Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipes are a must-try if you love Asian cuisine. This flavorful dish is packed with juicy shrimp, fragrant rice, and perfectly blended seasonings, making it a favorite in Chinese restaurants worldwide. But what if you could make restaurant-quality shrimp fried rice at home? Good news—you can!
Imagine digging into a plate of hot, savory shrimp fried rice, where every bite bursts with umami flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques, you can whip up this classic dish in no time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through authentic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice recipes, step by step, so you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills
Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipes
Classic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice
The classic Chinese shrimp fried rice is a staple in many households and restaurants. This recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 1/2 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined. If you have leftover rice from the previous day, use it as it will provide the best texture for fried rice.
- Cook the eggs: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of oil and the minced garlic. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then, add the cooked shrimp, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Season and garnish: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
How to Make Authentic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice
1. Ingredients for Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice
To make a delicious and authentic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups of cold, cooked rice (preferably a day old)
- 12–15 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
For a healthier twist on Chinese shrimp fried rice recipes, you can swap white rice with brown rice, which offers more fiber and nutrients. Cooking brown rice properly ensures it has the right texture for fried rice—fluffy yet firm enough to hold up to stir-frying. If you’re unsure how to cook brown rice to perfection, check out this step-by-step guide: How to Cook Brown Rice.
2. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
- Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions.
- Ensure your rice is cold and not clumpy for the best texture.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Scrambling the Eggs
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked.
- Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
- Toss in the peas, carrots, and green onions, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Mixing Everything Together
- Add the cold rice to the pan and break up any lumps with a spatula.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and salt. Stir well.
- Return the cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan.
- Stir-fry everything together for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Adding the Final Touch
- Drizzle sesame oil over the rice and mix well.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice
1. Use Cold, Day-Old Rice
Fresh rice is too moist and can turn mushy when fried. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
2. Cook Over High Heat
A hot wok ensures that your ingredients fry quickly, keeping them from becoming soggy.
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks fast, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
4. Use the Right Soy Sauce
Light soy sauce gives fried rice its signature taste, while dark soy sauce adds color and a deeper umami flavor.
5. Customize with Add-Ins
You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a unique twist!
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice pairs perfectly with:
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Spring Rolls
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Kung Pao Chicken
If you love Chinese shrimp fried rice recipes, you might also enjoy trying Chinese chicken fried rice for a different flavor profile. Made with tender chicken pieces, fragrant rice, and a mix of delicious seasonings, it’s just as easy and satisfying to make at home. Discover the best way to cook authentic chicken fried rice with this detailed recipe: Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipes.
Wrap It Up
Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal. By following the right techniques—using cold rice, cooking on high heat, and balancing the flavors—you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this shrimp fried rice recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and experience the deliciousness of homemade Chinese cuisine!