If you’re craving something warm, savory, and comforting but don’t have much time, this 15-minute shrimp fried rice is your perfect answer. It’s fast, flavorful, and filling—just the way we all like it after a busy day. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish gives you that restaurant-style taste at home.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love dishes like House Special Lo Mein, which brings the same rich flavor and quick cooking time—more on that later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Flexible: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, leftover rice, and whatever veggies you have.
- Filling: A complete meal in one pan—protein, carbs, and veggies all together.
- Flavorful: Garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil give it that classic fried rice taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for the easiest shrimp fried rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, leftover rice works best)
- 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined, small or medium size)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
Quick Tip Before You Start
Use cold rice for best results. Fresh rice tends to be sticky. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out and cool it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Chop the ingredients
Ensure that your shrimp is defrosted (in case frozen) and is dried off. Cut carrots the dice size and chopped onions. Break the eggs in a bowl and beat.
2. Fry shrimp
Add 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok and heat. Add the shrimp and preserve 2-3 minutes until they become pink in color. Discard and keep away.
3. Whisk up the eggs
Add some more oil in the same pan and pour the beaten eggs in it. Scramble quickly and take out and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Par boiling the vegetables
Add peas, diced carrots and garlic in a pan. Heat 2-3 minutes over medium heat and stir-fry until they become soft.
5. Put on the rice
Add some cold rice into the mix and chop up with spatula. Blend together until it can take all the flavor of the pan.
6. re-introduce the shrimp and eggs
Put cooked shrimp along with scrambled eggs in the pan again. Stir it nicely.
7. Make it seasoning (salt it)
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir up to cover rice with the sauce.
8. Top with green onions
Put in the chopped green onions as a final ingredient and stir. Serve hot!
Why Shrimp Fried Rice Works So Well
Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for fast meals. It also pairs perfectly with soy sauce, garlic, and rice. This fried rice can stand on its own, but it’s also easy to pair with other quick Asian-style dishes like dumplings or spring rolls.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is very flexible. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Add protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or baby spinach work great.
- Go spicy: Add a little chili sauce or sriracha for heat.
- Make it low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
What to Serve With Shrimp Fried Rice
While it’s filling on its own, you can also serve it with:
- Egg drop soup
- Steamed dumplings
- Asian cucumber salad
- Hot and sour soup
And don’t forget, if you’re into quick Asian-inspired meals, you’ll definitely love trying House Special Lo Mein, which has a similar flavor profile but uses stir-fried noodles instead of rice. It’s another fast, satisfying option for your weeknight dinner rotation.
Leftovers? No Problem
Shrimp fried rice makes awesome leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Is Shrimp Fried Rice Healthy?
Yes, especially when made at home. You control the oil, the sodium, and the portion size. Add more vegetables or use brown rice for extra fiber. It’s a much better option than greasy takeout.
Quick Comparison: Shrimp Fried Rice vs. House Special Lo Mein
| Feature | Shrimp Fried Rice | House Special Lo Mein |
| Base | Rice | Noodles |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Protein Option | Shrimp (can vary) | Mixed proteins (shrimp, beef, chicken) |
| Texture | Light and fluffy | Saucy and chewy |
| Versatility | High | High |
If you liked this fried rice, trying out House Special Lo Mein is a no-brainer. It offers the same comfort and rich flavors, but with soft, saucy noodles instead of rice.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp fried rice is the ultimate fast meal. It’s easy, delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have. In just 15 minutes, you get a complete dish that satisfies your hunger and tastes better than takeout.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe delivers. It’s also a perfect match for those who love Asian-inspired comfort food. If you’re in the mood for something similar but a bit different, be sure to check out our House Special Lo Mein recipe—it’s another weeknight hero you’ll come back to again and again.
