This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With perfectly crispy shrimp, bold seasoning, and a hit of garlic and chili peppers, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and kick of heat in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or a flavorful appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit. Ready in just 25 minutes with only a handful of ingredients, this dish is both simple and packed with flavor. The shrimp is coated with a seasoned cornstarch mixture, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed with fragrant garlic and spicy chili peppers. Serve it alongside a creamy cilantro dipping sauce for a delicious contrast in flavors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 small hot chili peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder.
- Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, remove most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic, chili peppers, and green onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss the crispy shrimp back into the skillet, mixing well with the garlic and pepper mixture.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime or with a side of creamy cilantro dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Classic with a Crunch
Salt and pepper shrimp is a popular dish that appears frequently in Chinese cuisine, especially in Cantonese-style restaurants. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of textures and flavors. At its core, this dish combines lightly seasoned, crispy-fried shrimp with aromatic garlic, chili peppers, and green onions for a savory, spicy experience that tantalizes the taste buds. The shrimp is typically dredged in a seasoned cornstarch mixture, which creates a light, crispy coating when fried. This allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine while the garlic, chilies, and green onions lend complexity and spice.
This dish is a favorite for a reason—it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. While it’s commonly enjoyed as an appetizer, salt and pepper shrimp is also a perfect option for a quick and satisfying dinner. With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick fry, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home in under 30 minutes. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are handled correctly.
The Secret to the Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Achieving the right texture is crucial when making salt and pepper shrimp. The cornstarch coating is essential for creating a crisp, light crust that doesn’t overpower the delicate shrimp. Some recipes call for a blend of flours, but cornstarch alone provides that ideal crispy texture while remaining light enough to let the shrimp’s natural flavor take center stage. The shrimp should be patted dry before dredging, which helps the cornstarch adhere better and prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy when fried.
Another key element is the seasoning. The combination of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder gives the dish its signature flavor. Chinese five-spice powder a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish without overwhelming the delicate shrimp. It’s this balance of spice that elevates salt and pepper shrimp from simple fried seafood to something truly special.
Garlic and chili peppers are added at the end of cooking to infuse the dish with fragrance and a spicy kick. The garlic is sautéed until golden and aromatic, while the chilies add heat without overpowering the dish. Fresh green onions round out the dish with a burst of color and a hint of sharpness that complements the richness of the fried shrimp.
A Versatile Dish for All Occasions
One of the great things about salt and pepper shrimp is its versatility. It can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. When served as an appetizer, it’s best accompanied by a dipping sauce, such as a creamy cilantro-lime dip or a simple soy-based sauce. As a main course, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
For those who enjoy variety, salt and pepper shrimp can be the starting point for numerous creative variations. For instance, you could toss the crispy shrimp with roasted peanuts or cashews for added texture, or add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a burst of freshness. You could even use different types of seafood, such as squid or scallops, to mix things up while keeping the core flavors of the dish intact.
For a healthier option, you can experiment with air frying or oven baking the shrimp. While the results may not be as crispy as deep frying, these methods still deliver great flavor with less oil, making the dish more suitable for those looking to cut back on fat.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
As with many simple dishes, the quality of the ingredients you use can make a big difference in the final outcome. When making salt and pepper shrimp, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used, but fresh shrimp will yield the best texture and flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch with a mild, briny smell. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before dredging to prevent excess moisture from affecting the fry.
The garlic and green onions should be fresh and vibrant, as their flavors are key to balancing the dish. For the chilies, you can use any small hot peppers, depending on your heat tolerance. Red or green Thai chilies work well, but if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of chilies or substitute them with a less spicy variety, such as jalapeños.
Why You Should Try This Dish
Salt and pepper shrimp is not only a delicious and satisfying dish but also a great way to expand your cooking repertoire with minimal effort. If you’re someone who enjoys making restaurant-quality meals at home, this dish is a must-try. It strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tender, salty and spicy, and savory and aromatic.
While the recipe itself is straightforward, it offers plenty of room for customization. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, add more or fewer chili peppers depending on your spice tolerance, and experiment with different garnishes to make the dish your own. Additionally, the quick cooking time makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something fast but flavorful.
For those who enjoy hosting dinner parties, salt and pepper shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes impressive, yet requires minimal time and effort. Serve it alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes, such as fried rice or stir-fried vegetables, for a complete meal that will transport your guests to a bustling Cantonese restaurant.
Conclusion:
Chinese salt and pepper shrimp is a dish that embodies the beauty of simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, it delivers big on flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is accessible to all, and its quick cooking time makes it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The combination of crispy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and spicy chilies makes this dish unforgettable, while its versatility allows you to enjoy it in a variety of ways. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack, salt and pepper shrimp is sure to satisfy any craving for something savory, spicy, and full of crunch.
So why not skip the takeout and try making this classic Chinese dish at home? With its simple ingredients and quick cooking process, salt and pepper shrimp is the perfect way to enjoy authentic flavors without the hassle. Once you’ve tasted the crispy, flavorful shrimp fresh out of the pan, you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved favorite in Chinese cuisine.
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Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With perfectly crispy shrimp, bold seasoning, and a hit of garlic and chili peppers, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and kick of heat in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or a flavorful appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit. Ready in just 25 minutes with only a handful of ingredients, this dish is both simple and packed with flavor. The shrimp is coated with a seasoned cornstarch mixture, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed with fragrant garlic and spicy chili peppers. Serve it alongside a creamy cilantro dipping sauce for a delicious contrast in flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 small hot chili peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder.
- Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, remove most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic, chili peppers, and green onions. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss the crispy shrimp back into the skillet, mixing well with the garlic and pepper mixture.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime or with a side of creamy cilantro dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
