Description
This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe offers crispy, flavorful shrimp seasoned with salt, white pepper, and optional Chinese five spice powder. Fried to golden perfection and stir-fried with fragrant garlic, green onions, and chili, this dish makes for a delicious appetizer or main course, perfect served hot with lemon wedges and steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Cooking and Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 small red chili or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp nicely. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, white pepper, and Chinese five spice powder if using to evenly season. Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp and toss until they are well coated with a light dusting.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn crispy and golden brown. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Stir-fry aromatics: In the same pan, add a small splash of oil if needed. Stir-fry the minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chili for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Combine and finish: Return the fried shrimp to the pan and toss everything together for about 1 more minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil if using for an added nutty aroma and taste.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side, perfect to squeeze over the dish. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or can be served as an appetizer.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice to make a full meal or enjoy as a tasty appetizer.
- For extra crispiness, try double-frying the shrimp by frying them once, letting them rest to drain, then frying again briefly.
- Adjust chili quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Using tails on shrimp helps retain moisture and makes them easier to pick up when eating.
