Wok This Way the Ultimate Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a flavour explosion? I was craving takeaway last week. So, I made this Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice . Honestly, it's better than any I've had delivered.
It's savoury, a little sweet, and full of that amazing umami taste.
Brief Overview
This is inspired by Cantonese kitchens and street food I saw while travelling. It is dead easy to make, ready in about 35 minutes.
This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Perfect for a shrimp and rice bowl recipe !
Main Benefits
Hey, this simple shrimp fried rice recipe is packed with protein from the shrimp! It is great for a quick family dinner on a busy weeknight.
This recipe is really special as you can serve anytime.
Craving Something Delicious?
Anyone else ever get that hankering for takeout food? And then you try to find your best shrimp fried rice recipe ? Instead of ordering, I promise you, this is the ultimate quick shrimp fried rice .
So much better than a soggy takeaway.
Why This Recipe Rocks
We're not talking about some greasy, bland version here. Think fresh, flavourful, homemade Chinese food . This shrimp fried rice is packed with goodness and flavour.
It takes me back to Hong Kong.
A Little Bit of History
Cantonese shrimp fried rice is a classic for a reason. It's humble but delicious. This dish shows how simple ingredients can be transformed into something special.
And don’t worry, the difficulty level is super easy .
Get Ready to Cook
What You Need
Get your ingredients ready! It takes about 20 minutes to prep. Then, cooking takes just 15.
The Star Ingredient
The key is properly cooked and chilled rice. Day-old rice is essential. So, give yourself time!
Shrimp is the best
The flavour comes from marinated shrimp. You need Shaoxing wine, soy sauce and cornstarch.
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice With Soy Sauce
It’s not just about the shrimp! We're using garlic, ginger, onion, peas and carrots. The ginger is what gives the dish it's zing, don't leave it out!.
I’ve used soy sauce for that authentic taste. Oyster sauce and sesame oil, if you like, adds a nice extra something. Don't forget the spring onions.
The Magic of the Wok
Time to get cooking! Everything happens fast.
You'll love how easy it is to create a flavourful dish! Remember, its okay to add too much soy sauce ! It makes the shrimp fried rice recipe for one even better!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Wok!
Alright, so you wanna make some banging Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice ? Sweet! First, let's gather our bits and bobs.
This isn't one of those recipes with a million ingredients you've never heard of. We're keeping it real, yeah?
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
These are the players that make our Shrimp Fried Rice With Soy Sauce truly shine. Trust me, getting decent ingredients makes all the difference!
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Go for shrimp that look firm and smell fresh, not fishy. I like the 26/30 size.
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups (800g) cooked and chilled long grain rice. Day-old is the absolute best . It dries out a bit and fries up perfectly. Don't even think about using freshly cooked, still steaming rice. It'll be a mushy disaster.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Anything neutral like canola or sunflower oil works. If you're feeling fancy, peanut oil adds a nice touch.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) piece, peeled and minced.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: 1 cup (150g) , thawed. No need to be precious, the frozen stuff is fine.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , adjust to taste. I prefer a good quality, naturally brewed soy sauce for the best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe .
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (optional). If you’ve never had it, it brings the umami and is a plus for your Cantonese Shrimp Fried Rice .
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Don't skip this! It adds so much flavour.
- Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish).
- Shaoxing Wine: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (or dry sherry)
- Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) (cornflour in the UK!)
- White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional, but adds a nice warmth)
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Bomb
These are the magic ingredients that elevate your Simple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".
- Soy Sauce + Sesame Oil: The classic combo. The salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil are essential for that authentic Asian Shrimp Rice Recipe flavour.
- Ginger + Garlic: The aromatic base. These two are always a winning combination in Homemade Chinese Food . Don't be shy with them!
- Oyster Sauce: (Optional) This stuff is liquid gold. It adds a depth of flavour that you just can't get anywhere else. If you don't have it, don't stress, but it's worth picking up a bottle if you're serious about your Quick Shrimp Fried Rice . Plus if you are feeling spicy, red pepper flakes, to taste (for a touch of heat)
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need a ton of fancy gear to whip up this Easy Shrimp Fried Rice .
- Large Wok or Skillet: A wok is ideal for even heat distribution, but a large skillet will do the trick.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping all those lovely veggies.
- Mixing Bowls: To prep your ingredients and marinate the shrimp.
That's it! See? Nothing too scary. Now, let's get cooking, shall we? I will teach you how to prepare a Shrimp and Rice Bowl Recipe at home!
Wok This Way! The Ultimate Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice
Fancy some proper Homemade Chinese Food ? Forget the takeaway menus tonight. I'm gonna show you how to make banging Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice that's fresher, tastier, and way less greasy.
Honestly, once you nail this, you'll never go back to ordering in. This is not just another Easy Shrimp Fried Rice , it's your new go-to.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organised. We're diving into the essential mise en place. Get all your veggies chopped, shrimp prepped, and sauces measured.
It's like assembling your very own MasterChef toolkit. This Simple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe is all about speed and precision.
Time Saving Tip: Chop extra veggies and store them in the fridge. That way, you can whip up a Quick Shrimp Fried Rice in no time.
step-by-step: From Wok to Wow!
- Shrimp Time: Marinate your shrimp. Mix 1 pound (450g) shrimp with 1 tablespoon (15ml) Shaoxing wine , 1 teaspoon (5ml) soy sauce , 0.5 teaspoon (2.5ml) cornstarch , and 0.25 teaspoon (1.25ml) white pepper . Set aside, letting all those tasty flavours work their magic.
- Scramble Those Eggs: In a hot wok, scramble 2 large eggs until just cooked but still soft. Remove and set aside. Don't overcook them!
- Aromatics Awaken: Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil in the wok. Sauté chopped 1 medium yellow onion , minced 2 cloves garlic , and minced 1 inch (2.5cm) ginger until fragrant. This is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing.
- Shrimp Showdown: Add the marinated shrimp to the wok. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2- 3 minutes . Don't overcook the shrimp, or it'll be rubbery.
- Rice and Veggie Rendezvous: Add 4 cups (approximately 800g) cooked and chilled rice and 1 cup (150g) thawed frozen peas and carrots to the wok. Break up the rice with a spatula, making sure to seperate everything for a more authentic taste.
- Sauce It Up: Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce and 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce (if using) to the rice. Stir fry until combined and heated through.
- Egg-cellent Reunion: Return the scrambled eggs to the wok. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil .
- Garnish and Grub: Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
- Day-old rice really is key! Using day-old, chilled rice helps prevent mushy fried rice.
- Don't overcrowd the wok! Work in batches for the best results.
- You can try this Shrimp and Rice Bowl Recipe for a quick and satisfying lunch!
Honestly, making your own Cantonese Shrimp Fried Rice is so much better than ordering in. Plus, you can control the ingredients and make it exactly how you like it.
Try it using this amazing Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe For One .
Recipe Notes for Perfect Shrimp Fried Rice
Right then, let's talk about making this Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice shine! After testing this recipe countless times, I've gathered some insider tips to help you nail it, even if you're a complete beginner.
Honestly, once you've got these basics down, you'll be whipping up batches of Easy Shrimp Fried Rice like a pro.
Serving Like a Boss!
Presentation matters, right? Pile your Cantonese Shrimp Fried Rice high in a bowl for a comforting vibe. Or, spread it on a plate for a more restaurant style feel.
A sprinkle of extra green onions always looks good. For sides, think crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad.
A cold beer or some jasmine tea works wonders too! Think about adding some sriracha mayo too.
Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Let the Shrimp Fried Rice With Soy Sauce cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet to freeze it in a single layer, then transfer it to a freezer bag.
This stops it clumping. Reheat in a wok or microwave until piping hot. (Make sure its over 165° F ( 74° C) before you eat it )
Remixing the Recipe: Your Way
Feeling adventurous? Swap the shrimp for chicken for a classic chicken fried rice. Or, go veggie by adding extra mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli.
For a bit of heat, stir in a tablespoon of chili oil. If you're cutting back on carbs, quinoa also works well in this Shrimp and Rice Bowl Recipe .
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! The "Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe For One" might be as simple to cut the ingredient quantities by fourths.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Each serving packs a good punch of protein from the shrimp and eggs, around 25-30g . You get roughly 50-60g of carbs for energy.
I know! The best Asian Shrimp Rice Recipe . Plus, a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Just watch the sodium from the soy sauce if you're keeping an eye on your salt intake.
This is a Quick Shrimp Fried Rice meal that nourishes.
So there you have it. A few simple tweaks and tips to take your Homemade Chinese Food to the next level.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You've totally got this. This might be the Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe you ever make!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice so soggy?
Soggy fried rice is a common woe! The main culprit is often using freshly cooked rice. Day-old, chilled rice is your best bet. It's drier and separates more easily in the wok, absorbing all those delicious flavors without becoming a mushy mess.
Think of it like using stale bread for croutons it just works better!
Can I make this Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. For a vegan version, skip the shrimp and eggs, and be sure to substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative like mushroom flavored soy sauce.
Tofu can also be added to the vegetarian or vegan options for added protein.
What's the secret to getting that smoky "wok hei" flavour in my homemade Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice?
Ah, the elusive wok hei! The key is high heat and a well seasoned wok. Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding any ingredients. Cooking in smaller batches also prevents overcrowding and keeps the temperature high.
Using peanut oil (or vegetable oil if allergies are a concern) can also help with this.
How long does Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice last in the fridge, and how do I reheat it?
Properly stored, your Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave it (adding a splash of water can prevent it from drying out) or, for best results, stir fry it in a pan or wok with a little oil until heated through.
Just like a phoenix from the ashes, your fried rice will be back!
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine in this recipe?
Not everyone keeps Shaoxing wine on hand, and that's perfectly alright! A good substitute is dry sherry or even chicken broth. These will provide a similar depth of flavour to your dish. Though it may have a small flavour difference, it will still be perfect to eat.
Wok This Way The Ultimate Chinese Shrimp Fried R

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |