A bold and flavorful twist on classic fried rice, featuring tender shrimp, fragrant spices, and plenty of heat. Perfect for a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in about 20 minutes

• Uses leftover rice and minimal ingredients

• Spicy, savory, and customizable heat level

• A one-pan meal with protein, veggies, and carbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the fried rice:

• 3 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil, divided

• 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

• 4 cups day-old cooked rice (jasmine or long-grain)

• 3 large eggs

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)

• 2 scallions, green parts sliced

Spice boost (optional):

• Red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste

Directions

1. Season the shrimp: Toss shrimp in cornstarch, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Cook shrimp: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer, cook ~1 min per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-fry veggies & rice: Add 1 Tbsp oil to skillet. Sauté peas and carrots until heated (~2 min). Stir in rice, letting it crisp slightly (~3 min).

4. Scramble eggs: Push rice to the side, heat remaining oil in center, crack in eggs and scramble. Incorporate eggs into rice.

5. Finish and flavor: Return shrimp to skillet. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), and optional heat. Toss well to coat and warm through.

6. Serve: Garnish with sliced scallions. Enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add variety: Toss in broccoli, bell pepper, or corn.

• Adjust heat: Use extra red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or Sriracha.

• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce.

• Protein swap: Use diced chicken, tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken instead of shrimp.

• Make it low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the fish sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.

FAQs

What type of rice works best?

Day-old, chilled long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati) gives the best texture—less sticky and better for frying.

Can I use fresh rice?

You can, but it’s more likely to turn mushy. Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool before using if needed.

How spicy is it?

This version has moderate heat from spices like paprika and optional red pepper. For more heat, add chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I prep ahead?

Yes—season and cook the shrimp ahead of time and store in the fridge. Add to rice when reheating.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, store cooled fried rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make it healthier?

Use more veggies, add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce, and substitute brown rice for added fiber.

Can I bake or air-fry shrimp instead?

Yes—air-fry seasoned shrimp at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until just cooked, then toss with rice.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can skip it or replace with a little olive oil. Sesame oil adds authentic flavor but isn’t essential.

What should I serve with it?

Pair with egg rolls, steamed dumplings, a side salad, or simply top with extra scallions or cilantro.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, easily adjust quantities. If doubling, cook shrimp or veggies in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a fast, flavorful, and versatile skillet dish that brings heat and comfort to your table in just 20 minutes. With protein, veggies, and a kick of spice, it’s a wholesome and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy experimenting with add-ins to make it your own!

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