Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice - 20 minute recipe

This is my go-to when I want something quick and delicious. Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a staple. It is so easy and versatile. You may add more vegetables, or a fried egg for more protein. I love the simplicity but still has bold flavors that you will crave again and again.

This is a fantastic quick and easy lunch, dinner or side dish when you have friends over. If you're busy or lazy, this dish is for you. You can put whatever you want in it. Fried rice is such a versatile dish that I love using the same techniques for cleaning out your fridge. 

If you love this spicy shrimp fried rice recipe, then I know you will love my other fried rice recipes like Cilantro Lime Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice, Garlic Fried Rice, and my all-time favorite Beef Pepper Rice. 

Jump to:

• Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients
• How to make it
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tips for making the best fried rice
• Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice - FAQs
• Related
• Pairing
• Thanks for coming by!
• Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
• Food safety

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice Ingredients

• Day old rice
• Frozen shrimp or prawns (defrosted in ice-cold water for 10 minutes)
• Chili oil (I used Momofuku)
• Cloves of minced garlic
• Stalks of green onions (separate the white from the green part)
• Soy sauce or tamari
• White pepper
• Sesame oil
• Butter
• Avocado oil

Garnish:

• Fried garlic
• Momofuku chili oil
• Green onions

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make it

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Start by defrosting the shrimp in ice-cold water for 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. 
• Finely chop the green onions, separate the white parts and green parts. 
• Mince the garlic cloves.

Sauté Shrimp:

• Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. 
• Add butter to the pan. Add the shrimp, chili oil and a little bit of garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. 
• Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Infuse with Flavors:

• In the same pan, add oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the white parts of the green onions and cook for an additional minute.
• Add the cold or slightly chilled cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Add butter. Saute for 2 minutes until everything is well incorporated and the rice is fluffy. 
• Add Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), white pepper, and sesame oil at the end. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.

Add Shrimp and Green Onions:

• Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and the green parts of the onions. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to get a bit crispy.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the spicy shrimp fried rice with fried garlic and a drizzle of Momofuku chili oil.
• Serve hot and enjoy this spicy and flavorful dish!

Optional: Customize Your Bowl:

Feel free to add extra toppings like a fried egg on top for extra protein. 

Substitutions

• Day-Old Rice: Substitute day-old rice with freshly cooked rice that has been cooled and slightly dried, sushi rice, old cold rice, cauliflower rice, or brown rice (crispy rice). Using cold rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy during frying.
  
• Frozen Shrimp or Prawns: Replace frozen medium-sized shrimp with fresh shrimp or cooked chicken strips for an alternative protein source.
  
• Chili Oil: Create your own chili oil by combining regular oil with crushed red pepper flakes, or use your preferred hot sauce for spice.
  
• Minced Garlic: Use garlic powder, chil-garlic sauce, cloves garlic, or granulated garlic as a substitute for minced garlic.
  
• Green Onions: Replace green onions with regular onions or chives for a similar mild onion flavor.
  
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Substitute teaspoon soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
  
• White Pepper: Replace white pepper with black pepper for a similar peppery flavor.
  
• Sesame Oil: Use toasted sesame oil or olive oil as a substitute for sesame oil.
  
• Butter: Replace butter with ghee or a plant-based butter alternative for a different flavor.
  
• Avocado Oil: Substitute avocado oil with olive oil or any other cooking oil with a high smoke point.

Equipment

• Wok
• Knife
• Cutting board

Storage

Storing Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice:

• Airtight Container: Transfer the fried rice to an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from affecting its quality.
• Refrigeration: Store the spicy shrimp fried rice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice:

• Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over the container or sprinkle a bit of water on the rice to add moisture. Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat a bit of oil in a large pan, add the refrigerated fried rice, and stir fry over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Consider adding a splash of water to avoid dryness.

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice - FAQs

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.