Name: Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground white pepper; ½ small onion diced; 2 green scallions thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); 2 garlic cloves minced; ½ teaspoon minced ginger; 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 3 large eggs beaten; 4 cups cooked white rice; 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that packs a punch of flavor? This Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is your answer—ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner loaded with tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and cozy Asian seasonings.

A large metal pan filled with fried rice topped with many pinkish-orange shrimp. The rice is yellowish with small bits of green peas and orange carrots mixed in. Chopped green onions are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green color. A metal spoon sits inside the pan, ready to serve. In the background, there is a small white bowl with chopped green onions on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make this shrimp fried rice all the time when I want something that’s quick, comforting, and totally flavorful. It feels fancy but takes almost no effort—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.

Super fast to make: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Simple ingredients: Uses everyday staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
Versatile and customizable: Easily swap veggies or add a spicy kick if you like.
Gluten-free option: Made with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to delicious fried rice. I usually shop for fresh, peeled large shrimp and keep leftover cooked rice in the fridge—day-old rice is the secret for perfect texture here.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells removed, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of ground white pepper, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, half a diced small onion, two green scallions with white and green parts separated and thinly sliced, two garlic cloves minced displayed fresh, a small white bowl of minced ginger, a small white bowl of frozen peas and carrots mixed, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a simple mound of cooked white rice, a small white bowl of tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and add a lovely protein boost.
Kosher salt and ground white pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the shrimp’s natural flavor without overpowering the dish.
Avocado oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for stir-frying at high heat without burning.
Onion and green scallions: They add a sweet, savory base with fresh brightness from the greens.
Garlic and minced ginger: Classic aromatics that create that unmistakable Asian fried rice flavor.
Frozen peas and carrots: Convenient, colorful, and naturally sweet veggies that add texture.
Large eggs: Scrambled into the rice for a soft, fluffy bite and extra richness.
Cooked white rice: I always recommend using rice that’s been cooked and cooled, which keeps the grains separate and prevents sogginess.
Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds savory depth while keeping it gluten-free; choose based on preference.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a small amount adds a wonderful nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and pantry. Adding your favorite veggies or a little extra kick can turn this quick, 20-minute dinner into a personalized favorite.

Vegetable Variation: I love swapping in bell peppers or snap peas when I want a little crunch and color boost—just add them when you stir-fry the peas and carrots. It adds freshness without extra fuss.
Protein Swap: Not feeling shrimp? Try diced chicken or tofu seasoned the same way. It’s just as flavorful and cooks quickly.
Spicy Twist: For a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some sriracha when you add the soy sauce. Just enough to warm you up on a cozy night.
Gluten-Free and Paleo: This recipe already shines with tamari or coconut aminos, perfect for gluten-free diets. Plus, swapping in cauliflower rice makes it paleo-friendly and low carb.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

A white round plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a colorful shrimp fried rice. The dish has three layers visually: the bottom layer is a bed of white and golden fried rice, mixed with small diced orange carrots and light green peas; the middle layer is bright pink-orange shrimp scattered evenly on top; the top layer is fresh chopped green onions sprinkled across the dish. Light brown chopsticks rest across the lower right edge of the plate. In the background, a shiny silver pan filled with more shrimp fried rice and a small white bowl with chopped green onions are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season Your Shrimp

Start by placing 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground white pepper, tossing gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. This simple seasoning heightens the natural sweetness of the shrimp and sets the flavor base for your dish. Set the seasoned shrimp aside for a moment while the pan heats up.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp Until Just Cooked

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—that’s your sign it’s ready. Spread the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook an additional 30 seconds. You’re looking for shrimp that’s opaque and tender but not overcooked. Remove the shrimp to a plate to keep warm and prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Aromatics Make the Magic

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Toss in the diced ½ small onion, the white parts of 2 thinly sliced green scallions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ½ teaspoon minced ginger. Stir-fry everything for about 1 minute until you smell that fragrant, savory aroma—this mixture is the heart of your fried rice flavor.

Step 4: Toss in Your Veggies

Directly add 1½ cups of frozen peas and carrots—no need to thaw! Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re heated through but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This keeps the texture lively and contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp and rice.

Step 5: Cook Up Soft Scrambled Eggs

Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour 3 beaten large eggs into the empty side of the pan. Quickly scramble the eggs using your spatula, moving them gently until they’re soft and pillowy—this only takes about a minute. The eggs add richness and a lovely texture throughout the dish.

Step 6: Combine Rice, Shrimp & Seasonings

Now, add 4 cups of cooked white rice, the seared shrimp, 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil back into the wok. Stir-fry everything together briskly for about 2 minutes, making sure the rice heats through evenly and the flavors meld. This step is key to that perfect bite: fluffy rice with savory seasoning and juicy shrimp in every forkful.

Step 7: Finish with a Fresh Garnish

Finally, stir in the green parts of the sliced scallions. They add a fresh, subtle onion flavor and a pop of color that brightens the dish. Serve your flavorful shrimp fried rice piping hot and enjoy this quick, satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Top Tip

Mastering a great shrimp fried rice is all about timing and ingredient prep. These tips will help you make the most flavorful and perfectly textured Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe every time.

Use day-old rice: I’ve found that using cooked rice that’s been cooled or refrigerated overnight prevents sogginess and helps get that classic fried rice texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking shrimp in batches if needed keeps them from steaming and ensures they get a nice sear—this makes all the difference in flavor.
Separate the aromatics: Adding garlic, ginger, and the white parts of scallions early releases their full fragrant flavors without burning, setting the perfect base.
Scramble eggs in place: Pushing your veggies to one side and scrambling eggs on the other helps keep the eggs light and fluffy rather than overcooked and rubbery.

How to Serve Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

In a round black pan on a white marbled surface, three main layers are visible: on the left side, a large pile of plain white rice with a small splash of brown sauce on top; on the right side, cooked shrimp with a soft orange color and slight shine piled up neatly; below the shrimp, there is a mix of scrambled yellow eggs and small green peas with tiny bits of orange carrots mixed in. Two silver utensils, a spoon and a fork, rest on the pan’s edge with the spoon inside the shrimp layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop to your shrimp fried rice, sprinkle extra thinly sliced green scallion tops right before serving. A drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds great nuttiness and texture as well. For a little heat, add some thinly sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil.

Side Dishes

This shrimp fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, or quick stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli. A light miso soup or egg drop soup also complements it beautifully for an easy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover shrimp fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner next day.

Freezing

You can freeze shrimp fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To avoid freezer burn, press a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or a teaspoon of oil to keep it moist. Microwaving works too—cover loosely and heat until hot, but the skillet method keeps the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh peas and diced carrots, just make sure to cook them slightly longer in the wok to soften before combining with the other ingredients.

What kind of rice is best for shrimp fried rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, especially when cooked and cooled beforehand. Day-old rice from the fridge works best as it’s drier and less sticky.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Using tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos as the recipe suggests keeps this shrimp fried rice gluten free without sacrificing flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Removing them promptly prevents rubbery texture and keeps them tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a well-made shrimp fried rice that hits the spot in under 20 minutes — it’s a weeknight hero in my kitchen. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, a few simple steps, and a touch of love, you have a nourishing, gluten-free meal ready before you know it. I hope this Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe becomes a favorite go-to for your family too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!