Introduction
Seafood fried rice is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and impressive at the same time. It is quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet flavorful enough to serve when you want something special without too much effort. I often turn to this recipe when I have leftover rice and a mix of seafood on hand, and it never disappoints. The combination of tender shrimp, delicate fish, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying texture, while the seasoning brings everything together in a balanced, savory way. What I enjoy most about seafood fried rice is how adaptable it is. You can adjust the seafood, tweak the seasoning, or add vegetables based on what you have available. This version is well-rounded, aromatic, and reliable, making it a recipe you will want to keep in regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This seafood fried rice is fast, flavorful, and highly versatile. It uses simple ingredients but delivers a restaurant-quality result at home. It is also an excellent way to use leftover rice, and the cooking process is straightforward, even for beginners.
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Flavor-Packed Seafood Fried Rice That Tastes Better Than Takeout
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory and aromatic seafood fried rice made with shrimp, squid, and tender rice stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold)
- 150 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150 g squid, cleaned and sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add shrimp and squid, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining vegetable oil to the wok and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble quickly until just set.
- Add garlic and onion, stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add peas and carrots and cook for another minute.
- Add cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Return seafood to the wok and mix well.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and white pepper. Stir-fry until evenly combined.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and add green onions.
- Finish with lemon juice if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture.
- You can substitute other seafood like scallops or crab.
- Adjust soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Cooked Rice
Day-old rice works best because it is drier and fries more evenly. Fresh rice can be used, but it should be cooled completely before cooking.
Shrimp
Shrimp add sweetness and a firm texture. They cook quickly and absorb seasoning well, making them ideal for fried rice.
White Fish Fillet
A mild white fish such as cod or pollock adds softness and balances the shrimp. It flakes gently and blends well with the rice.
Eggs
Eggs add richness and help bind the rice together while providing extra protein.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile of the fried rice.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce seasons the rice and adds umami. It should be added gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma that completes the flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil
A neutral oil is used for frying and helps prevent sticking at high heat.
Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings balance and refine the overall taste.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by heating a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to heat fully. Add the shrimp and cook for one to two minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside. Add the fish pieces and cook gently until opaque and cooked. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Crack the eggs directly into the pan and scramble lightly until just set. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps and spreading it evenly across the pan.
Cook the rice for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly crisped. Add soy sauce, salt, and black pepper, mixing well. Return the seafood to the pan along with green onions. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss everything together gently. Cook for another one to two minutes, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, and total time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover seafood fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil to restore texture.
Variations and Customizations
Seafood fried rice is extremely flexible. You can use a mix of shrimp, squid, scallops, or crab depending on availability. For extra vegetables, add peas, carrots, or bell peppers. If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
For a lighter version, reduce the oil slightly and increase the proportion of vegetables. You can also substitute soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness. Brown rice or jasmine rice both work well, though brown rice will have a firmer texture.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use cold rice to prevent mushy texture.
Cook seafood separately to avoid overcooking.
Keep heat high for proper frying.
Add soy sauce around the pan edges for better aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead?
It is best served fresh but reheats well.
What rice works best?
Day-old jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas, carrots, and corn are popular additions.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but spice can be added easily.
Can I use leftover seafood?
Yes, add it near the end to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil is preferred for higher heat, but a small amount of butter can be added for flavor.
How do I prevent soggy rice?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and use cold rice.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it has mild, balanced flavors.
Conclusion
Seafood fried rice is a practical, flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients in a satisfying way. With its quick preparation and adaptable nature, it is a dependable recipe that works just as well for busy evenings as it does for relaxed home cooking.
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