When it comes to quick and delicious meals, shrimp fried rice is a classic favorite. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who loves good food, this shrimp fried rice recipe made in a rice cooker is a game-changer.
Not only does it save time, but it also packs in all the rich flavors you’d expect from a restaurant-quality dish.
By using a rice cooker, you simplify the process without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a convenient way to enjoy a favorite dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful meal with just your rice cooker!
Recommended Rice Cookers
Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make this meal?
This is a question I am asked all the time. The answer is NO!
Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker!
Click on the photos of each of the respective the rice cookers to be taken to my rice cooker recommendations! I have the Tiger 5.5 cup rice cooker pictured. It can make over 10 servings of rice at a time.
While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
What Type of Rice to Use
Choosing the right type of rice can be confusing, especially with so many varieties available. From long-grain basmati to aromatic jasmine rice, each type has its own texture and flavor. In Japanese cooking, however, Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice is almost always the go-to choice.
Short-grain rice, often labeled as sushi rice, is particularly prized for its soft and chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese dishes.
Medium-grain rice is a great alternative if short-grain isn’t available (I actually almost always use medium-grain myself because it’s generally cheaper where I live!). Both are ideal for recipes like this one, where the rice’s stickiness helps meld the flavors into every bite.
Shrimp Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Shrimp fried rice made in a rice cooker is a quick, one-pot meal that’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for a satisfying, fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
- Water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas & diced carrots (I use the frozen packaged ones you can get from most grocery stores)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 6–8 shrimp, medium-sized
- 1–2 tablespoon gochugaru (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sliced green onions (for garnish; optional)
Instructions
- Begin by giving your rice a good rinse to clean it. Then pour it into the rice cooker, along with the appropriate amount of water. Be sure to follow the instructions for the correct water amount depending on the type of rice you are using. I used medium-grain rice, which requires 2 cups of water for every 1.5 cups of rice.
- To the rice cooker, add your soy sauce, ginger, garlic, peas & carrots, and season with black pepper.
- Close the rice cooker lid and cook on the regular white rice setting until the rice is cooked (this takes me ~20-25 minutes, but varies between rice cookers).
- Once done, place your shrimp directly on top of the rice, and sprinkle on the gochugaru. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked thoroughly.
- Finally, drizzle with sesame oil and serve, garnished with green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.