Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine, bringing together crispy shrimp, aromatic spices, and savory seasonings in a satisfying bite. With its distinctive combination of salt, pepper, and heat, this dish has become a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and is often served as a quick appetizer or a side dish to complement a larger meal. The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and enveloped in a tantalizing blend of spices that bring each bite to life.

What makes Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp so special is the simplicity of the ingredients. While the dish relies on just a few key seasonings, the balance of flavors is what elevates it to perfection. The dish can be prepared in a matter of minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special gathering. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or as part of a larger feast, Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Crispy and Crunchy: The shrimp are fried until golden brown and crispy, offering a delightful crunch in every bite. The crispness is the perfect contrast to the tender shrimp inside, making it an irresistible dish.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and chili creates a symphony of flavors that are both savory and slightly spicy. This dish has a unique depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp comes together in just a few simple steps. It’s the perfect dish for those who want something fast but still packed with flavor.
• Customizable Spice Level: Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, you can adjust the level of spice to suit your preferences. Add more chili peppers for a spicy kick or keep it mild for a balanced flavor.
• Versatile: This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, from steamed rice to stir-fried vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer at your next dinner party or as a satisfying main dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional for added depth)
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (or 1-2 teaspoons of dried chili flakes for more heat)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 medium onion, sliced into thin rings
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Optional for Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Extra chili flakes (if you like more heat)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for a nutty crunch)

Special Equipment

Making Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp doesn’t require special equipment, but using the right tools will make the process smoother:

1. Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the shrimp in the cornstarch, flour, and seasoning mixture.
2. Wok or Deep Fry Pan: A wok is ideal for frying because it allows the oil to reach the shrimp quickly, resulting in crispy coating. However, a deep frying pan can also work just fine.
3. Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: This tool is perfect for removing the shrimp from the hot oil without losing any crispy texture.
4. Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the shrimp after frying, ensuring they stay crispy.
5. Sharp Knife: For slicing the garlic, ginger, and chilies. A sharp knife ensures a clean cut without squishing the ingredients.
6. Serving Dish: To present the shrimp once cooked, garnished, and ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, removing the shells and any unwanted veins. Once cleaned, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they’re free from excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving a crisp coating when frying.

2. Coat the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, sea salt, and optional five-spice powder. Toss the shrimp in the dry mixture, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps the shrimp achieve a crisp, light coating, while the flour adds texture. The seasonings will provide flavor to the shrimp as they cook.

3. Prepare the Wok or Fry Pan

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small test piece of shrimp sizzles when added to the pan. To check the temperature, drop a small bit of cornstarch into the oil; if it bubbles immediately, the oil is ready.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the shrimp from the oil, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Prepare the Aromatics

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the garlic, ginger, and chilies. Slice the chilies into thin rings, mince the garlic, and mince the ginger. These ingredients will add an aromatic and flavorful kick to the dish.

6. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same wok or frying pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced chilies, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

7. Combine the Shrimp and Aromatics

Once the garlic and chilies are fragrant, add the fried shrimp back into the wok or pan. Toss the shrimp with the garlic, ginger, and chilies, ensuring they are evenly coated with the aromatic flavors.

8. Add the Onions

Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. The onions should be tender but still slightly crisp. The combination of sweet onions and spicy chilies creates a beautiful contrast of flavors.

9. Finish with Cilantro and Lime

Once everything is well combined, remove the wok from the heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for a burst of freshness, and serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Use High-Quality Shrimp: The quality of the shrimp is crucial to the success of this dish. Look for large, fresh shrimp with a firm texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can easily adjust the level of heat in this dish by adding more or fewer chilies. If you prefer a mild flavor, omit the fresh chilies and rely solely on the black pepper. For an extra kick, feel free to add more dried chili flakes or fresh chilies.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the shrimp in batches ensures they cook evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding the pan can cause the shrimp to steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy texture.
• Serve Immediately: Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best served right after it’s cooked, while the shrimp are still crispy. If you need to keep it warm, place it in a low-heat oven, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Use a wok: While a frying pan will work fine, a wok is ideal for stir-frying the shrimp and aromatics, as its shape allows for more even cooking and better circulation of heat.

Variations of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Salt and Pepper Squid: If you’re a fan of squid, you can easily swap the shrimp for squid rings to create a similar dish. The squid will also become wonderfully crispy and pair perfectly with the seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper Chicken: For a meatier version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. The cooking method remains the same, with the chicken being coated in the seasoning mixture before frying.
• Spicy Salt and Pepper Tofu: For a vegetarian version, firm tofu can be used instead of shrimp. The tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes, coated with the seasoning mixture, and fried until crispy.
• Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more colorful and nutritious, add some bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas along with the onions. Stir-fry these vegetables along with the shrimp for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a hot skillet or in the oven to restore some of their crispy texture.
• Freezing: While not recommended for best texture, you can freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake or fry them until crispy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fragrant steamed jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful oils and seasonings from the shrimp, making it a perfect complement.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Lightly stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers make a great side dish to balance the richness of the shrimp.
• Chinese Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar complements the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp.
• Egg Fried Rice: For a more substantial meal, serve the shrimp alongside egg fried rice. The richness of the fried rice pairs beautifully with the crispy shrimp.

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Conclusion

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a fantastic dish that delivers bold flavors and crispy textures in every bite. The simple yet delicious seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic, and chilies makes it an irresistible choice for seafood lovers. With easy preparation and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy this crispy, savory dish with your favorite sides and experience a little taste of Chinese restaurant quality in the comfort of your own home.