Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick to whip up with minimal fuss? Look no further than this recipe for So Easy Delicious Shrimp Fried Rice! This dish is a perfect blend of savory shrimp, fragrant rice, tender veggies, and just the right amount of umami to keep you coming back for more. It’s a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table, just like the good old days when shrimp fried rice felt like a special treat.

I remember the first time I put together this So Easy Delicious Shrimp Fried Rice on a rainy night after work, using some forgotten shrimp from the freezer. It has since become my go-to comfort dish, perfect for any weeknight mood. Leftovers of this flavorful fried rice are a treat too, as the flavors only seem to deepen and meld together with time. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is a surefire way to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how this shrimp fried rice can become a regular on your dinner rotation?

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and Quick: Perfect for a fast, flavorful homemade meal using leftover rice and minimal fuss.
• Adaptable and Versatile: Easily swap ingredients like shrimp for chicken or tofu, and use various vegetables based on what’s available.
• Delicious and Flavorful: Offers bold umami flavors with savory shrimp, fragrant rice, and tender veggies creating a satisfying, comforting dish.
• Texture and Taste: Day-old rice prevents clumping, while cooking shrimp just until pink maintains its tenderness and flavor in the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Easy and Quick: This recipe is perfect for a fast and flavorful homemade meal, ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner solution.
• Minimal Fuss: Using leftover rice and simple ingredients, this dish requires minimal effort and clean-up, making it convenient for any cook.
• Comforting and Satisfying: A dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, perfect for any mood or when you need a cozy homemade meal.
• Adaptable: You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu and adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand, making it versatile and customizable.
• Family Favorite: A dish that brings families together, reminiscent of homemade comfort food that pleases everyone at the table.
• Bold Flavor: With the perfect balance of savory shrimp, fragrant rice, and umami from soy sauce, this recipe offers bold flavors with minimal effort.
• Perfect Leftovers: The dish stores well for up to three days and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Authentic Taste: Inspired by Chinese takeout favorites, this version celebrates home kitchen shortcuts and everyday ingredients while retaining authentic flavors.
• Healthier Alternative: By making this shrimp fried rice at home, you can control the ingredients and avoid excessive salt or unhealthy fats often found in takeout versions.

Ingredients for Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Main Components

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons neutral-flavoured oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 cup frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day old), loosened

Pro Tips for Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

For the best texture and flavor, always use day-old rice for your shrimp fried rice. The drier rice separates easily, preventing clumping and ensuring a perfect stir-fry consistency.

When cooking the shrimp, make sure to remove them from the heat just as they turn pink and opaque. This will prevent overcooking and keep the shrimp tender and juicy when added back to the rice later on.

Feel free to customize your shrimp fried rice by adding in extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or bean sprouts for added color and crunch. This dish is versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences.

How to Make Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Shrimp

In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

In the same pan, add the rest of the oil and sauté diced onion until translucent and tender, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Vegetables

Combine day-old rice, peas, and carrots in the pan. Stir well to separate any clumps and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat the vegetables.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture in the pan. Add cooked shrimp. Toss and stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Complete and Serve

Check for seasoning. Serve hot right after combining.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the delicious Shrimp Fried Rice, it’s important to store any leftovers correctly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the shrimp fried rice can be kept fresh for up to three days. When reheating, it’s recommended to use a skillet for the best texture, or you can opt for the microwave, loosely covering the dish for quick lunches. By avoiding overcooking during reheating, you can ensure that the rice retains its flavor and the shrimp remains tender.

For variations or substitutions, feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences or what you have on hand. You can swap the shrimp for diced cooked chicken or tofu, and leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this dish. If you’re short on veggies, use any frozen mix available or add fresh vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Additionally, tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative to low-sodium soy sauce. Serve the shrimp fried rice with extra soy sauce on the side for those who prefer it saltier, and consider topping it with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a soft fried egg for an extra touch of flavor and heartiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh shrimp is preferred, you can use it by peeling and deveining before cooking to achieve the best results. Additionally, if you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly before using it in the recipe. This method can help mimic the texture of day-old rice and prevent clumping.

Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding bell peppers, corn, bean sprouts, or any other vegetables you have on hand to introduce extra colors and textures to the dish. Just ensure they are cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. You can also experiment with different types of frozen vegetable mixes based on your preferences or what you have available in your freezer.

While soy sauce is traditionally used for its umami flavor, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. These alternatives will still provide the savory taste that complements the dish well. Adjust the amount to taste and consider low-sodium versions if you prefer to control the saltiness of the fried rice.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative way to serve this delicious shrimp fried rice, try presenting it in individual fried rice bowls topped with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. The creamy yolk adds a luxurious touch to the dish and creates a beautiful presentation that will impress your family and guests. You can also sprinkle some sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.

Another fun serving suggestion is to transform this shrimp fried rice into a complete meal by pairing it with a side of miso soup. The umami-rich flavors of the miso soup complement the savory notes of the fried rice, creating a well-balanced and comforting dining experience. The combination of the two dishes will transport you to your favorite Asian restaurant and make for a satisfying and heartwarming meal at home.

FAQs for Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen shrimp?

Yes, fresh shrimp can be used. Just peel and devein before cooking for best results.

Why is it recommended to use day-old rice for this recipe?

Day-old rice is drier and separates easily, preventing clumping and creating better texture during stir-frying.

What other vegetables can I add to this shrimp fried rice?

Along with peas and carrots, try bell pepper, corn, or bean sprouts for extra color and crunch.

How should I cook the shrimp to ensure it stays tender in the fried rice?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, then set aside to avoid overcooking when adding back to the rice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this So Easy Delicious Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a true winner for busy weeknights or when you just want a comforting meal that comes together effortlessly. The blend of savory shrimp, fragrant rice, and tender veggies is a delightful combination that will have you coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to customize this dish with your favorite proteins and vegetables to suit your tastes.

So why not give this So Easy Delicious Shrimp Fried Rice a try and savor the flavors of this homemade takeout favorite? It’s a versatile dish that brings everyone together and can easily become a household staple. Remember, with a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying meal that rivals any restaurant version. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with your loved ones.

Quick Shrimp Fried Rice: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Quick and flavorful, this Shrimp Fried Rice uses simple ingredients and is perfect for a comforting meal in minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time12 Minutes

Total Time22 Minutes

CuisineAsian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (One wok or pan of fried rice)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons neutral-flavoured oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 cup frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day old), loosened

Instructions

1. Sauté Shrimp: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, add the rest of the oil and sauté diced onion until translucent and tender, about 2 minutes.
3. Incorporate Garlic: Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
4. Combine Rice and Vegetables: Combine day-old rice, peas, and carrots in the pan. Stir well to separate any clumps and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat the vegetables.
5. Season and Finish: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture in the pan. Add cooked shrimp. Toss and stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Complete and Serve: Check for seasoning. Serve hot right after combining.