Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice (With or Without Soy Sauce)

This Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe (蝦仁蛋炒飯) includes two authentic ways to make it - a classic home-style version without soy sauce, and an optional soy sauce version for those who prefer it that way.

Jump to:

• Soy Sauce or No Soy Sauce?
• About the Ingredients
• How to make Chinese shrimp fried rice
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
• More Tasty Fried Rice Recipes
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The version I grew up eating (the one my mom always made) skips soy sauce entirely. Instead, the rice is seasoned with salt and white pepper, keeping it light in color and letting the shrimp, eggs, and vegetables really shine.

Since many people expect soy sauce in fried rice, I've included both approaches in this recipe so you can choose the style you like best!

Soy Sauce or No Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is commonly used in fried rice, but it's not required - especially in Chinese home cooking. Many families season fried rice simply with salt and white pepper, which keeps the rice lighter and more delicate in flavor.

In my house, my mom always made shrimp fried rice without soy sauce, and that's still my preferred version today. The shrimp stays clean-tasting, the eggs are more noticeable, and the rice doesn't turn brown.

That said, soy sauce is very popular and totally optional. If you like a deeper, saltier flavor or if that's what you're used to you can absolutely add it! This recipe works well both ways, and I've included instructions for each so you can choose what you like best.

About the Ingredients

Frozen veggies

It's up to you on the exact frozen veggies - I usually do a mixed veggie blend that has carrots, peas, and corn. However, you can also choose only peas. One time I switched it up and used a broccoli and cauliflower blend, and that turned out well too!

Mushrooms

Technically you do not need the mushrooms but I love adding mushrooms. If you opt out of the mushrooms, just an an extra half cup of the mixed veggies

Ham

We love adding ham in our fried rice, this is actually very common in Asian countries! If you do not have ham around, you can also use bacon. Both of these add an extra delicious flavor to the fried rice. Or you can totally skip it too - fried rice is SUPER customizable!

Eggs

You can beat the eggs first so that it is easily scrambled when we add the eggs. However, I am usually pretty lazy and don't want to wash an extra dish, so I crack the eggs straight in to the pan and then scramble it with my spatula.

Also, if you already have leftover scrambled eggs, you can also just add that in to the rice when it's time to fry with rice with the eggs.

Rice

Most important part - the rice! Make sure you are using leftover cooked rice that's been refrigerated overnight. This will make stir frying the rice much easier, as it will be less sticky.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is commonly used in fried rice recipes, however, it is actually not a requirement! You will see it is not always used in home cooked fried rice and restaurants in Asian countries also. In my house, we actually prefer our shrimp fried rice without the soy sauce, but instead with white pepper and salt combination to flavor the fried rice.

How to make Chinese shrimp fried rice

First, gather your ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon cooking oil of choice, separated
• 1 lb raw shrimp, tails and shells removed, deveined
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (corn, peas, carrots, up to you!)
• ½ cup of diced ham
• ½ cup of chopped mushrooms
• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups of cold cooked rice
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (optional - see notes)
• Salt, to taste
• Black and/or white pepper, to taste
• Green onions, chopped

In a cooking pan or wok, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, shrimp, and ham. Stir fry until shrimp is no longer translucent, and remove from heat.

Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, garlic, frozen veggies, mushrooms, in to wok/pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.

With the spatula, move vegetables to one side of the skillet, if the pan is dry go ahead and add a little more oil. Then add the beaten eggs to the other side, and stir it to scramble.

Add the shrimp back in to cooking pan, along with rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to taste, and stir fry everything to blend together. Cook for about 3 minutes more minutes.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top (optional), remove from heat and serve!

Here it is without soy:

And here it is with soy!

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

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?

Leftover, chilled rice works best because it's drier and less sticky. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool completely (or refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours) before using.

Why isn't my fried rice brown?

This recipe includes a home-style version without soy sauce, which keeps the rice lighter in color. If you prefer darker fried rice, add the optional soy sauce when the rice goes into the pan.

Can I make this without ham?

Yes! The ham is optional and commonly used in Chinese-style fried rice, but you can skip it or replace it with bacon, chicken, or extra shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. I always have frozen wild caught shrimp on hand so it's what I usually use! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of steaming.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The home-style version (without soy sauce) is naturally gluten-free. If using soy sauce, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Fried rice is very flexible - feel free to add peas, corn, edamame, bell peppers, or whatever vegetables you have on hand!

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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