    September 13, 2018

    Delicious! I used freshly made short grain rice and put it in the fridge for a couple of hours, I didn’t wash it either. I made sure to season all my ingredients, and i fried the veggies as well before mixing everything together. The sesame oil definitely makes it authentic, great recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 13, 2018

      That’s so great! Sounds like that was a success! Thank you for sharing this with us, Jenna!

      Reply

  • Crab Dynasty
    September 12, 2018

    Definatelly a keeper. These are one of those recipes that go in the family recipe box on an index card….oops. Do people still use those? We made it for a hosted party and people went nuts over the shrimp. Thanks for posting.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 12, 2018

      That’s so great! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome review with me! I’m all smiles!

      Reply

      • Machelle Darvanian
        November 3, 2020

        Hi Natasha Just love you & ur recipes!! They all r fantastic!! So glad I came across you!! I was wondering if you have a recipe for Ganesh Game Hens? Thank You in advance. Have a Lovely Day!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          November 3, 2020

          Hi Machelle! I do not at this time but that’s a great idea! Thank you for that suggestion!

          Reply

  • Lorna Klotz
    September 11, 2018

    When I freeze rice either in fried rice or jambalaya, I add some stock to it like chicken or veggie. Then I hear it up in the oven wrapped in foil so it gets steamed and won’t dry out.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 11, 2018

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Lorna!

      Reply

  • Anon
    September 11, 2018

    5 cups of cooked rice?! How many cups of uncooked?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 11, 2018

      Hi Anon, the type of rice you use will make the measurement vary slightly, but you would be safe to use 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice. Be sure to rinse it prior to cooking to get the starch off so it isn’t sticky when it’s fried. I hope you love this shrimp fried rice recipe! 🙂

      Reply

  • Gina Faz
    September 9, 2018

    Not only do I love your recipes, but I appreciate their ease. Thank you for always sharing & congrats on the new home. Keep the videos & yummy recipes coming…
    🤗🤗🤗

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2018

      You’re so nice! Thank you Gina!

      Reply

  • luba
    September 9, 2018

    Love this recipe!!!! I’m using it for cauliflower fried rice .
    Thank you, Natasha! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2018

      You’re welcome Luba! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Lorna klotz
    September 8, 2018

    I’m living alone as my husband of 56 years passed away almost two years ago so my problem is finding recipes for one or to people but this one like the fried rice uses so much rice and makes a huge amount. If I made this…I guess I could leave out the shrimp to add later on as I’d divide this into separate meals for me. Any other hints for those of us living alone but want to eat good nutritious foods…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 8, 2018

      Hi Lorna. Maybe halving the recipe would be best? Freezing it in an air tight container may be best as well until you are ready to try it again

      Reply

      • anonymous
        September 9, 2018

        Agreed – halving the recipe would be best! I’ve tried to freeze fried rice before, but it doesn’t reheat well – the texture of the rice changes.

        Reply

        • Pat Wheeler
          September 11, 2018

          I have had wonderful luck freezing Basmati rice that has been thoroughly rinsed before cooking. I looks like it’s all freezer burned in the freezer, but when you thaw it out it is ready to go.

          Reply

          • Natashas Kitchen
            September 11, 2018

            Thank you for sharing that with us Pat

  • Shanny
    September 7, 2018

    I loooove all your recipes Thank you so much for updating with new ones

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 7, 2018

      You’re so welcome, Shanny! I’m so happy you are enjoying our blog!

      Reply

  • Bonnie law
    May 21, 2018

    Definitely a keeper! Next time use less rice and a bit more sesame oil and soy sauce

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 22, 2018

      I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Bonnie! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Pw
    May 15, 2018

    Made this for dinner tonight and it was amazing! Thank you for share this recipe. My house still Mel yummy. 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 15, 2018

      You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe, including the aroma! Thanks for sharing you awesome review!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    May 11, 2018

    I dont have seseme Seeds or Soy Sauce, what ca-n i USe instead FOR the rice to turn out delicious?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 11, 2018

      Or cornstarch

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        May 11, 2018

        Hi Natasha, you might try a different kind of starch such as potato starch.

        Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 11, 2018

      Hi Natasha, you could try a coconut aminos as a soy substitute. It has nice flavor – like a teriyaki sauce but it would probably need more salt since the coconut aminos sauce is way less salty than soy sauce. Also, I’m not sure what could replace sesame seeds for a similar authentic flavor. If someone else has some insights, please let us know! 🙂

      Reply

  • Bonnie
    February 13, 2018

    Great recipe! Made it several times and always a hit with my hubby. Used extra large shrimp by mistake one time and although the taste is still great, not enough shrimp to evenly go around. Takes longer than 30 minutes for me. Just a slow poke I guess.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 13, 2018

      I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe Bonnie! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Mariya
    February 12, 2018

    Now its my best dish! No more plow.
    I used a Oyster flavor sauce and Sesame Seed Oil and tiny Soy sauce.
    Thanks you, Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 12, 2018

      You’re welcome Mariya! I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tatyana S.
    January 27, 2018

    Yummy, we love shrimp fried rice, we make ours very similar to your recipe just a couple things different like it’s no veggies and we add a little of garlic powder/season salt. But I tried with veggies, it’s perfect either way😋
    What I also make with it is shrimp sauce or yum yum sauce* u seriously have to try it with the fried rice it’s the best 👍🏻

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 27, 2018

      Yum, that does sound good! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • NATHON BARCHUK
    January 17, 2018

    Made some very minor mods, added garlic and ginger. Otherwise perfect and I would make it again

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 17, 2018

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Nathon! Thanks for sharing your review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Ed Westerdahl
    December 15, 2017

    Made this tonight, and it was great.
    We used fresh baby carrots, sliced thin, and frozen peas, and added two cloves of chopped garlic with the onions.
    We really liked that the peas and carrots were still crisp in the dish.

    I liked the process you used in making this dish, and the three eggs we used came out nicely chopped as in your pictures. Other recipes I have used had me push the rice to the side and cook the eggs but you cannot get a good mix of eggs in the rice that way.

    We will make your recipe again – Thanks !!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 15, 2017

      You’re welcome Ed! I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your fantastic review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Mexicalidesi
    December 9, 2017

    Really, really good. Best of many tried; thank you for taking the time to provide it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 9, 2017

      You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

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