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
Units
Scale
- 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