Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jul 8th 2024
Fried rice, a staple in Asian cuisine, features cooked rice stir-fried in a wok or frying pan with eggs, vegetables, seafood, or meat. Make Thai Shrimp Fried Rice in minutes! Juicy shrimp, jasmine rice, and bold spices for a quick, tasty meal any day.
Table of Contents
Let's talk about fried rice! There are so many variations of fried rice, right?
We've all heard of egg fried rice, pork fried rice, and even Beef Fried Rice.
🍤 But have you ever tried shrimp fried rice? This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser.
With the shrimp adding that perfect pop of flavor and the rice soaking up all the savory goodness from the soy sauce and sesame oil, this dish is everything you want in a fried rice.
It's also one of those meals that's quick, easy, and super flexible.
You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, and it's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack!
If you're a fan of fried rice recipes, this one is for you—it's flavorful, filling, and guaranteed to hit the spot.
And it's made with ingredients you can find in your pantry. Easy Shrimp Fried Rice is definitely a recipe you'll come back to again and again. 🥰
What you'll need
- Shrimp: Tender and flavorful seafood that adds protein to the dish.
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old rice): Cold rice works best for fried rice as it fries up better without clumping together.
- Mixed vegetables (carrots/corn/peas): Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish, complementing the shrimp and rice.
- Eggs: Adds richness and texture, creating tasty egg ribbons throughout the fried rice.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the dish when sautéed.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty umami flavor and a rich color to the fried rice.
- Oyster sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- White pepper: Adds subtle heat and flavor to enhance the overall taste.
- Green onion: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor as a garnish.
- Cooking oil: Used for frying and sautéing ingredients.
- Butter: Adds richness and a hint of buttery flavor to the dish.
- Spring onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and fresh green color to the dish.
- Optional: sliced cucumber and lime wedges for garnish: Adds freshness and citrusy flavor as a garnish.
Why You'll Love This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe 🩷
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but flavorful.
- One-Pan Wonder – Less mess to clean up! Everything cooks in one pan, making it easy and convenient.
- Packed with Flavor – The shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic create a savory combo that makes each bite irresistible.
- Customizable – You can swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or your favorite protein. Plus, add whatever veggies you like!
- Perfect for Leftover Rice – A great way to use up that leftover rice in your fridge and turn it into something delicious.
- Family-Friendly – It's a dish everyone can enjoy, and kids will love the colorful veggies and tasty shrimp.
- Healthy & Satisfying – This recipe is a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it filling without feeling heavy.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – The vibrant colors of the shrimp, veggies, and rice make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
What to Serve with Shrimp Fried Rice
If you're wondering what to pair with this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice, you're in luck! It's a complete meal on its own, but it's always nice to add a side or two. Here are a few ideas:
- Spinach and Cheese Spring Rolls: Fresh or crispy, they're a perfect match!
- Soup: A comforting Thai-style soup like Tom Yum, Tom Kha Gai or a light miso soup would complement the fried rice perfectly.
- Sliced Cucumber: Adds a refreshing and cooling element to the meal or you can pair with Pickled Cucumber Salad.
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
How to Cook Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Prepare Ingredients – Chop veggies, beat eggs, and peel shrimp if needed.
- Cook Shrimp – Heat oil in a pan, cook shrimp until pink, then set aside.
- Scramble Eggs – In the same pan, add more oil, scramble eggs, and push to the side.
- Stir-Fry Veggies – Add garlic, onions, and veggies, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add Rice – Toss in day-old rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Season & Mix – Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, mixing well.
- Return Shrimp – Add shrimp back, toss everything together.
- Finish & Serve – Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
I love seafood, and this is one of my favorite dishes—so easy to make and packed with flavor!
Thai Shrimp Fried Rice is a lifesaver, especially for kids who aren’t big fans of veggies.
The flavors blend so smoothly that even picky eaters enjoy every bite! If you love this, you should also try Chimichurri Shrimp Bowl—it’s fresh, vibrant, and delicious!
FAQs
🍚 Can I use fresh rice?
Day-old rice works best as it's drier and won't clump. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to dry it out.
🍤 Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure not to overcook as they can become rubbery.
💦 Why isn't my rice crispy?
For crispy fried rice:
- Use high heat
- Don't overcrowd the pan
- Use day-old rice
- Let the rice sit without stirring occasionally
🥚 When should I add the egg?
Push the rice to one side of the pan, add the beaten egg to the empty space, and scramble. Once almost set, mix with the rice for best results.
🍗 Can I use different protein for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the shrimp with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook the protein first and then follow the recipe.
🕰️ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can! In fact, day-old rice works best for fried rice. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
❄️ Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice! Just make sure it's completely cool before you store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just heat it up in a skillet or microwave.
Normally, fried rice is an easy dish for rushed times. Thai people can have it on its own or with other dishes instead of jasmine rice.
It's a kid-friendly dish because some kids don't like vegetables, so their parents will cook fried rice and add some colorful vegetables to it. All kids will enjoy fried rice easily.
Leave me a comment below if you try this recipe out! 😉🔽

Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
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Meal
Steps
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Prepare the Ingredients:
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Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of cooking oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
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Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Cooking:
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In the same pan, add chopped onion then stir-fry until it turns clear.
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Add eggs and scramble until cooked through, then add butter.
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Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
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Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
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Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle white pepper over the rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
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Return the cooked shrimp and chopped spring onion to the pan. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to mix everything evenly.
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Nutritional info
% of daily valueCalorie Breakdown
Protein
235 cal
Fat
585 cal
Carbs
361 cal
Tips
- If you are allergic to seafood, you can omit the shrimp and add chicken, pork, or a meat substitute.
- Freshly cooked rice is hot, steamy, very moist, and a bit sticky, which can make your fried rice clumpy and soggy. Using day-old rice, which is drier, gives your fried rice a better texture and helps bring out the individual flavors of the other ingredients.
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1 comment
Lindsay
An excellent site. The instructions are very clear and the. Illustrations helpful. Thank you very much
12th January, 2025 at 11:12
1 reply
Sho @ Hungry For Thai
Thank you very much for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoy cooking from my recipe. 🙏🤗
14th January, 2025 at 20:54
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