Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice is a easy Asian recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 31 min
Cost: $6.47 total, $2.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 stalks Green Onions (Separate white stems from green leafy tops)
- 8 spears Asparagus (Trim ends and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 12 oz Shrimp (Frozen, peeled, deveined; cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tsp Salt (Divided for seasoning)
- ½ tsp Granulated Sugar (Balances shrimp seasoning)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (Crushed, divided)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Adds nutty flavor to shrimp marinate)
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
- 3 cups Jasmine Rice (Cooked, day‑old rice works best; if fresh, cool before frying)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For sautéing and stir‑frying)
Instructions
Prep Green Onions
Trim the root ends, then slice the white stems thinly. Set the stems aside and keep the green leafy tops whole for later.
Time: PT3M
Prep Asparagus
Snap off the woody ends, then cut the spears into 1‑inch bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT3M
Marinate Shrimp
Place the thawed shrimp pieces in a bowl, add 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp sugar, ¼ tsp crushed black pepper, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix until evenly coated.
Time: PT4M
Beat Eggs
Crack the two eggs into a small bowl and whisk until uniform.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Rice (if not using leftovers)
Rinse 1½ cups jasmine rice, combine with 1½ cups water and a drizzle of oil in a rice cooker (1:1 ratio). Cook, then spread on a tray to cool until steam disappears.
Time: PT30M
Sauté Green Onion Stems
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sliced white stems and stir‑fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Cook Shrimp
Add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Stir‑fry 2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque orange.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Asparagus
Toss in the asparagus pieces and stir‑fry for another 15 seconds. Remove shrimp and asparagus to a plate.
Time: PT0M30S
Temperature: Medium‑high
Stir‑Fry Rice
If the rice is cold, microwave for 1 minute. Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan, then add the rice. Break up clumps and stir‑fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Scramble Eggs into Rice
Push the rice to the side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble, mixing with the rice until the egg is fully cooked.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Season Fried Rice
Sprinkle ½ tsp salt over the rice‑egg mixture and stir well.
Time: PT0M30S
Combine All Ingredients
Return the shrimp, asparagus, and green onion leafy tops to the pan. Add a pinch of crushed black pepper. Toss everything together for 1 minute until evenly mixed and hot.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Serve
Transfer the fried rice to serving bowls and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free
Allergens: Shellfish, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Onions: Scallions, Leeks (white part only)
- Instead of Asparagus: Broccoli florets, Snow peas
- Instead of Shrimp: Scallops, Chicken breast (small cubes)
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (adds flavor), Sea salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (tiny amount), Maple syrup (tiny amount)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Ground cayenne (smaller amount)
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (small amount), Olive oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Eggs: Tofu scramble, Egg substitute
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Long‑grain white rice, Basmati rice
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Microwave (optional) (optional)
- Rice Cooker (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the shrimp with salt, sugar, pepper, and sesame oil
- Not overcooking the shrimp (stop when they turn orange)
- Breaking up the rice grains to avoid clumps
- Quickly re‑adding shrimp and asparagus at the end to keep them tender
Chef Tips from the Video
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end adds authentic flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the black pepper.
- Use a wok for the best high‑heat stir‑fry experience.
Troubleshooting
Rice sticks together and forms clumps.
Use day‑old rice, break it up with your hands before cooking, and keep the pan hot while stir‑frying.
Shrimp becomes rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until they turn opaque orange; remove them immediately and finish the dish before returning them.
Fried rice tastes bland.
Adjust salt and add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of extra sesame oil at the end.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 1 month; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and cool the rice a day ahead; store covered in the fridge.
- Marinate the shrimp while you prep the vegetables.
- Pre‑chop green onions and asparagus and keep them in separate containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp fried rice in Asian cuisine?
Fried rice originated in China as a way to use leftover rice, and shrimp is a common protein that adds sweetness and texture. Over time, regional variations added local vegetables like asparagus, making it a versatile staple across many Asian households.
What are the traditional regional variations of shrimp fried rice in Chinese cuisine?
In Cantonese cooking, shrimp fried rice often includes soy sauce and peas, while in Sichuan style you might find spicy chili oil and pickled vegetables. The version presented by Cook Stacey Cook focuses on simplicity with asparagus for a fresh crunch.
How is shrimp and asparagus fried rice traditionally served in Chinese home meals?
It is typically served as a main dish alongside a light soup or stir‑fried greens, eaten hot straight from the wok. It can also be part of a larger family banquet where multiple rice dishes are offered.
What occasions or celebrations is shrimp fried rice associated with in Asian cultures?
Fried rice is a go‑to comfort food for everyday meals, but it also appears at Lunar New Year gatherings and birthday celebrations because it symbolizes abundance and the use of leftover ingredients symbolizes resourcefulness.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional shrimp fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic recipes use day‑old jasmine or long‑grain rice, fresh shrimp, soy sauce, and scallions. Substitutes like frozen shrimp, vegetable oil, and sesame oil work well, but using butter or heavy sauces would drift away from the classic flavor profile.
What other Asian dishes pair well with shrimp and asparagus fried rice?
Pair it with a simple cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or a light miso soup. The crisp asparagus in the rice complements the freshness of a cold noodle salad or a tangy pickled vegetable side.
What makes shrimp and asparagus fried rice special in Asian cuisine?
The combination of sweet shrimp, crunchy asparagus, and fragrant jasmine rice creates a balance of textures and flavors that is both light and satisfying, showcasing the Asian principle of harmony in a single‑pan dish.
How has shrimp fried rice evolved over time in modern Asian cooking?
Modern cooks often add global ingredients like avocado or quinoa, but the core technique—high‑heat stir‑fry of day‑old rice with protein and vegetables—remains unchanged. Cook Stacey Cook’s version highlights simplicity and speed for home cooks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp and asparagus fried rice?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, using fresh sticky rice that clumps, and not seasoning the rice enough. Keep the pan hot, use day‑old rice, and season in stages for the best result.
Why does this recipe use sesame oil only in the shrimp marinate and not for cooking the rice?
Sesame oil has a low smoke point and a strong flavor; using it in the marinate infuses the shrimp without burning, while neutral vegetable oil handles the high‑heat stir‑fry of the rice without imparting a heavy taste.
Can I make shrimp and asparagus fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the rice and marinate the shrimp a day ahead. Store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot pan with a splash of oil. Keep the cooked shrimp and asparagus separate and add them back just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Cook Stacey Cook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cook Stacey Cook focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort foods with fresh, seasonal ingredients, often emphasizing time‑saving tips for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cook Stacey Cook's approach to Asian cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Cook Stacey Cook emphasizes simplicity and everyday pantry staples, avoiding complex sauces or hard‑to‑find ingredients, whereas many Asian cooking channels dive deep into regional techniques and specialty items.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
