Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies – Better Than Takeout

Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies is the kind of meal that instantly feels satisfying. It’s savory, comforting, packed with texture, and bursting with color and flavor. Each bite delivers fluffy rice, tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned finish that rivals your favorite restaurant version.

This recipe is designed to be approachable and flexible while delivering bold, reliable results. Whether you’re using leftover rice from the fridge or cooking rice fresh ahead of time, this dish comes together quickly and rewards you with a complete, protein-packed meal in one pan.

What truly sets seafood fried rice apart is the balance. Shrimp brings a juicy snap, crab adds delicate sweetness, and vegetables provide crunch and freshness. When everything is tossed together with eggs, aromatics, and a light savory sauce, the result is deeply comforting without feeling heavy.

Why Seafood Fried Rice Works So Well at Home

Fried rice is one of the most forgiving and adaptable dishes you can make. It welcomes substitutions, thrives on leftovers, and cooks fast over high heat. Seafood fried rice elevates this classic by adding layers of flavor and texture that make it feel special.

Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning beautifully, while crab meat adds richness without overpowering the dish. Colorful vegetables not only make the rice visually appealing but also add contrast to every bite.

Unlike takeout versions that can be overly oily or salty, homemade seafood fried rice lets you control seasoning, oil, and ingredient quality. The result is fresher, lighter, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice Base

• Cooked long-grain rice (day-old preferred)
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Lump crab meat
• Eggs
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Green onions, sliced
• Neutral cooking oil

For the Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots
• Red bell pepper
• Optional corn or edamame

For Seasoning

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• Sesame oil
• White pepper or black pepper
• Salt (as needed)

Each ingredient has a purpose. Rice forms the base, seafood adds richness, vegetables bring freshness, and the sauces tie everything together with umami depth.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Make sure all ingredients are ready before cooking. Break up the cooked rice so there are no clumps. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with oil. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Scramble the Eggs
   Add a bit more oil to the pan. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Push eggs to the side of the pan.
4. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
   Add garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
5. Add the Rice
   Increase heat to high. Add rice to the pan and spread it out. Let it sit briefly to develop light crisping before stirring.
6. Season the Rice
   Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce around the pan edges. Add sesame oil and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
7. Add Seafood Back In
   Gently fold in shrimp and crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
8. Finish and Serve
   Add green onions, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies

Savory fried rice loaded with shrimp, crab, eggs, and colorful vegetables for a satisfying one-pan meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Rice & Seafood

• 4 cups cooked rice day-old preferred
• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 8 oz lump crab meat picked over
• 3 eggs beaten

Vegetables

• 0.5 cup peas frozen
• 0.5 cup carrots diced
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper diced

Seasoning

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Knife

Method

 

1. Cook shrimp in hot oil until just opaque; remove and set aside.
2. Scramble eggs in the same pan and push to the side.
3. Sauté garlic and vegetables until tender-crisp.
4. Add rice and stir-fry over high heat.
5. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Fold in shrimp and crab, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Notes

Use cold rice for best texture and avoid overcooking seafood.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Fried Rice

• Use Cold Rice: Fresh rice is too moist and can become mushy.
• High Heat Is Key: Helps prevent soggy rice and boosts flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Seafood: Shrimp and crab should stay tender.
• Add Sauce Gradually: You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Easy Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
• Pineapple Seafood Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple for sweetness.
• Garlic Butter Twist: Finish with a small knob of butter.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.

What to Serve with Seafood Fried Rice

This dish works beautifully on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Simple cucumber salad
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Light soup on the side

It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for best texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Seafood texture suffers when frozen.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Seafood Fried Rice with Shrimp, Crab & Colorful Veggies is fast, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, complete meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Once you make it at home, takeout won’t compare.