Easy Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making easy shrimp and chicken fried rice (also known as prawn fried rice). Whether you’re using leftover rice, fresh ingredients, or exploring flavor variations, this recipe will become your new favorite.

This dish combines two types of protein-shrimp and chicken-with the perfect blend of vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and protein. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make fried rice just like a pro.

Let’s get into the details! We’ll break down each step, answer common questions, and give you plenty of tips for the best-fried rice ever. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Essential Ingredients

The beauty of fried rice is that it’s customizable. However, there are some key ingredients you need to ensure the perfect fried rice experience:

1. Cold leftover rice – Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice are your best options. Cold rice, especially from the day before, works best because it’s drier, which prevents it from becoming soggy during cooking.
2. Beaten eggs – Eggs are essential for adding richness and fluffiness to your fried rice. Scrambled eggs mixed with the rice create a great texture and flavor base.
3. Fresh garlic, minced – Garlic is the backbone of many Asian dishes, providing a strong aroma and savory depth.
4. Grated ginger or ginger paste – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp and chicken.
5. Oyster sauce – This ingredient is essential for the umami flavor in the dish, balancing all the other flavors.
6. Light soy sauce – Adds saltiness and a slight sweetness to the fried rice. Make sure to use light soy sauce for less sodium.
7. Shaoxing rice wine – This Chinese rice wine is a traditional ingredient that gives fried rice a distinctive flavor. If you don’t have it, dry sherry is a good substitute.
8. Raw large shrimp or prawns – Make sure to peel, wash, and devein them before cooking. The shrimp should be tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
9. Cooked chicken pieces – Leftover chicken from another meal works perfectly. You can use any cut, but grilled or rotisserie chicken is ideal.
10. Lap Cheong (Chinese sausage) (optional) – This is a great addition for extra flavor, but it’s completely optional. If you can’t find it, you can skip it or substitute it with regular sausage.
11. Frozen green peas – These add a pop of color and sweetness. If you don’t have frozen peas, fresh peas work fine too.
12. Frozen sweetcorn – Adds a little sweetness and texture to balance the savory flavors.
13. Green onions/spring onions – These provide freshness and color, and they are sprinkled on top at the end for a nice touch.
14. Vegetable oil – The oil is needed to cook the rice and proteins. You can use peanut oil or canola oil if you prefer.
15. Chili sauce (optional) – For those who like it spicy, add chili sauce at the end to give the fried rice an extra kick.

What Type of Chicken is Best for Fried Rice?

When making shrimp and chicken fried rice, you want to choose a chicken that will complement the other ingredients. The best options are:

• Leftover rotisserie chicken: Already cooked and seasoned, it’s the quickest and easiest option.
• Grilled chicken: Adds a smoky flavor that enhances the fried rice.
• Chicken breast or thigh: If you’re starting from scratch, chicken breast or thigh meat works well. Chicken thighs offer more flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner.

Tip: For a faster meal, using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

What if I Don’t Have Chinese Sausage?

If you can’t find Lap Cheong, don’t worry! There are several substitutes you can use:

• Regular sausage: A good substitute for Chinese sausage is any mildly flavored sausage, like Italian sausage or chicken sausage.
• Bacon: If you’re craving that savory, salty flavor, bacon can work as a great substitute.
• Skip it altogether: Chinese sausage is optional in this recipe. If you prefer a lighter version, simply omit it.

Is There an Alternative to Shaoxing Wine?

Shaoxing rice wine adds a rich, complex flavor to fried rice, but it’s not always easy to find. Here are a few alternatives:

• Dry sherry: A commonly available substitute, dry sherry offers a similar depth of flavor.
• White wine: You can use dry white wine in a pinch.
• Rice vinegar: If you’re out of wine, rice vinegar can provide the necessary acidity, though it will alter the taste slightly.

Tip: If you’re not keen on using alcohol, you can skip the wine entirely. The soy sauce and oyster sauce will provide enough flavor.

Can Cooked Prawns or Shrimp Be Used?

Yes! Cooked shrimp or prawns can be used in this fried rice recipe, but you need to adjust the cooking process slightly:

• Add cooked shrimp near the end: Since cooked shrimp is already done, you don’t need to cook it for long. Simply toss it into the pan at the same time as the rice, allowing it to warm through.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooking shrimp can make it tough, so once it’s in the pan, just heat it for a minute or two.

Do You Need to Use Cold Rice?

Yes, using cold rice is crucial for making fried rice:

• Why cold rice works: Cold rice is drier, which means it won’t stick together and turn mushy when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and can get soggy when stir-fried.
• How to make fresh rice work: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice, spread it out on a tray, and let it cool in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps it firm up, making it ideal for frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Chop the green onions, garlic, and ginger.
• If using frozen peas and corn, measure them out.
• Beat your eggs and set them aside.
• Cook the chicken: If using raw chicken, cook it in the pan before the shrimp.

2. Stir-fry the Shrimp and Chicken

• Heat your wok or large skillet on high heat. Add a little oil.
• Stir-fry the shrimp and chicken separately until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Scramble the Eggs

• In the same pan, add a bit more oil and pour in the beaten eggs.
• Scramble the eggs until soft and set them aside.

4. Cook the Rice

• Add oil to the pan and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the cold rice and stir well to coat the rice with the oil and aromatics.

5. Add the Sauces and Protein

• Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine (or substitutes).
• Return the shrimp, chicken, and scrambled eggs to the pan, and stir to combine.

6. Toss in the Vegetables

• Add the peas, corn, and green onions.
• Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Once everything is well combined and heated through, your fried rice is ready. If you like it spicy, add a dash of chili sauce before serving.

How to Keep Leftovers

If you have leftover fried rice (although it’s so delicious, you might not!), here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storage: Store fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the fried rice in a hot pan or wok. Add a splash of water to help rehydrate the rice, and stir until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry directly from the freezer, adding a bit of water if necessary.

Tips for the Best Fried Rice

1. Use cold, leftover rice: It prevents the rice from being too sticky and soggy.
2. High heat is key: Stir-frying at high heat gives the rice a slight crisp and caramelization, adding depth of flavor.
3. Don’t overcrowd the wok: Working in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from getting soggy.
4. Customize your fried rice: You can add different proteins (like beef or tofu) or vegetables (like bell peppers or mushrooms).

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes! While jasmine rice adds a unique fragrance, long-grain white rice works just as well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and chicken, and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook them when you’re ready. Fried rice also makes great leftovers.

What’s the best way to reheat fried rice?

Reheat fried rice in a hot pan with a splash of water, or microwave it with a damp paper towel over the top.