Name: Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups day-old white rice; 4 scallions, chopped (whites and greens separated); 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp white pepper; 1 tsp chicken powder; 1 tsp sugar; 4 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 10 shrimps, deveined; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp white pepper; ¼ tsp baking soda; Spring onion chili oil

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If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, speedy to make, and downright satisfying, then this Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe is your new best friend. Using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe turns humble day-old rice and fresh shrimp into a vibrant, savory meal that’s bursting with texture and color. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this dish checks all the boxes for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that comes together in a flash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven raw shrimp arranged loosely in a white pan, each shrimp has a pale pink and translucent white color with a glossy, wet texture reflecting light. The shrimp are slightly curled, with visible segment lines and tails mostly intact. A thin layer of clear oil is spread around and under the shrimp on the smooth surface of the pan. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the bite of the scallions to the tender shrimp and the perfectly seasoned rice, every component adds layers of taste and texture that will make your taste buds dance.

2 cups of day-old white rice: Using day-old rice prevents clumping and gives you the ideal texture for stir-frying.
4 scallions, chopped (whites and greens separated): Whites add mild onion flavor while the greens bring fresh color and a hint of sharpness.
4 large eggs: Scrambled into the rice, they add richness and a soft, custardy texture.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Delivers umami depth and saltiness.
1 tsp salt: To perfectly balance and enhance flavors.
½ tsp white pepper: Adds warmth and a subtle peppery kick without the black specks.
1 tsp chicken powder: Intensifies savory notes for a heartier taste.
1 tsp sugar: Balances out the savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
4 tbsp neutral oil: Like vegetable or canola oil, essential for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
10 shrimps, deveined: The star protein, tender and slightly sweet after marinating.
¼ tsp salt (for marinade): To season the shrimp perfectly.
¼ tsp white pepper (for marinade): To give a gentle spice to the shrimp.
¼ tsp baking soda (for marinade): This tenderizes the shrimp for a delightfully soft bite.
Spring onion and chili oil (for garnish): Adds fresh zing and an optional spicy finish.

How to Make Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimps

Begin by tossing your cleaned and deveined shrimps with salt, white pepper, and baking soda. This simple marinade will tenderize the shrimp while infusing a delicate seasoning that complements the entire dish. Let it rest for just a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the scallions, separating the whites and the greens—this ensures the whites release their aromatic flavor early on and the greens retain their fresh color and crispness. Crack and beat the eggs so they’re ready to scramble quickly. Having everything prepped before firing up the pan makes the cooking swift and flawless.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimps

Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimps and stir-fry until they turn pink and curl slightly, which should only take 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside—the shrimps will finish cooking when combined with the rice.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir quickly to scramble until just set but still tender. This creates pockets of rich egg pieces dispersed throughout the fried rice, adding indulgence to every bite.

Step 5: Stir-fry Rice and Flavors

Add the remaining oil, then the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Toss in the chopped white scallions along with the soy sauce, salt, white pepper, chicken powder, and sugar. The combination of these seasonings gives the fried rice that authentic, crave-worthy taste you’re after.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, mixing everything thoroughly. Finish by folding in the scallion greens for a splash of color and sharp freshness. Cook for another minute or two until all ingredients are heated through and perfectly blended.

How to Serve Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe

A close-up view of a frying pan filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is scrambled eggs with light yellow color and small pieces of green onion, the middle layer is plain white rice covering the eggs, and the top layer shows sprinkled white granulated salt and a bit of light brown soy sauce spread unevenly over the rice. The frying pan is silver, and it sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh spring onion and a drizzle of chili oil can elevate this dish from hearty to extraordinary in moments. The chili oil offers a gentle kick while the spring onion adds that vital crunch and subtle sharpness. These garnishes bring not only flavor but vibrant color that makes each plate pop.

Side Dishes

This shrimp fried rice stands strong on its own, but pairing it with lightly steamed vegetables or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad adds freshness and balance. For a complete meal, some miso soup or hot and sour soup gives an extra cozy dimension that complements the savory fried rice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this humble dish by using a ring mold to shape the rice into elegant rounds or even stuffing it into lettuce cups for a finger-food twist. Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can lend a delightful crunch, and a wedge of lime adds a zesty brightness when squeezed over at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rice’s texture and shrimp flavor hold up well, making it a fantastic quick lunch option the next day.

Freezing

While freezing shrimp fried rice is possible, it’s best to freeze before mixing in the eggs to maintain texture. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving works too, but the stove method helps retain that freshly fried texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Using fresh rice tends to result in a stickier, clumpier texture which makes it harder to achieve the perfect fried rice consistency. Day-old rice dries out a bit, so it fries up beautifully with separate grains.

What can I substitute for chicken powder?

If you don’t have chicken powder, a pinch of chicken bouillon granules or a tiny amount of chicken broth concentrate works well to add that savory depth. You can also skip it, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Absolutely! You can swap white rice for brown rice for extra fiber, reduce oil slightly, and add in plenty of vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients and crunch.

Can I use frozen shrimp rather than fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. This helps prevent excess water from affecting your fried rice texture.

How spicy is the chili oil garnish?

Chili oil varies in heat depending on the brand or recipe. You can control the spice level by adding more or less, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish. It’s a flavorful way to add a touch of warmth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a delicious meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, and this Quick Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe Under 20 Minutes Recipe does exactly that. It’s become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something comforting, colorful, and full of life. I encourage you to try it yourself and discover just how effortless and satisfying homestyle fried rice can be!