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Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

A quick spicy shrimp fried rice made with tender shrimp, cold rice, eggs, vegetables, garlic, soy sauce, and a little heat. Perfect for a fast one-bowl dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil divided
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers
  • 3 cups cooked cold rice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • Sesame seeds optional for serving

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or wok
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble until just set.
  7. Remove the eggs or move them to one side of the skillet.
  8. Add the remaining oil, garlic, and mixed vegetables.
  9. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables are hot and tender.
  10. Add the cold rice and break up any clumps with a spatula.
  11. Stir in the soy sauce, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil if using.
  12. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until hot.
  13. Stir in the sliced green onions.
  14. Serve warm with sesame seeds and extra hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Cold day-old rice works best because it fries better and stays separate. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Adjust the sriracha or chili garlic sauce to make the fried rice milder or spicier.