Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a delightful, crispy, and savory dish that tantalizes the taste buds with the perfect balance of saltiness, spice, and crunch. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish is quick to prepare and features lightly battered shrimp stir-fried with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and chilies. The shrimp is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavors, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, deveined, shell-on, or peeled
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 fresh red chilies, sliced
- 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Steps
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Keep the shell on for more flavor and crunch, or peel them if you prefer. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of sea salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the shrimp. You can test this by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they have space to fry evenly. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same wok, discard most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sesame oil and stir in the minced garlic, sliced chilies, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
5. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle in the remaining salt, white pepper, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Toss the fried shrimp back into the wok and stir everything together, ensuring the shrimp is evenly coated with the fragrant salt and pepper mixture.
6. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick. Enjoy the shrimp hot and crispy.
Tips for Variation
- Spice it Up: Add Sichuan peppercorns to the pepper mix for a numbing and spicy flavor unique to Sichuan cuisine.
- Add Vegetables: Throw in bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to make it a more substantial dish.
- Try Other Proteins: This recipe works just as well with squid, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Change the Coating: Instead of cornstarch, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.
- Use a Wok: Frying the shrimp in a wok adds to the authentic Chinese cooking experience and ensures even heat distribution.
- Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the amount of salt and use a salt substitute to create a healthier, lower-sodium version of this dish.
- Add a Sauce: Drizzle a light soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce over the finished shrimp for added umami.
- Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the shrimp in the oven instead of frying, brushing them with a little oil for crispiness.
Macros (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent the oil from splattering.
- What can I serve with Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light noodle dish to balance the bold flavors.
- Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
- To reduce the heat, you can omit the fresh chilies and use only a small amount of white pepper. The garlic will still provide plenty of flavor.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- It’s best to serve the shrimp immediately after frying to retain their crispiness. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain the crisp texture.
Crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp: A Zesty Delight
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g large shrimp, deveined, shell-on, or peeled
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp white pepper adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder optional
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 2-3 fresh red chilies sliced
- 1-2 green onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Lime wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Keep the shell on for more flavor and crunch, or peel them if you prefer. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of sea salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the shrimp. You can test this by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil in batches, ensuring they have space to fry evenly. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same wok, discard most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sesame oil and stir in the minced garlic, sliced chilies, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle in the remaining salt, white pepper, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Toss the fried shrimp back into the wok and stir everything together, ensuring the shrimp is evenly coated with the fragrant salt and pepper mixture.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick. Enjoy the shrimp hot and crispy.