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
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
Pat Shrimp Dry
Place the thawed shrimp on paper towels and press another towel on top to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT2M
Season Shrimp
Toss the dried shrimp with 1 tsp all‑purpose seasoning and 1 tsp Lemon Bay seasoning.
Time: PT2M
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
Cook Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp and stir‑fry for 1‑2 minutes, turning until pink and lightly browned.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Remove Shrimp
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT1M
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
Add Sesame Oil & Bouillon
Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder, cooking for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic & Ginger
Add the minced garlic and garlic‑ginger paste, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium
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
Season the Rice
Pour in 2 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce and 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Time: PT1M
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
Combine Eggs with Rice
Fold the scrambled eggs into the rice, mixing thoroughly.
Time: PT30S
Add Peas and Carrots
Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Return Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back into the wok, toss everything together for 1 minute to re‑heat.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium-high
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute
- Instead of Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce, Tamari
- Instead of Hoisin Sauce: BBQ sauce, Plum sauce
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Vegetable oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Garlic Ginger Paste: Fresh minced garlic and ginger
- Instead of Kerrygold Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Avocado Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Shrimp: Chicken breast, Pork strips, Tofu
- Instead of Frozen Peas: Fresh peas
- Instead of Frozen Carrots: Fresh diced carrots
- Instead of All-Purpose Seasoning: Salt and pepper
- Instead of Lemon Bay Seasoning: Lemon zest + salt
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Powder: Miso paste, Soy sauce
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Slotted Spoon (optional)
- Baking Sheet (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the Cooked Rice
- Pat Shrimp Dry
- Heat Oil and Butter
- Cook Shrimp
- Stir‑Fry the Rice
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wok for the best high‑heat stir‑fry; a large skillet works if a wok isn’t available.
- Add a pinch of sugar with the hoisin if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra sesame oil for aroma right before serving.
Troubleshooting
Rice turns mushy.
Make sure the rice is fully dried before adding to the wok; use day‑old rice or spread fresh rice on a sheet to air‑dry.
Shrimp becomes rubbery.
Pat shrimp dry, cook over high heat for only 1‑2 minutes, and remove as soon as pink.
Dish is too salty.
Reduce soy sauce and bouillon, add a splash of water, and increase the amount of peas/carrots to balance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to shrimp texture, but can freeze for up to 1 month if reheated gently.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; discard after that.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and dry the rice a day ahead; store uncovered in the fridge.
- Pat and season shrimp, then keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Pre‑measure sauces in a small bowl for quick addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Shrimp Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Shrimp Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?
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.
How is Shrimp Fried Rice traditionally served in Chinese households?
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.
During which celebrations or occasions is Shrimp Fried Rice commonly prepared in Chinese culture?
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.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Shrimp Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Shrimp Fried Rice?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shrimp Fried Rice at home?
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.
Why does this Shrimp Fried Rice recipe use both butter and avocado oil instead of just one fat?
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.
Can I make Shrimp Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when my Shrimp Fried Rice is done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








