Happy Lunar New Year, Seafoodies!
This month, millions around the world welcome in the Year of the Horse with good-luck rituals, dragon parades and some serious feasting. Chinese New Year traditions are all about inviting prosperity, gathering with loved ones and filling the table with foods that symbolize good fortune for the year ahead. The Horse represents energy, enthusiasm and freedom—qualities that, in our opinion, are worth celebrating with a fantastic recipe!
Seafood already plays a starring role in many Lunar New Year celebrations. Fish represents abundance and surplus, while shrimp symbolizes happiness and good fortune with their curved shape resembling a smile and laughter. We can’t think of a more festive way to honor these traditions than with an appetizing, home-cooked seafood meal, and we’ve got the perfect plate in mind—our easy and delicious Shrimp Fried Rice.
But, including shrimp is more than mere symbolism. Each ounce packs 6 to 7 grams of protein while staying lean and loaded with essential nutrients like selenium and iodine that support everything from thyroid function to strong bones. Pair it with protein-rich eggs and you’ve got a meal that keeps you energized and ready for a long celebration—exactly the kind of fuel you need to match the Horse’s spirited, active nature.
No matter the year or associated zodiac animal symbol, this dish has some serious history behind it that makes it an excellent choice to star at your Lunar New Year table. Shrimp fried rice dates back over 1400 years to the Sui Dynasty, so naturally, there are countless regional versions across Asia. Our recipe puts a health-conscious spin on your favorite takeout, dialing back the fat content and sodium while keeping all that authentic flavor intact.
The secret? A drizzle of sesame oil that ties everything together with its nutty, aromatic finish.
Since the recipe calls for already-cooked rice, it’s ideal for using up yesterday’s takeout or meal prep leftovers—just make sure your rice is cold for the best texture. If you’re cooking rice from scratch, rinse it first to keep the grains fluffy and separate. Then, brown the shrimp until they turn pink and curl into those lucky smile shapes, scramble some eggs and toss everything together over high heat. When it all starts to really sizzle and come together, you’re done. All that’s left to do is serve it up and enjoy!
Lunar New Year festivities traditionally wrap up with a lantern festival, symbolizing letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. But this recipe is incredibly quick and delicious, so we predict you’ll be making it long after the decorations come down—bringing energy, good fortune and seriously good flavor to your table all year long.
Xīnnián kuàilè!
PrintShrimp Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (26-30 count) uncooked shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. canola or other cooking oil
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 5 cups cooked left-over, cold rice (Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking so it’s not sticky – sticky fried rice doesn’t’ work)
- 1 and 1/2 cups (12 oz.) frozen carrots and peas, defrosted according to package instructions and well-drained
- 2 1/2 to 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet on high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil than add shrimp and spread them out in a single layer. Cook about 1 minute each side, or until cooked through and no longer opaque. Remove to a bowl.
- Over medium heat, add eggs to the same skillet. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until no longer runny. Remove to a bowl.
- Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to high heat. Add 1 Tbsp. oil and onions and cook green onion until fragrant (if using regular onion, cook until soft).
- Add rice and mix well. Spread rice evenly over the pan and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stir and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.
- Drizzle 2 Tbsp. soy sauce over rice and stir well.
- Add sesame oil and vegetables and mix well.
- Add cooked shrimp and cooked eggs to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook until the rice is hot and sizzles, stirring frequently. Add another tablespoon of soy sauce to taste, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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