Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice

This Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice (蝦仁蛋炒飯) is one of those easy meals you can make a little differently every time! The basic version is made with marinated shrimp, eggs, vegetables, garlic, and leftover rice, then seasoned either simply with salt and white pepper or with soy sauce for a deeper savory flavor.

Jump to:

• Soy Sauce or No Soy Sauce?
• About the Ingredients
• How to make Chinese shrimp fried rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice Flavor Variations
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
• Look how tasty it was
• More Tasty Fried Rice Recipes
• Pin for later!

The version I grew up eating, and the way I still usually make it, skips the soy sauce. My mom seasoned fried rice simply with salt and white pepper, which keeps the rice lighter in color and lets the shrimp, eggs, and vegetables shine.

But fried rice is also one of the most customizable dishes ever. You can add mushrooms, ham, bacon, green onions, chilies, leftover vegetables, or pretty much whatever you have in the fridge!

Soy Sauce or No Soy Sauce?

Both!

Soy sauce is commonly used in fried rice, but it definitely isn't required. In Chinese home cooking, fried rice can be seasoned very simply with salt and white pepper.

That's actually how my mom always made shrimp fried rice, and it's still my preferred version. It keeps the rice lighter in color and lets you taste the shrimp, eggs, and vegetables more.

If you prefer a deeper savory flavor, you can add light soy sauce instead. Sometimes I'll even add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance everything out.

Think of these as two easy seasoning options:

Home-style, no soy sauce:

• Salt
• White pepper and/or black pepper
• Sesame oil

Soy sauce version:

• Light soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• White pepper and/or black pepper
• Optional pinch of sugar

Taste as you go! Fried rice is very forgiving.

About the Ingredients

Shrimp

I like to quickly marinate the shrimp before stir frying it. A little rice wine and cornstarch helps keep the shrimp tender and gives it a nice texture.

You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. I usually keep frozen shrimp around, so just thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.

veggies

Frozen mixed vegetables make fried rice incredibly easy. I usually use a blend with peas, carrots, and corn, but you can use whatever mix you like.

Fresh vegetables work too! Just chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly and are easy to eat with the rice.

Some ideas include:

• Carrots
• Peas
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Edamame

This is also a great way to use small amounts of leftover vegetables hanging out in the refrigerator.

Garlic and Chilies

I almost always add garlic to my fried rice (like, unless I forgot LOL)

If you like some heat, you can also add chopped fresh chili peppers or another chili of your choice. Totally optional!

Eggs

You can beat the eggs in a bowl first, or do what I often do and crack them straight into the wok and scramble them with the spatula.

Less dishes!

If you already have leftover scrambled eggs, you can even chop those up and toss them in toward the end.

Rice

Cold leftover rice is best for fried rice because it has dried out a little in the refrigerator and won't clump together as easily.

Day-old rice is ideal, but if you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray or large plate and let it cool completely before stir frying.

Optional Add-Ins

This is where fried rice gets fun.

You can absolutely add:

• Diced ham
• Bacon
• Mushrooms
• Green onions
• Leftover chicken
• Extra shrimp
• Different vegetables
• Fresh chilies

The ham and mushrooms you see in some of my photos are just one variation I've made over the years. Use what you have!

How to make Chinese shrimp fried rice

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 fresh chili pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables, or finely chopped fresh vegetables
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups cold cooked rice, preferably day-old
• 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• White pepper and/or black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, optional
• Pinch of sugar, optional
• Green onions, chopped, optional

Marinate the shrimp

Add the shrimp to a bowl with the rice wine and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare everything else.

Cook the shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high to high heat.

Add the shrimp and ham (if using) and stir fry until they are just about cooked through and no longer translucent. Remove them from the wok and set aside.

Stir fry the vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.

Add the garlic and optional chili and stir fry for about 20-30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the frozen vegetables or chopped fresh vegetables and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Add the eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the wok.

Crack the eggs into the empty side of the pan, or pour in beaten eggs, and scramble until mostly cooked.

Then mix the eggs and vegetables together.

Add the rice

Add the cold cooked rice and use your spatula to break apart any clumps.

Return the shrimp to the wok and toss everything together.

Season

For my usual home-style version, add sesame oil, salt, and white pepper and/or black pepper to taste.

For a soy sauce version, drizzle about 2 tablespoons light soy sauce around the rice, then add sesame oil and white pepper and/or black pepper.

You can also add a tiny pinch of sugar if you like. I sometimes do!

Continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes, tossing everything together until the rice is hot and evenly seasoned.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Add chopped green onions if desired, remove from heat, and serve!

Here's a version with different veggies, ham, and no soy:

Shrimp Fried Rice Flavor Variations

One of the best things about shrimp fried rice is how easy it is to change up the flavors! You can use this recipe as a base and add a few different seasonings, sauces, and aromatics depending on what you're craving.

Korean-Inspired Shrimp Fried Rice

For a Korean-inspired version, add some chopped kimchi and a little gochujang while stir frying the rice. You can also add a splash of kimchi juice for even more flavor.

Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a fried egg.

Thai-Inspired Shrimp Fried Rice

For Thai-inspired shrimp fried rice, season the rice with fish sauce instead of, or along with, the soy sauce. You can also add a little sugar to balance the salty flavors.

Fresh Thai basil, sliced chilies, cilantro, cucumber, and a squeeze of fresh lime are all delicious additions.

Vietnamese-Inspired Shrimp Fried Rice

For a Vietnamese-inspired variation, add a splash of fish sauce along with the soy sauce and plenty of chopped green onions.

You can finish it with cilantro, sliced cucumber, fresh chilies, or a squeeze of lime. A little minced garlic or shallot also adds great flavor.

Japanese-Inspired Shrimp Fried Rice

For a Japanese-inspired version, keep the seasoning simple with soy sauce and add a little butter toward the end of cooking for extra richness.

You can also add furikake, chopped scallions, mushrooms, corn, or a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

If you just want to turn up the heat, add chili crisp, sambal oelek, sriracha, fresh chilies, or crushed red pepper.

Start with a small amount and add more to taste so the spice doesn't overpower the shrimp.

Storage & Reheat

Since this recipe uses already-cooked, leftover rice, it's best enjoyed fresh. That said, leftovers can still be safely stored and reheated with a little care.

Store:
Let the shrimp fried rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

Reheat:

• Stovetop (best): Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of oil or water. Stir gently until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between. Add a damp paper towel on top to keep the rice from drying out.

Important note:
Because the rice was already cooked once before frying, it's best not to store or reheat multiple times. Reheat only what you plan to eat.

FAQ

Do I have to use soy sauce in shrimp fried rice?

No! The version I grew up eating doesn't use soy sauce at all. Salt, white pepper, and sesame oil are enough to make a delicious fried rice.

If you like soy sauce in yours, add it! Both versions work.

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Cold leftover rice works best because it's drier and separates more easily.

If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray or large plate and let it cool completely first. Refrigerating it for an hour or two helps even more.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat it dry before marinating it with the rice wine and cornstarch.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes. Chop fresh vegetables into small pieces so they cook quickly. Carrots, peas, corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, and edamame are all great options.

You can also combine fresh and frozen vegetables.

What else can I add to shrimp fried rice?

Almost anything!

Fried rice is perfect for using leftovers. Try ham, bacon, chicken, mushrooms, green onions, fresh chilies, or whatever vegetables you have around.

Look how tasty it was

@ohsnapletseat

🍤 Shrimp Fried Rice 🍚. Simple, comforting, and made with juicy shrimp, eggs, veggies, and day-old rice. This is the kind of fried rice I grew up eating - perfect for an easy weeknight meal or using up leftovers. Full recipe link in bio! 🤤 #ShrimpFriedRice #FriedRice #AsianHomeCooking #EasyDinner #HomeCooking

♬ som original - Juliano Campos

More Tasty Fried Rice Recipes

If you love fried rice, here are some more easy and flavorful recipes to try - perfect for using up leftovers and customizing with whatever you have on hand:

Easy Fried Rice with Leftovers - A flexible, go-to fried rice recipe you can make with any protein and vegetables in your fridge. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Bacon Fried Rice - Crispy bacon, mixed vegetables, eggs, garlic, and rice come together in this easy, crowd-pleasing fried rice that's full of smoky, savory flavor.

Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice (香腸炒飯) - A classic Taiwanese favorite made with sweet-savory sausage, eggs, garlic, and day-old rice for bold, comforting flavor.

Steak Fried Rice - Juicy pan-seared steak stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, garlic, and rice for a hearty, satisfying fried rice meal.

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