Introduction

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a dish that never fails to impress with its bold, savory flavors and satisfying crunch. This popular Chinese restaurant classic is a perfect balance of crispy shrimp, aromatic spices, and just the right amount of heat. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, offering a delicious crunch with each bite. Seasoned with a fragrant blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and chili, the dish offers a perfect harmony of savory, spicy, and a touch of sweetness. Whether served as a starter, a main dish, or a part of a larger meal, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table.

The first time I made Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate the flavors I loved from my favorite Chinese restaurant. As the shrimp sizzled in the hot oil, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, pepper, and chili. When I finally took my first bite, I was hooked—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a burst of flavor from the seasoning. The best part? It was ready in just a few simple steps, making it a perfect dish for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

What I love most about Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is its versatility. You can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste, whether you prefer it mild or with a fiery kick. The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables. No matter how you serve it, Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is guaranteed to bring bold, satisfying flavors to your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect for:

Appetizers
Quick weeknight meals
Dinner parties
Seafood lovers
Chinese food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Here’s why Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp will become your go-to seafood dish:

Crispy and Tender: The shrimp is perfectly crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside, giving you the best of both worlds.
Bold and Flavorful: The combination of salt, pepper, and spices infuses each bite with savory and aromatic flavors, making this dish irresistible.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili pepper, giving you full control over the heat.
No Fancy Ingredients Needed: With simple ingredients like shrimp, peppers, and basic seasonings, you can easily recreate this takeout favorite at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For your Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, you will need:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional for extra flavor)
1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 small red chilies, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetable oil for frying

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: The shrimp is the star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender texture when cooked perfectly.
Cornstarch: This helps create a light, crispy coating that adds crunch to the shrimp.
Five-Spice Powder: A Chinese spice blend that enhances the dish with its sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: These ingredients add depth of flavor with a nice balance of saltiness and tanginess.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma that complements the shrimp and seasonings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp:

Clean and Dry the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, removing any shells and tails. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier coating when fried.

Make the Seasoning Mix:

Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and five-spice powder (if using). This will be your seasoning mixture.

Coat the Shrimp:

Toss Shrimp in Seasoning: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning mixture, tossing them until each shrimp is evenly coated with the cornstarch and seasoning.

Fry the Shrimp:

Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Prepare the Seasoning Sauce:

Cook Garlic and Chilies: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic and sliced chilies over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Soy Sauce and Vinegar: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.

Combine and Serve:

Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Add the fried shrimp back into the pan and toss them gently to coat them with the flavorful sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:

As an Appetizer: Serve it as a finger food appetizer with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor.
With Rice: Pair with steamed white or jasmine rice for a complete meal that balances the crispy shrimp.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside sautéed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a healthy and vibrant meal.
With Noodles: Toss the shrimp with stir-fried noodles for a satisfying and hearty dish.
As Part of a Chinese Feast: Serve with other Chinese dishes like fried rice, spring rolls, or sweet and sour chicken for a complete spread.

Additional Tips for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause them to become soggy instead of crispy.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to match your heat preference. If you like a milder dish, you can leave out the chilies altogether.
Use High Heat for Frying: Fry the shrimp over medium-high heat to ensure a golden, crispy coating without overcooking the shrimp.
Double Coat the Shrimp: For an extra-crispy texture, dip the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture twice before frying.
Serve Immediately: Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still crispy.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp:

Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add more chilies or a dash of chili flakes to increase the heat level.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce for a more indulgent take on the dish.
Lemon Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the seasoning mix for a tangy twist.
Crispy Salt and Pepper Prawns: Use prawns instead of shrimp for a larger, more luxurious version of the dish.
Curry Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add a pinch of curry powder to the seasoning mix for a unique, aromatic flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp: Drizzle the shrimp with honey and add a little sriracha for a sweet and spicy combination.
Tempura Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in a light tempura batter before frying for a crispy, airy texture.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the dish for a sweet and savory contrast.
Coconut Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical, crunchy twist.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp with Vegetables: Toss the shrimp with bell peppers, onions, and snap peas for a vegetable-packed version of the dish.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: While the shrimp can be frozen after frying, it’s best to freeze them before they’re coated with sauce. Freeze the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Storage: Leftover Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a hot skillet to restore some of the crispiness.

Special Equipment for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp easier:

Wok or Frying Pan: A wok or a large frying pan is ideal for frying the shrimp evenly and quickly.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the shrimp from the oil without losing any of their crispy coating.
Paper Towels: Paper towels are essential for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp, ensuring they stay crispy.
Mixing Bowls: Use small bowls to combine the seasoning mix and prepare the shrimp for coating.
Garlic Press: A garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy, ensuring a fragrant aroma in the dish.

FAQ Section for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before frying.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
Baking is an option, but it won’t achieve the same crispy texture as frying. If you prefer baking, coat the shrimp lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
How can I make this dish less oily?
To reduce the oil, fry the shrimp in smaller batches and ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp.
Can I use other seafood in place of shrimp?
Yes, you can use other seafood like scallops, squid, or even fish fillets for a variation of this dish.

Conclusion

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that packs a punch with its bold seasonings and crispy shrimp. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, whether as a starter or main course. With its quick preparation time and customizable heat level, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So, get your shrimp ready, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of this Chinese classic at home!

I’d love to see how your dish turns out—don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and share your version! Feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own. Happy cooking!