Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice – Quick, Flavorful & Ready in 20 Minutes

When you’re short on time but still craving a delicious, satisfying meal, look no further than Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice. This recipe is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami-packed flavors, all in one quick, 20-minute meal. Whether you’re looking to clear out leftovers or just want something fast and tasty, Shrimp Fried Rice is the answer.

Not only is it quick to make, but this dish also offers an incredible flavor profile, thanks to the combination of shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of heat. With a fried rice base, this recipe is a go-to when you want to create a meal in one pan—minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences.

This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice recipe is a great weeknight dinner, or you can even prep it ahead for lunch or meal prep. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this flavorful, 20-minute meal!

Why This Recipe Works

Fried rice is one of those dishes that can be customized to your taste. Here’s why Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is a winner:

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes, you’ll have a complete, hearty meal without a lot of time in the kitchen.
• Flavor-packed: The shrimp and rice are cooked with a spicy, savory sauce that delivers bold flavors with each bite.
• One-pan meal: You only need one skillet or wok to make this dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer more vegetables, a different protein, or want to adjust the heat level, this recipe can be tailored to suit your needs.

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together quickly. Here’s what you need to make Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice:

For the Fried Rice:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (or any vegetable you prefer)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for desired heat level)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds depth and richness)
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (to balance the heat with sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice in 20 Minutes

This recipe is incredibly simple to follow and can be ready in under 20 minutes. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and chili flakes. This will be the spicy sauce that gives the fried rice its bold flavor. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the frozen peas and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. If you want to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn, feel free to toss them in at this point.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
2. Scramble the eggs and cook until they’re fully set, breaking them up into small pieces. Once the eggs are cooked, stir them in with the vegetables.

Step 5: Add the Rice

1. Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with a spatula and mix well with the vegetables and eggs.
2. Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the rice and stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Shrimp

1. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss to combine with the rice and sauce. Let everything cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Taste the fried rice and adjust seasoning if necessary—add more soy sauce for saltiness or more sriracha for extra heat.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the fried rice from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice!

Customizing Your Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

One of the best things about fried rice is how easily it can be tailored to your preferences. Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:

• Add More Protein: If you prefer more protein, you can add chicken, beef, or even tofu instead of shrimp. You can also make it a surf-and-turf version with both shrimp and steak!
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on what you have. Carrots, zucchini, baby corn, and mushrooms are great additions. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or bok choy for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the sriracha or skip the chili flakes. You can always add more sriracha later if you want more heat.
• Rice Options: If you’re avoiding white rice, try brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Why This Recipe Works

This Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice works because it combines so many delicious elements into one dish: savory shrimp, rich sauce, crunchy vegetables, and fluffy rice. The sauce ties it all together, offering a balance of heat, salt, and a little sweetness. Plus, the shrimp adds a lovely seafood flavor that elevates the whole dish.

The recipe is quick and easy, taking only 20 minutes, and it uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The best part? You can make this meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful, and Satisfying Meal

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner, Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect dish. In just 20 minutes, you can create a vibrant, satisfying meal that combines savory shrimp, spicy heat, and the richness of fried rice. Whether you’re craving something light and flavorful or looking for a meal to use up leftover rice, this recipe will not disappoint.

With its customizable ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests. Ready to make your own batch of Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice? Get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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FAQs

1. Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?

Yes, you can use cooked shrimp. Just add them in at the end to warm through since they’re already cooked. Be sure to reduce the cooking time for the shrimp to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, tofu, or even a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian version of Spicy Fried Rice.

3. Can I use day-old rice for this recipe?

Yes! Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s drier and doesn’t clump together. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can make fresh rice, but be sure to let it cool before using it.

4. How can I adjust the spiciness?

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or chili paste. You can always add more spice later, but it’s harder to reduce heat once it’s in the dish.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this fried rice ahead of time. Store the cooked fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.

6. Can I use other types of rice for fried rice?

Yes! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of rice.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like—carrots, peas, broccoli, or baby corn are great options. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding the rice.

9. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure the sriracha you’re using is gluten-free.

10. What can I serve with Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice?

This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed veggies, dumplings, or a simple salad to complete the meal.