If you want the best Shrimp Fried Rice, you don’t have to order it from a restaurant. This recipe has crispy rice, egg, peas, carrots, and succulent shrimp. Plus, it has my secret ingredient that makes it taste like it came from a restaurant.
Shrimp fried rice is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is beloved for good reason. Juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, green onions and other veggies come together to create a flavorful and satisfying one-dish meal. However, shrimp fried rice doesn’t have to be relegated to takeout containers and lazy nights on the couch With the right complementary dishes, shrimp fried rice can be elevated into a meal fit for a dinner party or special occasion.
In this article, I’ll share 12 of my favorite items to serve alongside shrimp fried rice to take the flavor factor up a notch. From appetizers and small plates to main entrees and sides, keep reading for dishes that perfectly complement this staple.
Start with Egg Rolls or Dumplings
One of the best ways to begin a shrimp fried rice dinner is with a basket of homemade egg rolls. The crispy exterior and savory pork and veggie filling pair nicely with the flavors of the fried rice. Egg roll wrappers are readily available in most grocery stores, making assembly easy. Frying them up yourself yields far superior results than takeout egg rolls.
Homemade dumplings are another great appetizer option before diving into the main event. Fill wonton or gyoza wrappers with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, green onion, ginger and garlic. Then cook by steaming or pan frying until the filling is cooked through. The soft, pillowy texture of the dumplings contrasts nicely with the fried rice.
Add a Side of Kung Pao Shrimp for Extra Seafood Goodness
For another shrimp dish that complements fried rice flawlessly, look no further than kung pao shrimp. Tender shrimp are stir fried in a spicy, sweet and savory sauce with veggies like bell peppers, onions, water chestnuts and peanuts. The crunchy textures and bold flavors are a winning combination with shrimp fried rice. Making them both gives you double the shrimp goodness.
For a vegetarian option, kung pao tofu or cauliflower can stand in for the shrimp. No matter the protein, kung pao sauce adds a tastebud-pleasing element when paired with fried rice.
Chicken Lo Mein Brings Noodles to the Table
Shrimp fried rice covered the rice base, so next bring a noodle dish to the table. Chicken lo mein features lo mein noodles tossed with shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots and onions. I like to add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor and texture.
The soft noodles provide contrast to the fried rice. Meanwhile, the savory chicken and vegetable mixture pairs nicely flavor-wise Together, shrimp fried rice and chicken lo mein make a well-balanced meal
Clear the Palate with Egg Drop or Wonton Soup
After indulging in shrimp fried rice and other rich dishes, egg drop soup or wonton soup make the perfect light starters to prep your palate. Basic egg drop soup features a savory chicken broth with ribbons of egg stirred through. Simple and comforting, it’s a palate cleanser that bridges well from appetizers to the main course.
For heartier fare, wonton soup features chicken broth studded with plump wontons filled with pork and shrimp. The soft wontons cut through the heaviness of fried rice beautifully. Ladle up a small bowlful to enjoy alongside your main dishes.
Mongolian Beef Brings the Heat
If you like a little spice with your shrimp fried rice, mongolian beef is sure to satisfy. Tender slices of beef are wok-tossed with a savory soy sauce mixture and chili flakes or chili paste. The resulting dish is full of big, bold flavor. When paired with something milder like shrimp fried rice, the dynamic contrast really makes the components shine.
For people who don’t eat beef, try mongolian chicken for a similar flavor experience. Just pound chicken breasts thin before cutting into strips and stir frying. The chargrilled flavor pairs wonderfully with the subtle flavors of the fried rice.
General Tso’s Chicken Adds Sweetness and Crunch
General Tso’s chicken is another classic Chinese dish that complements shrimp fried rice flawlessly. Chicken gets tossed in a sweet, sticky and slightly spicy sauce, developing an irresistible lacquered exterior. The crunchy, fried texture contrasts with the softness of the fried rice beautifully.
Meanwhile, the sweet sauce provides a yin to the fried rice’s yang. The savory soy sauce and sesame base of the shrimp fried rice balances the sweet and sour notes of the chicken. For maximum flavor, try to use the General Tso’s sauce sparingly with the shrimp fried rice itself.
Cool It Down with a Crisp Cucumber Salad
After indulging in several rich, heavy dishes, a light cucumber salad provides the perfect palate cleanser. Simply toss thin cucumber slices with a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, a touch of soy sauce, minced garlic and red pepper flakes. The cool, crisp cucumbers and bright dressing cut through the richness beautifully.
Quick pickled carrot matchsticks also make a tasty accompaniment. Briefly marinate shredded carrots in rice vinegar, sugar and salt for a fast fridge pickle. These crunchy, tangy carrot “noodles” complement shrimp fried rice wonderfully.
Add Veggie Variety with Stir Fried Bok Choy
A stir fry of baby bok choy is one of my favorite vegetable pairings with shrimp fried rice. Bok choy provides freshness and additional nutrient density. Simply heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant before adding chopped bok choy. Stir fry briefly until just wilted but still crisp.
Season the veggies with a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil and oyster sauce as they cook. Spoon the garlicky bok choy alongside the shrimp fried rice for a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Spice It Up with Kimchi
If you enjoy a little heat, kimchi is a fantastic way to add flavor and cut through the rich fried rice. This traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish offers probiotic benefits in addition to its bold, spicy flavor. The crunchy cabbage and radishes pair surprisingly well with creamy scrambled eggs and tender shrimp.
Look for kimchi in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. The flavors intensify over time, so an extra fermented jar of kimchi can stand up to rich fried rice beautifully. Just be sure to provide plenty of napkins!
Cool Off with Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit makes a light, refreshing dessert after indulging in shrimp fried rice and its accompaniments. Slices of cool watermelon, orange wedges or fresh berries provide a sweet way to cleanse your palate. The natural sugars give your tastebuds a lift while the water content helps counteract the sodium from soy sauce.
For an elegant plated dessert, fresh mango pairs wonderfully with shrimp fried rice. Look for ripe, fragrant mangoes and cut them into cubes or thin slices. Drizzle lightly with fresh lime juice and mint to allow the sweet mango flavor to shine.
Seaweed Salad Adds Salty, Crisp Contrast
Seaweed salads available at Asian groceries make an easy side dish that contrasts wonderfully with fried rice. The salty, ocean-like flavor and slippery yet crisp texture complements starch-based dishes beautifully. Look for seaweed salad near other pre-made salads and sushi accoutrements.
With just a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, seaweed salad makes the perfect small plates accompaniment to shrimp fried rice. It provides minerals like iodine and iron that are harder to obtain from plant-based foods alone. A little goes a long way flavor-wise.
Finish with Fortunes and Jasmine Tea
End your shrimp fried rice feast on a traditional note with fortune cookies and jasmine tea. The light, floral tea helps clear greasiness and aids digestion. While you sip, break open your cookies to read the fortunes inside. What hidden messages might the cookies reveal?
Jasmine tea can also be enjoyed throughout the meal, as it pairs nicely with all the flavors on the table. Just be sure to have a pot steeping and ready to pour. Loose leaf jasmine tea makes a particularly flavorful brew.
Satisfying Solo or Shared with Friends
However you choose to complement your shrimp fried rice, I hope these suggestions inspire you to turn a simple takeout dish into an unforgettable meal. Part of the fun is mixing and matching different elements to create your own menu. Shrimp fried rice also travels well for potlucks or parties.
Market Swap
Other vegetables that work well in shrimp fried rice:
- Pea Pods
- Broccoli
- Slice Onions
- Eggplant
- Yellow Squash
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Season. Toss shrimp in cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Start the Shrimp. Cook shrimp in hot oil in a single layer.
- Cook the Other Side. Turn shrimp and finish cooking. Transfer to plate.
- Scramble the Eggs. Gently scramble eggs in butter. Remove to the plate with the shrimp.
- Fry the Rice. In oil, cook the onions. Then, add the cooked rice and let it sizzle until the bottom is just barely crisp.
- Add the Soy Sauce and Oil. Mix it up, put it back in a single layer, and sizzle it for one more minute. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, and then mix them together.
- Stir in the Veggies. Add the vegetables and remaining butter.
- Finish. Stir everything together. ENJOY!
- To Store. Let shrimp fried rice cool to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Reheat. Warm up leftovers slowly in a big skillet over medium-low heat until they’re hot. You can also put leftovers in a bowl or on a plate that can go in the microwave and heat them up for one minute or until they’re warm.
- To Freeze. As soon as your shrimp fried rice is cool enough to handle, put it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag that won’t let air in. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Super Fast. This dish can be made in less than 30 minutes, which is faster than shopping for food, waiting for it to be ready, and having it brought to you. We want shrimp fried rice NOW.
- Budget-Friendly. Cooking your own shrimp fried rice also saves you money, which is a great perk. Chicken Fried Rice and Pork Fried Rice are also cheap options for takeout!
- Tastes Delicious. This shrimp fried rice recipe is incredibly fresh and flavorful. This shrimp fried rice with egg recipe is much better than fast food takeout because it has the right amount of shrimp, vegetables, and rice, as well as a simple but tasty sauce.
- Endless Options. First learn how to make regular fried rice. Then move on to cauliflower fried rice and quinoa fried rice with chicken and vegetables.
