Description
Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful 20-minute meal featuring succulent shrimp, fluffy cold rice, crisp vegetables, and scrambled eggs all tossed in a spicy, savory sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for turning leftover rice into a satisfying weeknight dinner with just the right amount of heat and Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Main Components
- 3 cups cooked cold rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Sauces and Flavorings
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are thoroughly cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Scramble the eggs: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until just set. Push the scrambled eggs to one side of the pan to make room for the vegetables.
- Cook vegetables and aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, frozen peas, and carrots to the empty side of the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine eggs, vegetables, and rice evenly.
- Incorporate sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha (adjust quantity depending on spice preference), and rice vinegar. Mix well to ensure all the rice is coated with the spicy and savory sauce.
- Return the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the entire dish is heated through and flavors meld.
- Finish with green onions and serve: Stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve the spicy shrimp fried rice immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice yields the best texture with separate, fluffy grains.
- Increase the amount of sriracha or chili crisp for extra heat to suit your spice tolerance.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan during cooking to ensure proper frying and prevent steaming.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or broccoli to increase the vegetable content and add more color.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-Inspired
