Quick, vibrant, restaurant-style fried rice at home

Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies is a quick, flavorful, and visually stunning meal that combines tender shrimp, delicate crab meat, and crisp vegetables with perfectly cooked rice. This one-pan dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want a restaurant-style dish at home without the fuss.

Unlike typical fried rice, this recipe emphasizes fresh seafood and a medley of colorful vegetables, giving each bite a burst of flavor and texture. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger ensures a savory and aromatic profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Why Seafood Fried Rice Works

Fried rice works best with cooked, day-old rice because it absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. The seafood cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with lightly sautéed vegetables. Eggs are added to give richness, while green onions and sesame oil add freshness and depth.

This recipe is highly adaptable: you can use leftover rice, swap shrimp for scallops, or include any vegetables on hand. It’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing dish for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
1 cup crab meat (imitation or real)
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup peas
½ cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients
Chop all vegetables, peel and devein shrimp, and beat the eggs.
Cook Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Pour in eggs and scramble lightly. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Seafood
Add shrimp and crab meat, cooking until shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Stir in carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Rice
Add chilled rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until rice is heated through.
Season and Finish
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, cooked eggs, and green onions. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Fried Rice

Use chilled rice: Prevents mushy fried rice.
High heat is key: Helps achieve a slight crispiness in the rice.
Prep ahead: Have all ingredients chopped before starting; fried rice cooks quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.

Variations and Customizations

Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn.
Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Soy-Free Option: Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with scallops, tofu, or chicken.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to retain texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies is fast, flavorful, and versatile. It’s a complete meal in one pan, perfect for busy nights, entertaining, or meal prep. The colorful vegetables and seafood make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.