If you have ever craved something crispy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, then this Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need to make at home. This beloved dish delivers perfectly fried shrimp coated in a golden, crunchy crust, tossed with aromatic garlic, fiery chilies, and the unmistakable tang of Chinese spices. Every bite is a delightful balance of heat, saltiness, and a touch of sweetness, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a fast, flavorful seafood feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s characteristic texture and bold flavor, from the fresh shrimp to the fragrant aromatics and finely balanced spice blend.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp with tails on add the perfect taste and texture.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the natural seafood flavor and seasons the dish evenly.
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper: Provides a subtle heat and distinct peppery aroma unique to Chinese cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salt and spice with a gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates the famously crisp coating when fried.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil perfect for frying and bringing the dish to golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Adds a fragrant, savory kick that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 2 fresh red chilies (thinly sliced): Brings the essential spicy punch and vibrant color.
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced): Imparts a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): To dial up the heat for those who love a little extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional): Adds depth and authentic flair with a touch of complexity.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Brightens up the dish with zesty freshness.
How to Make Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix and Shrimp
Begin by combining salt, ground white pepper, and sugar in a small bowl to create the seasoning mix that will coat your shrimp later. Make sure your shrimp are patted dry to ensure the cornstarch sticks perfectly and leads to the crispiest possible texture.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp in Cornstarch
Lightly dust the shrimp with cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This thin, even coating will crisp up beautifully once fried, giving you that iconic crunch without any greasiness.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp Until Golden
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even frying. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden and are just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil—this keeps them delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics
Remove all but about 1 teaspoon of oil from the pan. Quickly stir-fry the minced garlic, red chilies, green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes until their aroma fills the kitchen—just 30 to 60 seconds is enough to release that savory warmth without burning the ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Seasoning
Return the fried shrimp to the pan, sprinkle the seasoning mix over them, and toss everything together. If you choose to include Shaoxing wine, add it now and let the alcohol evaporate, leaving behind a subtle complexity that elevates the dish.
How to Serve Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnish that truly shines with this dish are fresh lemon wedges. Squeezing bright, zesty lemon juice right before eating adds a refreshing lift that contrasts wonderfully with the crispy, salty shrimp. Additional green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can make your presentation even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is a classic companion that absorbs the flavors and balances the bold spiciness of the shrimp. For extra nutrition and color, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. These sides create a satisfying, well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow guests or elevate a casual dinner, try serving the shrimp in mini lettuce cups or over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for a fresh textural contrast. Alternatively, add a drizzle of a lightly spiced mayonnaise or a splash of soy sauce infusion on the side for dipping. These thoughtful touches transform the Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe into a unique experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the shrimp separate from any sides helps preserve their crispy texture longer.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. Properly stored, they can last up to a month. Just note that the crispiness will diminish slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To bring back some of that original crunch, reheat the shrimp in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. A few minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or a quick toss in a hot pan will warm the shrimp while keeping the crust lively and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry thoroughly, and remove any excess moisture so the cornstarch sticks properly and the shrimp fry up crispy rather than soggy.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level can be easily adjusted. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or omit the fresh chilies and crushed red pepper flakes. Add more if you love it fiery and bold.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on cornstarch for coating and uses gluten-free seasonings. Just be sure to check that your Shaoxing wine or dry sherry is gluten-free if you decide to use it.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. They fry shrimp to a crisp without imparting unwanted flavors.
How do I get the shrimp extra crispy?
For an extra-crisp bite, try double frying: fry the shrimp once until lightly golden, drain, then briefly fry again just before serving until crisp and golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe captures the magic of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Its perfect crunch, bold seasoning, and quick cook time make it a delightful addition to any meal. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing the joy of this delicious dish with friends and family.
Print
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe features large shrimp lightly coated in cornstarch and fried to a crispy, golden perfection. Tossed with aromatic garlic, fresh chilies, green onions, and a flavorful seasoning blend of salt, white pepper, and sugar, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spice and savory flavors. Served hot with lemon wedges, it’s a quick and delicious seafood dinner that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if desired)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For Frying and Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the salt, ground white pepper, and sugar thoroughly to create the seasoning blend that will season the shrimp after frying.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly coat each shrimp with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even coating that will crisp up nicely when fried.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer carefully and fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and are just cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Stir-fry Aromatics: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pan to keep the flavors rich. Add the minced garlic, sliced red chilies, sliced green onions, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir-fry this mixture for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss Shrimp with Seasoning: Return the fried shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle the previously prepared seasoning mix over them, and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine well.
- Add Shaoxing Wine (Optional): If using, pour in the Shaoxing wine or dry sherry now and cook for an additional few seconds to let the alcohol evaporate, enriching the flavor of the dish.
- Serve: Serve the salt and pepper shrimp hot, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of fresh red chilies or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes completely if you prefer a milder dish.
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the shrimp by frying them once, resting briefly, and frying a second time until extra golden and crunchy.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
