This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Craving something quick, delicious, and versatile for dinner? Look no further than this Single Serving Shrimp Fried Rice recipe. This homemade dish is an absolute gem, featuring cooked rice tossed with juicy shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of mouthwatering spices. The best part? It’s ready in just 10 minutes! Made with simple ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe for anyone who loves a hearty meal without the extra servings.
Seeking more delightful single serving shrimp dishes? Explore our spicy Shrimp Etouffee, savory Shrimp and Grits, zesty Pad Thai, and fresh Shrimp Tacos.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice Recipe
- What Is Shrimp Fried Rice?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- Choosing The Right Shrimp For Your Fried Rice
- How To Peel And Devein Shrimp: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How To Make Shrimp Fried Rice For One
- Expert Tips
- What To Serve With Shrimp Fried Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Shrimp Fried Rice For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minutes to make. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Rich in Flavor: The perfect blend of ingredients provides an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Great for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use leftover rice. Fried rice is best made with cooked rice because leftover rice has usually dried out a bit, making it perfect for frying.
- Versatile: Make it your own! Swap out ingredients to match your personal preferences or what you have on hand.
- Doubles Well: Cooking for two or wanting leftovers? This recipe scales beautifully.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced meal in a bowl.
What Is Shrimp Fried Rice?
Shrimp Fried Rice is a versatile dish that features cooked rice stir-fried with vegetables and shrimp. A staple in Asian cooking, this one-pan wonder is an excellent solution for repurposing leftover rice, thereby minimizing food waste. With its perfect blend of protein and veggies, it’s not just delicious but also a balanced meal.
Ingredients
What Kind Of Rice Works Best For Fried Rice?
For optimal results, use day-old or two-day-old rice when making fried rice. The reduced moisture content in leftover rice allows it to fry up crispier. While long-grain white rice is a popular choice, you can also use short-grain or brown rice—just ensure they are pre-cooked. Alternative options like leftover quinoa or cauliflower rice can also be used to create a unique twist on the traditional dish.
Notes And Substitutions
- Vegetables: This recipe includes a blend of onions, garlic, carrots, and peas, and both fresh and frozen varieties of these vegetables are suitable. These same vegetables are also used in our Beef Stew and Chicken Pot Pie recipes, making any leftovers ideal for incorporating into these dishes.
- Rice: Using leftover rice is the secret to achieving perfectly fried rice. The fridge’s dry air helps to remove excess moisture, setting the stage for excellent frying. Consider using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You might also like to try our Chicken Fried Rice!
- Egg: Softly scrambled eggs bring cohesion to fried rice, acting as a subtle yet crucial element that ties the entire dish together.
- Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp, whether frozen or fresh, are recommended for the ideal bite-size experience.
- Soy sauce: The key to replicating that authentic restaurant flavor in your fried rice. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Salt: Added to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for its unrefined quality and rich olive taste, making it the premium choice. However, light olive oil can be substituted if desired.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Recipe Variations
Shrimp fried rice for one is versatile, and that’s what makes it a go-to recipe for many. Whether you’re in the mood to experiment or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, these variations can give your dish a unique twist:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and add a variety of plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian take on this classic dish.
- Go Tropical: Add a tropical touch by incorporating diced pineapple and cashews into your fried rice.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding thinly sliced Thai red chilies or a dash of Sriracha for a spicier version.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn for added nutrients and textures.
- Different Proteins: Swap out shrimp for another protein like diced chicken or thinly sliced beef for a different flavor profile.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to keep things interesting and align the recipe with your cravings or dietary needs!
Choosing The Right Shrimp For Your Fried Rice
Opt for individually frozen, head-off, and peel-on shrimp, which are readily available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Buying shrimp this way is not only convenient but also cost-effective, especially when cooking for one.
It’s worth noting that many so-called “fresh” shrimp at supermarket seafood counters were actually previously frozen and have been thawed for display. The shelf life of these thawed shrimp can be uncertain.
Since shrimp spoil quickly, if you decide to go the fresh route, give them a sniff test first. Steer clear of any shrimp that have an ammonia-like smell as it’s a red flag for spoilage. Also, avoid shrimp that appear limp, slimy, or disintegrated, as these are indicators of decay.
How To Peel And Devein Shrimp: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Remove the Legs: Use your fingers to pull off the shrimp’s legs.
- Crack and Peel the Shell: Gently crack open the shell from the underside using your fingers and proceed to peel it away from the shrimp’s body.
- Detach the Tail: Pinch the tail where it connects to the shrimp body and gently pull it off.
- Make a Shallow Cut: Utilize a paring knife to run a gentle cut along the shrimp’s back.
- Find and Remove the Vein: Spot the vein, appearing as a dark, gritty string along the back. Use the tip of your paring knife to carefully lift and pull it out.
By following these steps, you’ll have shrimp that are ready to be cooked to perfection for your fried rice recipe.
How To Make Shrimp Fried Rice For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a single serving of Shrimp Fried Rice. See the recipe below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and salt to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes, until tender.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and cook on one side for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip the shrimp over and cook the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and heat, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Push the rice, shrimp, and vegetables to the sides of the pan. Add a little more oil, if necessary and the lightly beaten egg to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the egg is almost completely cooked.
- Stir to combine the ingredients in the pan.
- Add the peas and soy sauce and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy hot.
Expert Tips
- Recipe Guidance: Before diving into the recipe, take a moment to read through the entire post, including the Ingredient Notes and any accompanying process photos. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into each step, ensuring your shrimp fried rice turns out flawless every time. All essential tips and information are included in the post, so make sure to read it thoroughly for the best results.
- Use Chilled Leftover Rice: Freshly cooked, warm rice won’t give you the crispy texture you’re aiming for. Always opt for chilled, leftover rice for the best results.
- Add a Crunch Factor: Elevate the texture of your fried rice by garnishing with ingredients like toasted nuts, freshly chopped lettuce, or bean sprouts for that extra crunch.
What To Serve With Shrimp Fried Rice
While shrimp fried rice is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with other dishes can elevate your dining experience. Consider complementing your bowl of shrimp fried rice with any of these single serving recipes:
- Cashew Chicken: This protein-packed dish offers a different set of flavors that pair wonderfully with the fried rice.
- Curried Carrot Soup: This spiced, creamy soup not only warms you up but also offers a delightful contrast in texture.
- Pumpkin Soup: If you’re in the mood for something seasonal, a bowl of pumpkin soup complements the savory elements in the fried rice.
- Cucumber Salad: For a lighter touch, a refreshing cucumber salad can balance the richness of the shrimp fried rice.
- Kung Pao Chicken: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, Kung Pao Chicken offers a zesty companion to your fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Substitute soy sauce with Tamari to make it gluten-free.
Yes. You can leave the shrimp out altogether and make a bowl of all-vegetable fried rice, or substitute it with another protein like ham, bacon, beef, or chicken.
Yes. If you’d like to make a larger batch of shrimp fried rice, double the ingredient amounts.
Yes, just make sure to thaw them first.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating leftover fried rice, add a splash of water on top and stir before microwaving.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this easy shrimp fried rice recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Shrimp Fried Rice For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup chopped carrots , about 1 small carrot
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 6 to 8 medium shrimp (2 ounces), peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup cooked rice
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- ½ cup peas (frozen and thawed or canned)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and salt to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes, until tender.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and cook on one side for 1 to 2 minutes, then flip the shrimp over and cook the other side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and heat, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Push the rice, shrimp, and vegetables to the sides of the pan. Add a little more oil, if necessary and pour the lightly beaten egg to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the egg is almost completely cooked.
- Stir to combine the ingredients in the pan.
- Add the peas and soy sauce and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Recipe Guidance: Before diving into the recipe, take a moment to read through the entire post, including the Ingredient Notes and any accompanying process photos. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into each step, ensuring your shrimp fried rice turns out flawless every time. All essential tips and information are included in the post, so make sure to read it thoroughly for the best results.
- Use Chilled Leftover Rice: Freshly cooked, warm rice won’t give you the crispy texture you’re aiming for. Always opt for chilled, leftover rice for the best results.
- Add a Crunch Factor: Elevate the texture of your fried rice by garnishing with ingredients like toasted nuts, freshly chopped lettuce, or bean sprouts for that extra crunch.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Great recipe and it was so easy to make. The only change I made was to add a little more soy sauce.
I might try substituting asparagus for the peas next time. Easy to put together. I will be making this again real soon.
This was so good! The only thing I would do differently next time I make it is cut the green peas to 1/4 cup. This was very flavorful and simple to make.
Good recipe.