Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dish that combines crispy, tender shrimp with a perfect balance of savory, peppery goodness, then this Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort, spice, and crunch all in one bite, and trust me—it’s impossible to stop at just one.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was something I first tried at a local Chinese restaurant. I immediately fell in love with the crispy coating and the bold, fragrant pepper kick. The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Fast forward a few attempts, and I’ve now perfected this recipe to the point where it tastes just as good (if not better) than the restaurant version.

What makes this dish so irresistible is its contrast in textures. The shrimp are tender on the inside, coated in a crispy, golden batter that crunches in the best way possible. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, with just the right amount of salt and pepper, and a hint of spice that makes every bite more addictive than the last. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to impress at your next dinner party, or a satisfying snack, this Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is sure to steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is one you’ll want to add to your regular rotation for so many reasons:

• Crispy and Tender: The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to perfection, creating a crispy texture that gives way to the most tender shrimp inside.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours of prep time to make this dish—it comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute meal.
• Flavorful without Being Overpowering: The simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and a hint of spice lets the shrimp shine. It’s flavorful but not too heavy, and every bite is packed with bold, savory goodness.
• Restaurant-Quality: If you’ve ever ordered this dish at a Chinese restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home, this recipe is as close as you’ll get to that perfect, crispy shrimp.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat, but isn’t overly complicated. It’s an easy way to elevate shrimp and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people as a main dish or 6 people as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to make the perfect crispy, flavorful shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish. Make sure to remove the shells and devein the shrimp before cooking.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: This is what makes the shrimp extra crispy and light. It creates a delicate crust that stays crunchy after frying.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Combined with the cornstarch, this gives the shrimp a nice golden color and texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adds the essential savory flavor to the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: The star seasoning that gives this dish its peppery kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Adds another layer of heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2-3 dried red chilies: For a hint of spice and that signature Chinese restaurant flavor.
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): A key ingredient for aromatic flavor.
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced): Adds a bit of sweetness and texture.
• 2-3 green onions (sliced): For garnish and added flavor.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For a touch of saltiness and umami.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying): High heat oil for frying the shrimp to a crisp.
• Optional: A squeeze of fresh lime for serving: Adds a refreshing acidity to balance the richness of the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp

Start by prepping your shrimp. Peel and devein them, then pat them dry with paper towels. You want them as dry as possible so the batter can adhere properly and to avoid oil splattering when frying. This step is super important to achieve a crispy texture.

2. Make the Battering Mixture

In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed. This batter will create the light, crispy coating that’s key to the dish’s texture. You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste, but don’t skip the white pepper—it’s what gives the dish its signature peppery heat!

3. Coat the Shrimp

Once the batter is mixed, add the shrimp to the bowl. Toss them gently to coat each shrimp evenly with the mixture. The shrimp should have a light, even coating—be careful not to overload them with batter, as you want it to stay crisp after frying.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that when you drop the shrimp in, it sizzles immediately, but not so hot that the shrimp burn quickly. If you’re unsure, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it bubbles and fries right away, it’s the right temperature.

5. Fry the Shrimp

Carefully drop the battered shrimp into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You’ll notice them turning a lovely golden color as they crisp up.

6. Drain the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness and keeps them from becoming greasy.

7. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In a separate pan, add a little oil over medium heat. Toss in the garlic, dried red chilies, and onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions begin to soften. Be careful not to burn the garlic—keep it moving in the pan.

8. Combine Shrimp and Aromatics

Once the aromatics are ready, add the fried shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything together until the shrimp are coated in the flavorful garlic and chili mixture. Drizzle the soy sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. This gives the dish a beautiful, shiny finish and adds a touch of savory umami.

9. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with fresh sliced green onions and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. You can also serve this with some steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or on its own as a delicious appetizer.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

• Serve with Steamed Rice: The crispy shrimp pairs beautifully with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, which helps balance out the bold flavors.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as a light starter for your next dinner party or family gathering. It’s a fun and flavorful finger food.
• Pair with Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve the shrimp alongside a colorful mix of stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas.

Additional Tips

1. Dry the Shrimp: This is crucial! Make sure the shrimp are very dry before tossing them in the batter to ensure the crispy coating sticks.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions really bring out the best flavors in this dish, so don’t skimp on them.
4. Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to skip the dried chilies or use fewer. On the flip side, if you love heat, you can add more!
5. Serve Immediately: These shrimp are at their best when they’re hot and crispy. Serve them immediately after frying for maximum crunch.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways you can make this dish your own:

• Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp: For extra heat, add fresh sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil to the aromatics when stir-frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use rice flour instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free batter.
• With Vegetables: For a more filling meal, stir-fry some bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli with the shrimp. These veggies add color and freshness while complementing the shrimp’s flavor.
• Honey Garlic Sauce: For a sweeter version of this dish, drizzle the shrimp with a honey garlic sauce after stir-frying. The sweetness will balance out the savory salt and pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Place them in the fridge overnight to thaw or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. Make sure to pat them dry after thawing to ensure the batter sticks properly.

2. What can I use instead of white pepper?

If you don’t have white pepper, you can substitute it with more black pepper. While white pepper has a slightly different flavor, black pepper will still give your dish a nice peppery kick. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your dish spicier.

3. How can I make the shrimp spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, you can add more dried red chilies or fresh chili slices when stir-frying the shrimp. You can also drizzle some chili oil or add a dash of hot sauce during the final steps.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the shrimp are best served fresh and crispy, you can prepare some elements in advance. The batter can be mixed and stored in the fridge, and the shrimp can be peeled and deveined a few hours before cooking. However, it’s recommended to fry the shrimp just before serving to maintain that crispy texture.

5. What should I serve with Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a side of noodles. You can also serve it as an appetizer or snack with a side of dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Print

Conclusion

If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and a little bit spicy, this Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combination of tender shrimp, crispy batter, and aromatic seasonings, all brought together with the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and heat.

Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer, part of a larger meal, or just as a snack, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but special enough to serve at a dinner party. The flavors are bold, the textures are delightful, and it’s absolutely impossible to resist reaching for just one more shrimp.

Try it next time you’re craving a Chinese takeout favorite—your homemade version will be just as good (if not better) than the restaurant, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. Enjoy!