I recently whipped up my favorite Shrimp Fried Rice recipe. This dish combines succulent shrimp and garlic with day-old rice, lightly beaten eggs, and a blend of peas and carrots. A drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil ties it all together in a delightful, fuss-free twist on a classic dinner treat.

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I’ve always been a fan of quick and tasty dinners so when I came across this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice recipe, I had to give it a try. In just 20 minutes, I whipped up a dish that reminded me of my favorite Chinese takeout.

I started with 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, and tossed them in with 3 cups of day-old rice that soaks up all the flavor. While the shrimp was cooking, I scrambled 2 eggs and later added in a cup of frozen peas and carrots mix for a pop of color.

Minced garlic and chopped green onions added that burst of freshness, and a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil and a bit of vegetable oil brought everything together perfectly. This stir fry is simple yet full of character, and I guarantee it will quickly become one of your favorite shrimp recipes for dinner.

Enjoy making it almost as much as I do!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love how quick and easy this recipe is to make. Sometimes I don’t have a lot of time after school or work, so being able to cook something that tastes like restaurant Chinese takeout in only 20 minutes is a major plus for me.

2. I like how the combination of shrimp, eggs, and frozen veggies gives the dish a great mix of flavors and textures. It reminds me of my favorite takeout dishes but with a homemade twist that I control.

3. I appreciate that using day-old rice makes it even easier to prepare, plus it prevents the dish from getting too mushy. It’s practical and helps me reduce food waste, which is pretty cool.

4. I also find the recipe fun to tweak. Sometimes I mess up my measurements or add a little extra garlic, but that always ends up giving the dish a unique taste that still manages to be delicious.

Ingredients

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Shrimp: Lean protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying, plus adds a mild seafood flavor.
Rice: Provides hearty carbohydrates and a perfect base for absorbing all the tasty sauces.
Eggs: Rich in protein and vitamins, they add a creamy texture and savory depth to the dish.
Peas and carrots: This veggie mix is bursting with fiber and subtle natural sweetness that brighten the flavor.
Garlic: Offers a punch of aromatic intensity and numerous antioxidants for a flavorful boost.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cups cooked rice, preferably chilled or day-old

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until its fragrant.

2. Add the shrimp to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, around 2-3 minutes. Once done remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. Pour the beaten eggs into the same pan and scramble them until they are just set. Break them into small pieces as you cook.

4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix to the eggs and let it cook for about 2 minutes.

5. Add the chilled or day-old rice into the pan, breaking apart any lumps so that everything mixes well.

6. Pour in the soy sauce over the rice and mix thoroughly ensuring that the rice gets evenly seasoned.

7. Return the cooked shrimp back into the pan and stir in the chopped green onions.

8. Drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture and give it one last stir so all ingredients are well combined.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Cook everything together for 1-2 more minutes then remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your easy shrimp fried rice!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or wok
2. Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
3. Knife for mincing garlic and chopping green onions
4. Chopping board
5. Mixing bowl for beaten eggs
6. Measuring cups and spoons for rice and oils
7. Plate or small bowl to set aside the cooked shrimp

FAQ

Why should I use day-old rice?

Using day-old rice helps keep the grains separate which prevents the dish from turning all mushy. Fresh rice tends to be too soft so its better to let it chill for a bit.

Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?

Sure, you can use chicken or even tofu if you prefer. Just adjust the cook time accordingly so it gets fully done.

Do I need to thaw the frozen peas and carrots?

Not absolutely required, but letting them thaw a little bit makes it easier for them to heat up evenly in the pan.

How do I keep the eggs from overcooking?

A good trick is to scramble the eggs quickly and add them to the rice near the end. This way they stay soft and mix well without becoming too dry.

Can I add more seasonings to boost the flavor?

Definitely, feel free to add a splash of chili sauce or extra soy sauce if you like it a bit spicier. Experiment a little to find your perfect flavor.

Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have shrimp on hand, you could use diced chicken or even firm tofu as an alternative protein.
Not feeling soy sauce? Try tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option.
You can swap sesame oil with extra virgin olive oil if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
If your freezer is empty of the peas and carrots mix, fresh peas and carrots or even a medley of any mixed vegetables work just fine.

Pro Tips

1. Always use chilled or day-old rice cause fresh rice tends to be too moist, and trust me, it makes a huge difference in getting that perfect fried rice texture.
2. When cooking the shrimp, make sure your pan is really hot so they sear quickly; overcooked shrimp become rubbery, and you definitely dont want that.
3. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start. It might sound simple, but grabbing anything mid-cook can totally mess up the timing and texture.
4. Taste your dish as you go along. A quick taste helps you adjust the seasoning better and makes sure that all the flavors are balanced the way you like it.