Looking for a tasty meal that’s ready in no time? Our takeout shrimp fried rice is just the thing! This dish starts with cooked white rice, which is fried in a pan until crispy and lightly golden. Tender, juicy shrimp is added to the mix, along with a variety of veggies like peas, carrots, and onions. The whole dish is flavored with soy sauce and other seasonings for a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes. Try our takeout shrimp fried rice today and enjoy the convenience of a tasty meal without the hassle of cooking at home!
Takeout shrimp fried rice is not an authentic Chinese recipe, but rather a typical American version of Chinese-American takeout restaurants. The Stay At Home Chef uses ingredients that are easily accessible for most people in the United States and Canada so that anyone can easily celebrate world cuisines even if their opportunities for travel or access to regional ingredients are limited.
Using Leftover Rice
When it comes to making fried rice, using leftover or day-old rice is best. Freshly cooked rice can be too hot and sticky, making it hard to handle and prone to sticking to the pan. Leftover rice has had time to cool and dry out, which makes it easier to work with. You can use any type of leftover or day-old rice for fried rice, whether it’s instant rice, long-grain rice, short-grain rice, wild rice, or brown rice.
Tip for using fresh rice
If you only have freshly cooked rice on hand, don’t worry! You can still make delicious shrimp fried rice. Spread the hot, steaming rice out onto a baking sheet in a thin, even layer, then place it in the refrigerator to cool and dry out for at least 30 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture from the rice, making it less sticky and easier to work with.
Vegetable Options
We like to use a classic blend of vegetables in this recipe. This includes fresh green onions, carrots, and peas. You can use a frozen blend of carrots and peas to make things even easier! Consider these yummy add-ons if you want to make your meal more veggie-packed:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Snow peas
- Asparagus
- Green beans
Variations & Substitutes
There are several different ways to add more flavor to this recipe. Cooking the shrimp in a combination of sesame oil and cooking oil goes a long way. The added garlic adds a wonderful flavor too, as does a light drizzle of soy sauce for a garnish! If you prefer to use liquid aminos, you can use that instead. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes — or our favorite, Sriracha!
Eggs are a key ingredient in fried rice – they add a soft and bouncy texture to the final results. However, you can always skip it or replace it with firm, crumbled tofu.
