The Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe I Can't Live Without

The Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe I Can't Live Without is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 24 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $9.90 total, $2.48 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 0.5 cup Green Onion (green parts only, diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce (adds salty umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce (adds sweetness and color)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil, use sparingly)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Ginger Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon Kerrygold Butter (unsalted, cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil (high smoke point oil)
  • 1 pound Shrimp (peeled, deveined, defrosted, large; patted dry)
  • 0.5 cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
  • 0.5 cup Frozen Carrots (thawed, diced)
  • 1 teaspoon All-Purpose Seasoning (for shrimp seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Bay Seasoning (citrus‑y flavor for shrimp)
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (contains MSG for umami boost)

Instructions

  1. Dry the Cooked Rice

    Spread the freshly cooked white rice onto a baking sheet, breaking up clumps with your hands, and let it air‑dry for about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Pat Shrimp Dry

    Place the thawed shrimp on paper towels and press another towel on top to remove excess moisture.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season Shrimp

    Toss the dried shrimp with 1 tsp all‑purpose seasoning and 1 tsp Lemon Bay seasoning.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Heat Oil and Butter

    Add 1 tbsp avocado oil and 1 tbsp Kerrygold butter to the wok over medium‑high heat until the butter melts.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high

  5. Cook Shrimp

    Add the seasoned shrimp and stir‑fry for 1‑2 minutes, turning until pink and lightly browned.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high

  6. Remove Shrimp

    Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the diced yellow onion and green onion (and optional jalapeño) to the wok and stir‑fry until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Add Sesame Oil & Bouillon

    Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder, cooking for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Add Garlic & Ginger

    Add the minced garlic and garlic‑ginger paste, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium

  10. Stir‑Fry the Rice

    Add the dried rice to the wok, break up any remaining clumps with the spatula, increase heat to medium‑high, and stir‑fry for 5 minutes until each grain is lightly toasted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  11. Season the Rice

    Pour in 2 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce and 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Scramble Eggs

    Push the rice to one side, add 1 tsp avocado oil to the empty space, pour in the beaten eggs and let them set, then scramble gently until just cooked.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  13. Combine Eggs with Rice

    Fold the scrambled eggs into the rice, mixing thoroughly.

    Time: PT30S

  14. Add Peas and Carrots

    Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  15. Return Shrimp

    Add the cooked shrimp back into the wok, toss everything together for 1 minute to re‑heat.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high

  16. Serve

    Transfer the shrimp fried rice to serving plates, garnish with extra green onion if desired, and enjoy.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free soy sauce), Contains dairy

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Soy

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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The Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe I Can't Live Without

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A quick, easy, and inexpensive shrimp fried rice that uses fresh cooked rice instead of day‑old rice. Seasoned with soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and a touch of lemon‑pepper seasoning, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a budget‑friendly lunch.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.90
Total cost
$2.48
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry the Cooked Rice
  • Pat Shrimp Dry
  • Heat Oil and Butter
  • Cook Shrimp
  • Stir‑Fry the Rice

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and wash all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep face away while stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Shrimp Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

Fried rice originated in China as a way to use leftover rice, turning it into a flavorful stir‑fry with soy sauce, vegetables, and protein. Shrimp adds a coastal touch and is popular in Cantonese and Southern Chinese cooking, often served at family gatherings and street stalls.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Shrimp Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cuisine, shrimp fried rice is light and seasoned mainly with soy sauce, while in Sichuan versions you may find spicy chili oil and Sichuan pepper. Taiwanese style often includes pineapple for a sweet‑savory contrast.

cultural
Q

How is Shrimp Fried Rice traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the wok, often accompanied by a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of clear soup. It can be a main dish or a side to other entrees like sweet‑and‑sour pork.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Shrimp Fried Rice commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Fried rice appears at Lunar New Year feasts, family reunions, and street‑food festivals because it’s quick, adaptable, and uses ingredients already on hand, symbolizing resourcefulness and abundance.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Shrimp Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include day‑old white rice, fresh shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions. Substitutes can be fresh rice that’s dried, chicken or pork instead of shrimp, and hoisin sauce for a sweeter note.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Shrimp Fried Rice?

A

Pair it with classic dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Egg Drop Soup, or a simple stir‑fried bok choy. The mild flavor of the fried rice balances spicier mains nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shrimp Fried Rice at home?

A

Common errors include using wet rice, overcooking the shrimp, and adding too much soy sauce which makes the dish soggy and overly salty. Keep the wok hot, work quickly, and taste as you go.

technical
Q

Why does this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe use both butter and avocado oil instead of just one fat?

A

Butter adds richness and a nutty flavor, while avocado oil raises the smoke point so the butter doesn’t burn during high‑heat stir‑frying. This combination gives a buttery taste without scorching.

technical
Q

Can I make Shrimp Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the rice and dry the shrimp a day ahead. Store the rice uncovered in the fridge to stay dry, and keep cooked shrimp refrigerated separately. Reheat in a hot wok with a splash of oil for best texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my Shrimp Fried Rice is done?

A

The rice grains should be separate, slightly glossy, and lightly toasted. Shrimp should be pink and firm, and the vegetables bright. The dish should have a subtle sheen from the oil and sauces.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize practical tips, ingredient substitutions, and making restaurant‑style dishes with everyday pantry items.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes speed, low cost, and using ingredients most viewers already have, whereas many Chinese cooking channels focus on traditional techniques, specialty ingredients, and longer preparation times.

channel

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