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Homemade shrimp fried rice sizzling in a hot wok with green onions, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs

Shrimp Fried Rice

A quick and easy shrimp fried rice made with day-old rice, juicy seared shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and a savory soy-sesame sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and better than takeout.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 419

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz small raw shrimp shelled and deveined
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp peanut oil, canola oil, or rice bran oil divided
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 2 green onions minced
  • 4 cups leftover day-old rice grains separated well, cold from fridge preferred
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas and carrots defrosted
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce plus more to taste; use certified gluten-free soy sauce if needed
  • 1 tsp dark toasted sesame oil added at the end

Equipment

  • Large wok or saute pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large wok or saute pan over high heat until very hot. A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the pan.
  3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook without moving for 30 seconds, then flip and cook another 30 seconds until mostly opaque but still slightly translucent in the center. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Do not fully cook at this stage.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add beaten eggs and scramble quickly. Remove from heat while still slightly soft and not fully set. Transfer to the bowl with the shrimp.
  5. Wipe the pan clean with paper towels and return to high heat. Add the remaining oil. When shimmering and almost smoking, add the green onions and stir for 15 seconds.
  6. Add the cold leftover rice and stir to combine with the green onions. Spread the rice flat across the pan and let it fry undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until sizzling and slightly crispy on the bottom. Flip with a spatula and cook 1 more minute.
  7. Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and stir well. Add the defrosted peas and carrots, reserved shrimp, scrambled eggs, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until fully combined.
  8. Cook and stir until everything is sizzling hot throughout, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust soy sauce as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always use day-old cold rice for best texture. Do not fully cook the shrimp in step 3 as they finish cooking at the end. A very hot pan is essential for restaurant-style fried rice. Prep all ingredients before you begin cooking. For gluten free, substitute certified gluten-free soy sauce.
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