Shrimp fried rice is a classic and delicious one-pan meal that is quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. The shrimp adds plenty of protein while the rice and veggies make it filling. While shrimp fried rice is often served as is, you may be looking for ways to round out the meal. There are many tasty options for side dishes and additions that pair wonderfully with shrimp fried rice.
What are some good vegetable side dishes?
Some crisp, fresh vegetables are a great way to balance the rich and savory shrimp fried rice. Here are some excellent veggie sides:
Stir-fried vegetables
Whip up a quick stir-fry with your favorite veggies. Good options include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, beans, cabbage, and more. A stir-fry sauce adds lots of flavor. Serve the veggies over rice to complement the fried rice.
Steamed vegetables
Steamed vegetables make a healthy and light side. Favorites like broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and carrots work well. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Steaming retains nutrients and provides a nice crunchy-tender texture.
Roasted vegetables
Roasting brings out delicious sweetness in vegetables. Try roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, or any of your other favorites. Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices before roasting. The caramelized bits are irresistible with the fried rice.
Simple green salad
A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice. Spinach, kale, arugula, and lettuces like romaine and red leaf pair well. Top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and crunchy croutons or nuts for extra texture.
What proteins work well with shrimp fried rice?
In addition to the shrimp already in the fried rice, you may want to serve another protein on the side. Here are some excellent options:
Chicken
Chicken is a natural pairing for the shrimp in the fried rice. Bake, grill, saute, or pan-fry chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Season simply with salt, pepper, and spices. Chicken provides plenty of extra protein.
Beef
Thinly sliced beef makes a tasty pairing. Quick-cooking flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin can be quickly stir-fried or grilled. For a fun twist, try bulgogi – Korean grilled beef with a sweet and savory marinade.
Pork
Pork chops, pork tenderloin, or pork belly grill up fast and pair wonderfully with shrimp fried rice. Marinate the pork in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for an extra kick of flavor. Ground pork stir-fried with veggies is another excellent option.
Tofu
For a vegetarian option, try pan-fried or baked tofu. Marinate the tofu first in a mixture like soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices. Frying gives the tofu a crispy outside that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
Eggs
Eggs are a versatile protein to serve on the side. Make fried eggs, soft boiled eggs, or scrambled eggs seasoned with scallions, cheese, or salsa. The eggs add protein and the runny yolks help sauce the fried rice.
What grains work well with shrimp fried rice?
While it already contains rice, shrimp fried rice can be served with a side of additional grains for a heartier meal:
Noodles
A bowl of noodles is the perfect pairing for shrimp fried rice. Ramen, udon, soba, and lo mein are all excellent choices. For added flavor, look for noodle dishes in broth or with a sauce. The slurpy noodles contrast the fried rice wonderfully.
Fried noodles
For more texture contrast, try fried noodles like crispy pan-fried chow mein. Rice noodles, egg noodles, or ramen noodles all fry up nicely. Toss them with a bit of oil, soy sauce, and veggies for a crispy, salty crunch.
Quinoa
For a healthy grain option, serve quinoa on the side. Quinoa provides an excellent source of vegetarian protein. Make it flavorful by cooking in broth with herbs and spices. You can also stir-fry quinoa for a toasted flavor and crispy edges.
Couscous
Fluffy couscous is another satisfying side. Prepare it simply by steeping in hot broth and then mixing in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Or get fancy and stir in veggies, nuts, and spices. Couscous works well to soak up any extra sauce from the shrimp fried rice.
Rice
More rice is always a good idea alongside shrimp fried rice! Opt for brown or wild rice for additional nutrition. Or try complementing styles like coconut rice, cilantro lime rice, rice pilaf, or creamy risotto. The options are endless.
What breads pair nicely with shrimp fried rice?
Crunchy, savory bread is a tasty accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce:
Garlic bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is pretty much perfect with any dish. Spread toasted bread or a baguette with garlic butter or brush with olive oil and minced garlic before broiling. The garlicky goodness matches the shrimp fried rice beautifully.
Flatbread
Warm naan, pita, or other flatbreads also pair well for dipping in any sauce. Brush with oil and broil or grill for a few minutes to lightly toast the bread. The texture and crunch pairs nicely with the soft fried rice.
Biscuits
Flaky, savory biscuits are an excellent match for shrimp fried rice. They can sop up sauce deliciously. Make them even more irresistible by topping with melted butter, honey, or salt. Easy drop biscuits only take a few minutes to bake up.
Cornbread
Slice up a pan of hearty cornbread to serve alongside the shrimp fried rice. Cornbread with creamed corn baked in makes a fun and colorful accompaniment. The slightly crumbly texture soaks up sauce satisfyingly.
Dinner rolls
No fussing required with simple soft dinner rolls. Bake up your favorite kind – white, wheat, Hawaiian sweet, or cheese-filled for a bite of warm bread. Dinner rolls mop up any leftover sauce nicely.
What are good shrimp fried rice sauce options?
While shrimp fried rice is delicious plain, you may want to drizzle, dip, or toss it with extra sauces. Here are some tasty condiments to consider:
Soy sauce
Extra soy sauce is a classic topping for fried rice. Use regular soy or tamari for a gluten-free option. A sprinkle of soy sauce enhances flavor and saltiness beautifully.
Teriyaki sauce
For a sweet and salty flavor, teriyaki sauce is a winner. Brush some onto proteins like chicken or beef before cooking. Or drizzle over the finished fried rice to add tons of delicious flavor.
Oyster sauce
This rich, savory Chinese sauce adds wonderful umami depth. Made from oyster extracts, sugar, and soy sauce, just a spoonful enhances any fried rice. Use sparingly, as it has a strong flavor.
Hoisin sauce
Thick, sweet hoisin sauce is yummy drizzled over shrimp fried rice. The mix of sweetness, vinegar, garlic, chile, and spices complements the rice perfectly. Hoisin also goes great with chicken or pork.
Sriracha
For some heat, serve shrimp fried rice with fiery sriracha sauce. Made from chile peppers, vinegar, garlic, and spices, it packs quite the punch. Add as much or as little as you can handle.
Fish sauce
This Southeast Asian condiment provides a savory hit of umami. The salty, fermented flavor works brilliantly with fried rice. Just a bit will lend lots of flavor. Check the label for gluten-free options.
Ponzu
Citrus-infused ponzu sauce makes a refreshing, bright drizzle for shrimp fried rice. It contains soy sauce, rice vinegar, citrus, and kombu. The tangy flavor perks everything up.
What beverages pair well with shrimp fried rice?
Shrimp fried rice tastes great with an array of beverages. Here are some thirst-quenching options to complement the meal:
Iced tea
A tall glass of iced tea is perfect for washing down shrimp fried rice. The bit of sweetness balances the salty, savory flavors. Try black, green, jasmine, or Thai iced tea. Brew it strong, then chill over ice with a slice of citrus.
Lemonade
Tart, refreshing lemonade provides the ideal fruity foil for rich fried rice. Make it extra fun with unique infusions, like raspberry, lavender, strawberry, or basil lemonade. Sweeten with honey or simple syrup for a homemade treat.
Coconut water
For a lighter, electrolyte-filled beverage, coconut water is ideal. The slightly sweet, nutty flavor cleanses the palate between bites of saucy, spicy shrimp fried rice. Look for pure coconut water without added sugars.
Fruit juice
Fruity juices like orange, apple, pineapple, or grapefruit all provide brightness to balance the meal. For a frosty treat, dilute with ice and soda water for a refreshing homemade spritzer.
Beer or wine
A chilled glass of beer or wine is the perfect partner for shrimp fried rice. Light and crisp pilsners, pale ales, and white wines work well. Avoid anything too tannic or bold that might overpower the varied flavors.
Boba milk tea
For an indulgent beverage pairing, try boba milk tea with shrimp fried rice. The sweet, creamy drink studded with chewy tapioca pearls makes a fun textural contrast. It also tames any lingering spiciness.
What are good shrimp fried rice desserts?
While shrimp fried rice itself makes a filling main course, you’ll want something a little sweet afterward. Here are some yummy options for dessert:
Fresh fruit
Fresh sliced fruit is a light, refreshing dessert after the hearty fried rice. Berries, mango, pineapple, melon, grapes, citrus, and tropical fruits all make excellent choices. For added flair, serve fruit kebabs or an eye-catching fruit platter.
| Fruit | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Berries | Mixed berries with whipped cream |
| Mango | Mango slices with lime juice and chili powder |
| Pineapple | Grilled pineapple slices with brown sugar |
| Melon | Melon balls with mint |
| Grapes | Red and green grapes on a cheese board |
| Citrus | Citrus salad with pomegranate seeds |
| Tropical Fruit | Tropical fruit skewers drizzled with coconut |
Sorbet or ice cream
What’s better than a scoop (or two) of your favorite frozen treat? Fruit sorbet provides a lighter option, while ice cream is pure indulgence. Top with sauce, sprinkles, and other fun toppings for an extra dose of sweetness.
Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh baked cookies for dessert. Chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, ginger molasses, and shortbread all make fine choices. For a unique twist, fry up some Chinese almond cookies to complement the meal’s Asian flavors.
Rice pudding
Creamy rice pudding makes for a fitting shrimp fried rice dessert. Cinnamon, raisins, and a dash of nutmeg spice up the classic. Top with whipped cream for even more decadence. It will leave you warm, full, and happy.
Chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
For a fun, Asian-inspired dessert, try your hand at chocolate-dipped fortune cookies. Fold up the fortunes, dip the cookies in melted chocolate, and let set. The crispy cookies paired with rich chocolate make an ideal post-dinner treat.
Conclusion
Shrimp fried rice takes well to many tasty accompaniments and can be a spectacular full meal with the right sides. Crisp, fresh vegetables, grilled or pan-fried proteins, grains like noodles or quinoa, and warm breads all make excellent pairings. Have fun drizzling on punchy sauces for extra flavor. Iced tea, lemonade, or coconut water help wash it all down. Finish off this satisfying one-pan dinner with a sweet dessert like fresh fruit or sorbet. With so many delicious options, you’ll want to make shrimp fried rice even more often.