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

  • Irene
    November 26, 2018

    Natasha, awesome meal! So tasty and simple to make

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 26, 2018

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

      • Christine
        December 3, 2019

        Hi Natasha. I am going to try this recipe and wanted to know what kind of rice you use. Thanks.

        Reply

  • Simone Lord
    November 12, 2018

    Ive been following this recipe for a while now. Its nice to see a video now, and the beautiful person behind the recipe. Thanks. My family LOVES it!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 12, 2018

      That’s so great! Thank you for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • wendy Kooi
    November 11, 2018

    Best Fried rice we have ever had. Will do again for sure..Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 11, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Nancy
    November 11, 2018

    Me encantan tus recetas..voy a preparar este arroz frito..vamos a ver cómo me queda… cuando hablas de cebolla verde te refieres al cebollín o ciboulette..soy de chile.
    preparó tus recetas y te sigo siempre

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 11, 2018

      Thank you so much Nancy! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

      • magda chavez
        January 20, 2020

        Chinese rice has something that looks like noodles or sprouts
        Do you use it in fried rice and what’s it called

        Reply

        • Natasha
          January 20, 2020

          Hi Magda, I don’t personally use sprouts but I think it could be a good addition.

          Reply

  • Yvette Walker
    November 10, 2018

    Tonight, my husband used your fried rice recipe using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of shrimp. This was the best fried rice I’ve ever tasted. It’s way better than anything we’ve ever eaten at a Chinese Restaurant, plus it doesn’t cost much to make. My husband, me and our sons devoured this meal and will be making this regularly. THIS MEAL WAS A HUGE HIT FOR MY FAMILY!!! Thanks again Natasha for sharing another great recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 10, 2018

      You’re so welcome Yvette! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

    • Brandy
      September 24, 2019

      Just curious is it 12oz of carrots and peas mix or 12oz each?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        September 24, 2019

        Hi Brandy, it is a mix of carrots and peas. The frozen packages usually come as a mix with a total volume of 12 oz.

        Reply

  • Mary
    November 7, 2018

    What do you mean by chilled white rice

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 7, 2018

      Hi Mary, I mean cooked rice that has been refrigerated. If you use warm or room temperature rice, it will turn out gummy.

      Reply

  • Lena
    November 6, 2018

    So I made it last night, it turned out so yummy 🙂 my children loved it, and so did I. 🙂 So today I looked like hmmm .. what should we have for lunch? So I warmed up the rice and tortillas, put the rice, and the cheese on it served a soft sauce, it was one wonderful burrito! Thank you, Natasha, my next your tiramisu

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 6, 2018

      That sounds like a perfect dinner! I hope you love the Tiramisu recipe!

      Reply

  • Maddy
    October 29, 2018

    Natasha…Could you make this recipe with Riced Cauliflower? I’ve used the frozen one from Trader Joe’s to make fried rice. My husband who doesn’t ever eat cauliflower loves it! This recipe sounds so delicious! Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 29, 2018

      Hi Maddy! I haven’t tried that but one of our readers stated she tried that and with great reviews! If you experiment I would love to know how you like it!

      Reply

  • Mike Waite
    October 25, 2018

    Thank you for this menu it is now my favorite one. It is one that I will cook for any visitors.
    Many thanks and look forward to all the menus you do.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 25, 2018

      I’m so happy you found a favorite Mike!!

      Reply

      • Kristie
        August 27, 2019

        Could I use already cooked shrimp?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 28, 2019

          Hi Kristie, I always try to avoid using cooked shrimp in recipes that call for uncooked because you can’t really make the shrimp take on any flavor without overcooking them. I think you could still make it work but omit the cornstarch on the shrimp and you won’t need to do the marinating. I would still flash heat them until warmed through but no longer than that because re-cooking cooked shrimp will make them rubbery. I hope you love the recipe!

          Reply

  • Steve
    October 24, 2018

    Super fast and easy for a weekday dinner. As mentioned, prep is key as this one comes together quickly. Very fresh taste and great flavors. Add some crushed red pepper for a kick and dress with sriracha and fresh cilantro for even more of a flavor kick. Thanks Natasha for posting this recipe, I love it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 24, 2018

      My pleasure Steve! I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you for this great reviews!

      Reply

  • Julia Narmatov
    October 20, 2018

    Love your recipes!!!❤

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 20, 2018

      You’re so nice! Thank you Julia!!

      Reply

  • Linda Hayes
    October 16, 2018

    The shrimp fried rice was very dry. I even used less rice.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 17, 2018

      Hi Linda, this isn’t meant to be a saucy dish, but you can add more oil or even a splash of water to add moisture if the rice seems dry. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Ruth
    October 16, 2018

    i love your new kitchen and this recipe so happy for you girl God Bless Your kitchen and your family love you all

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 16, 2018

      You’re so nice! Thank you Ruth!

      Reply

  • Mike Waite
    October 11, 2018

    I tried this with Prawns and it was A1 I have cooked this dish several times Thank you so much for the video and instructions This is my number 1 meal From UK

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 11, 2018

      I’m so happy to hear that, Mike! Thank you for your awesome feedback!

      Reply

  • Brian F
    September 20, 2018

    It took a couple hours, lol, but the wife and kids LOVED your recipe. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 20, 2018

      You’re so welcome, Brian! I’m so happy they loved it! Thank you for sharing this with me!

      Reply

  • martha munters
    September 19, 2018

    Natasha, I have never tried a recipe of yours that I didn’t love. The last one was the zucchini lemon cake with the buttercream frosting. Oh my it was so good. But I am looking and this one and it has no onions, no green onions, no garlic. no crunchy water chestnuts. Do you think it would change the texture or flavor if I added any of the above? Thank you for all you do.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 20, 2018

      Hi Martha! I think that could work! I would love to know how you like that with those changes!

      Reply

  • Ian A.
    September 17, 2018

    Hi Natasha

    I am on your website so much that I am afraid I will get in trouble at work. Your recipes are so good and easy. Just makes me look and them and wish I was in my kitchen.

    Thankyou!!

    Ian

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 17, 2018

      Definitely be careful! lol. 🙂 I’m so glad you love our recipes and that they make you feel inspired! Thank you for sharing that with me 🙂

      Reply

  • Tommy
    September 16, 2018

    Didn’t have shrimp or cornstarch, so I had chicken thighs and flour. Turned out excellent!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2018

      That’s so great Tommy! I’m so happy you liked this recipe!

      Reply

  • Sandra
    September 16, 2018

    Love your videos. That kitchen is amazing. When is the kitchen tour video going to be posted?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2018

      Hi Sandra! Thank you!! Stay tuned, once we decorate and have everything where we want it we will have a kitchen tour.

      Reply

  • Mike Waite
    September 16, 2018

    I tried this out but used fresh prawns as it is difficult to get fresh shrimp in the UK It turned out so good I made it again the next day it is now one of my favorites Thank you for the menu. it was great and highly recommended.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2018

      Hi Mike! Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

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