By Jessica B. •
6 min read
Chinese shrimp fried rice is a delicious dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. With succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables, it’s a favorite for many who love Chinese takeout. The best part? You can easily make it at home in just 30 minutes.
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap out shrimp for chicken or add more vegetables based on what you have in your fridge. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice, reducing food waste while creating something tasty. The savory sauce ties everything together, making it even better than what you’d get at a restaurant.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Here is a list of what we need to make delicious Chinese shrimp fried rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice: Use cold leftover rice for best results. Freshly cooked rice can be mushy.
- 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Small or medium-sized shrimp work best.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying.
- 2 eggs: Lightly beaten.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, and corn are perfect.
- 3 green onions: Chopped.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: For that savory taste.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a nutty flavor.
- Rice: If you do not have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of raw rice and let it cool.
- Shrimp: Swap it with cooked chicken or tofu for variation.
- Vegetable Oil: Can be substituted with canola or sunflower oil.
- Mixed Vegetables: Use any favorites like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Oyster Sauce: If unavailable, use hoisin sauce or fish sauce for a different twist.
- Green Onions: Regular onions or shallots can be used instead.
This combination will create a delightful dish, and playing with substitutes allows you to customize it to your taste and what you have at home.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cleaning the shrimp. Peel and devein them. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop the green onions and set them aside. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly. This will make them easier to scramble. - Cook the Eggs
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until the eggs are just set and scrambled. Remove them from the pan and keep them on a plate for later. - Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside with the eggs. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed. Add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they are tender and heated through. - Fry the Rice
Add the cold cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir the rice continuously to ensure even heating. - Combine All Ingredients
Return the scrambled eggs and cooked shrimp to the pan. Mix everything together. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with sauces. - Finish with Green Onions
Add the chopped green onions to the pan. Stir them in gently to mix everything together. Cook for another minute.
FAQ
What type of rice is best for shrimp fried rice?
I recommend using cold leftover rice for the best texture. Day-old rice is drier and will separate easily during frying, giving the dish a perfect fluffy consistency.
Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely. You can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. These alternatives still provide wonderful flavor and texture.
What vegetables can I use?
You can use a mix of peas, carrots, and corn. However, feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to use both soy sauce and oyster sauce?
While both sauces add different flavors, you can adjust based on your taste. Soy sauce provides a salty and savory taste, while oyster sauce adds a sweet and rich flavor. You can use just one if you prefer but using both gives a balanced taste.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while frying for a bit of heat.
How can I prevent the rice from being sticky?
Ensure the rice is cold before using it. Spread it out to cool if you’ve just cooked it. Also, stir-fry on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming the rice.
Easy Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: Delicious in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 4 cups cold cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Scramble the Eggs: Add the beaten eggs to the pan. Stir them quickly until they are cooked. Once done, take them out and set them aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the eggs.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until they are heated through.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up clumps, until the rice is heated.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the eggs and shrimp to the pan. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Add Sauces: Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Stir until everything is well-coated with the sauce.
- Finish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Stir briefly, then remove from heat.
Nutrition
I hope this guide inspires you to try making Chinese shrimp fried rice at home. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with the flexibility to adapt to your tastes. Whether you’re using shrimp or opting for a different protein, this dish offers endless possibilities. Feel free to share your variations or any questions you might have in the comments below. I love hearing how others make this recipe their own. Plus, your feedback can help others who are exploring this delicious dish for the first time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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