Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible! 🍤🔥

Chinese salt and pepper shrimp – The ultimate chinese takeout classic—Made at Home!

Imagine biting into a golden, crispy shrimp, perfectly seasoned with cracked black pepper, sea salt, and fiery Thai chilies. The crunch gives way to tender, juicy shrimp, infused with the deep, savory flavors of garlic and ginger.

The best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, with no deep fryer needed—just a simple pan and a handful of everyday ingredients!

This Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the kind of dish that makes you grab one shrimp, then another, and another until the plate is empty. It’s the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and umami, making it an addictive dish for seafood lovers.

So, why wait? Let’s dive into this irresistible Chinese classic and learn how to make it at home better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection – Lightly coated shrimp fried until golden brown and crunchy.
Bold, Flavor-Packed – Aromatic garlic, ginger, and chilies make every bite exciting.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights!
Authentic Chinese Flavors – A dish you’d find at a great Chinese restaurant.
Pairs with Anything – Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.

The Secret to the Best Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

What makes this dish so incredibly good? It’s all about:

🔥 The Perfect Crunch: A flour-cornstarch mix creates a light, crispy coating without making the shrimp too heavy.
🌶 The Right Heat: Thai red chilies add just the right amount of spice—you can dial it up or down!
🧄 Aromatic Power: Garlic, ginger, and scallions create layers of flavor and fragrance.
🥢 The Final Toss: Stir-frying the shrimp with toasted spices makes all the difference!

Now, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You Need For Your Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp🛒

For the Crispy Shrimp:

🍤 1 lb. large shrimp (peeled & deveined) – The bigger, the better!

🐟 3 tbsp fish sauce – Adds rich umami depth to the shrimp.

🌾 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps create a light, crispy coating.

🌽 3 tbsp cornstarch – Locks in crispiness and keeps it from getting soggy.

For the Signature Seasoning:

🌿 1 tsp whole black peppercorns – Crushed for a bold, fresh peppery bite.

🧂 1 tsp coarse salt – Enhances all the flavors.

For the Aromatic Stir-Fry:

🌶 4 red Thai chili peppers (chopped) – Adds a spicy kick.

🧄 1 clove garlic (minced) – Infuses deep garlicky goodness.

🫚 1-inch piece ginger (minced) – Adds a subtle heat and warmth.

🧅 2 scallions (sliced) – Brings freshness and a hint of sweetness.

For Garnish:

🌿 Fresh cilantro leaves – Brightens up the dish with herbal freshness.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with fish sauce.
2. Let them marinate for 10 minutes—this gives them deep, savory flavor.

Why marinate? The fish sauce locks in umami, ensuring the shrimp are flavorful from the inside out!

Step 2: Prepare the Salt & Pepper Blend

1. Use a mortar and pestle (or spice grinder) to crush the black peppercorns into a coarse texture.
2. Mix with the coarse salt and set aside.

Freshly cracked pepper makes a BIG difference—skip pre-ground pepper!

Step 3: Prep the Aromatics

1. Chop the garlic, ginger, and Thai chilies into fine pieces.
2. Slice the scallions and set everything aside.

These ingredients create the signature flavor punch!

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp for the Perfect Crunch

1. Drain the shrimp from the fish sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
3. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until fully coated.
4. Shake off excess flour—you want a thin, even coating.

The cornstarch keeps the shrimp extra crispy without making them heavy!

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Fry the shrimp in small batches (so they cook evenly).
3. Cook for 3 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn golden and crispy.
4. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! This keeps the oil temperature stable for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

1. Remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving just 1 tbsp.
2. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Thai chilies, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
4. Stir in the scallions and cook for another 2 minutes.

This step makes the shrimp BURST with flavor!

Step 7: Toss Everything Together!

1. Add the fried shrimp to the pan and gently toss with the aromatics.
2. Sprinkle in the ground peppercorns and salt, adjusting to taste.
3. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes to let the flavors coat the shrimp.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Now, try not to eat them straight from the pan! 😉

How to Serve This Dish

🍚 With Steamed Rice – Classic and satisfying.
🥢 As an Appetizer – Perfect for sharing at dinner parties!
🍜 Over Noodles – Toss with ramen or lo mein for a bold seafood dish.

Serve it with this recipe:Liberian Jollof Rice: The Perfect Blend of Spice, Flavor, and Tradition

Make It Your Own!

🍋 Salt & Pepper Lemon Shrimp – Squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving.
🌶 Extra Spicy Version – Add more chilies or sprinkle on chili flakes.
🍤 Salt & Pepper Chicken – Use bite-sized chicken pieces instead!

Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒

Final Thoughts

This Salt and Pepper Shrimp is crispy, bold, and full of flavor—just like the one from your favorite Chinese restaurant! 🍤🔥

Make it for dinner, game nights, or when you’re craving something crunchy and spicy. It’s easy, quick, and insanely delicious!

Now It’s Your Turn!

Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out! Tag me if you share it—I’d love to see your version! 😊