Description
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring lightly coated fresh shrimp fried to perfection and tossed with aromatic garlic, dried chili peppers, and green onions. This iconic recipe balances savory salt and white pepper seasoning with a crunchy texture and subtle heat, making it a quick, easy, and versatile appetizer or weeknight dinner inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- Medium-sized fresh shrimp, peeled with tails on – 1 pound (about 450g)
Coating & Seasoning
- Potato starch or cornstarch – 1/2 cup (60g)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- White pepper – 1 teaspoon (freshly ground recommended)
Aromatics & Garnish
- Garlic, minced fresh – 3 cloves
- Green onions, julienned or chopped – 2 stalks
- Dried red chili peppers – 3 to 5 pieces (adjust for heat preference)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (neutral, high smoke point) – about 2 cups for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Clean and devein the shrimp, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well and results in a crispy finish.
- Season and Coat: Lightly season the shrimp with salt and white pepper. Toss the shrimp in potato starch or cornstarch until evenly coated but not clumpy.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes each until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, briefly stir-fry the minced garlic, dried red chili peppers, and chopped green onions over medium heat until fragrant but not burned.
- Combine and Toss: Add the crispy fried shrimp back into the pan with the aromatics. Toss well to coat evenly with the garlic-chili mixture. Sprinkle additional salt and white pepper if desired to enhance seasoning.
Notes
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating to prevent sogginess.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness without greasiness.
- Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
- Use freshly ground white pepper for best aroma and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp while hot and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 110g) cooked shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, Chinese appetizer, garlic shrimp, spicy shrimp, gluten free shrimp
