Shrimp Fried Rice (Deep South Style)

This Shrimp Fried Rice is a true Deep South weeknight staple. It's quick, comforting, and perfect for using up the leftover rice we always seem to have in the fridge. With fresh shrimp, smoky bacon, and a simple egg‑and‑rice technique, it comes together fast and tastes like a skillet full of home.

A fast skillet supper for using up leftover rice - a true Gulf Coast habit

Down here along the Gulf Coast, we don’t just eat rice - we practically live with it.

Louisiana grows it, Mississippi cooks it for sure, and most of us have a container of leftover rice tucked in the fridge at all times. It shows up under gravies of course, and definitely red beans and rice, with smothered dishes, in casseroles, and especially in quick skillet meals when the day’s been long and supper needs to happen fast.

Fried rice is one of my personal favorite ways to use up that leftover rice.

Leftover cooked rice is transformed into a fabulous fried rice dish that starts with bacon, onion and garlic to which leftover or thawed and cooked, frozen mixed vegetables are added along with beaten eggs, all finished with the classic Asian flavors of soy and oyster sauce.

Bacon and Egg Fried Rice

Recently we went to a hibachi dinner for a birthday celebration, and I think half of my plate was fried rice, so I had a good bit of it leftover to bring home. Okay with me!

It was so barely seasoned though, that I wasn't really super excited about eating it, but I figured I would get it home and play around with it because I hate wasting food and I absolutely love fried rice.

 

Turn that leftover pork roast and cooked rice into a quick and easy stir fry.

Step by Step Pork and Egg Fried Rice

Fried rice is perfect for using up leftovers - that leftover rice and that tail end bit of a leftover pork roast, though any leftover meat will do. Shredded beef roast, sliced steak, chopped chicken and even shrimp work well too, so be sure to save any leftover meat you have and stick it in the freezer to save for this dish.