Few dishes are as comforting as a bowl of freshly made fried rice. Itโs quick, satisfying, and somehow always tastes even better than you remember. Thisย Salt and Pepper Shrimp Fried Riceย combines two of my favorite Chinese classicsโcrispy salt and pepper shrimp and traditional egg fried riceโinto one incredibly flavorful meal.
I have always loved fried rice because itโs one of those dishes that brings people together. Whether it was a simple family dinner or a quick meal made with leftover rice, there was always something comforting about watching everything come together in a hot wok. The aroma of garlic, the sound of sizzling shrimp, and the fluffy rice soaking up every bit of flavor always made me excited for dinner.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of textures and flavors. Juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice are tossed together with a homemade salt and pepper blend that gives every bite a delicious balance of savory flavor and gentle heat. Itโs simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet satisfying enough that youโll want to make it again and again.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHRIMP FRIED RICE RECIPE
THE SECRET TO GREAT FRIED RICE
One of the biggest secrets to making restaurant-style fried rice is usingย cold, day-old rice. As the rice rests in the refrigerator, it loses excess moisture, allowing each grain to stay separate when stir-fried. This creates the light, fluffy texture that makes Chinese fried rice so satisfying.
Donโt worry if you donโt have leftover rice. You can simply cook fresh jasmine rice and let it cool completely before using it. The key is making sure the rice is no longer warm or sticky before it goes into the pan.
THE HOMEMADE SALT AND PEPPER SEASONING
The homemade salt and pepper mix is what gives this recipe its signature flavor. I like to combineย Sichuan peppercorns, black peppercorns, and sea salt, then lightly toast the peppercorns for about a minute before grinding them. This simple step releases their natural oils and creates a wonderfully fragrant seasoning that adds much more depth than regular salt and pepper alone. It only takes a few extra minutes, but the difference in flavor is absolutely worth it.
HOW TO MAKE THIS SALT AND PEPPER SHRIMP FRIED RICE
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp Fried Rice is one of those recipes I never get tired of making. Itโs quick, comforting, and full of bold yet balanced flavors that make every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether youโre cooking for your family, using up leftover rice, or simply craving homemade Chinese food, this recipe is always a delicious choice.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Once you taste the combination of fluffy fried rice, juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and homemade salt and pepper seasoning, I have a feeling it might become one of your favorites too. Happy cooking!
MORE DELICIOUS FRIED RICE RECIPES:
Leftover Chicken and Tofu Fried Rice
Lao Gan Ma Garlic Pork Fried Rice
Lao Gan Ma Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredientsย ย
- 3 cups cooked Jasmine Rice
- 14-15 large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns
- 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 1 tbsp Sea Salt
- 6 large Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs, whisked
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 3 Green Onions, chopped
Instructionsย
- In a frying pan, toast Sichuan Peppercorns and Black Peppercorns on medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then use a Mortar and Pestle to grind the Peppercorns. Transfer to another bowl.
- Add in the Sea Salt. Mix well. Salt and Pepper Mix is ready. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the Eggs well.
- In a wok, add the Vegetable Oil, on medium-high heat, add in the Garlic. Stir for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Then add in the Shrimp.
- Sprinkle about 1/2 tbsp of Salt and Pepper Mix or more according to your preference. Cook the Shrimp for 2-3 minutes until nicely pink.
- Pour in the Eggs. Let sit for 30 seconds before scrambling the Eggs. Stir-fry with the Shrimp for about 1-2 minutes. Then add in the cooked Jasmine Rice.
- Gently mix well. Add in Light Soy Sauce and Sugar. Mix well again.
- Add in chopped Green Onions and more Salt and Pepper Mix. Combine thoroughly.
- Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with more chopped Green Onions and Salt and Pepper Mix as desired. Ready to enjoy!
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Notes
- Use cold jasmine rice whenever possible for the best fried rice texture.
- Toast the peppercorns before grinding them to bring out their wonderful aroma and create a more flavorful salt and pepper seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to keep them juicy and tender.
- Stir-fry everything over medium-high to high heat so the rice stays fluffy instead of becoming soggy.
- Donโt throw away the extra salt and pepper mix. Store it in an airtight container and use it to season other dishes like chicken, tofu, seafood, vegetables, or fried rice. Once you taste this homemade seasoning, youโll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
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