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Restaurant-Style Shrimp Fried Rice: Quick Dinner in 20 Minutes

A close-up, sunlit photo of a white bowl filled with homemade shrimp fried rice, featuring plump shrimp, peas, carrots, and scrambled egg.
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Make better than takeout shrimp fried rice at home. This easy shrimp fried rice recipe uses day-old rice and high heat to create fluffy, savory grains with juicy shrimp, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cold, day-old cooked white rice
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the sesame oil. Set aside.
  2. Scramble the eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of butter or oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly scramble until just set. Remove the eggs from the wok and set them aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining butter or oil to the wok. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the eggs.
  4. Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the hot wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 1 minute until they are heated through.
  5. Fry the rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Increase the heat to high. Stir-fry continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice grains are separated and slightly toasted. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  6. Combine and season: Return the cooked shrimp and eggs to the wok. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, the oyster sauce (if using), and the white pepper. Toss everything together quickly for 1 minute, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
  7. Serve immediately: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving your delicious shrimp fried rice.

Notes

  • Use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will result in mushy fried rice.
  • Cook over high heat. This mimics restaurant cooking and helps achieve a smoky, slightly charred flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper stir-frying action.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/quick-shrimp-fried-rice-recipe/