Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Czarryy

This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish with bold aromatics, a touch of heat from Thai chili peppers, and a perfect balance of salt and spice. Coated in a light, crispy batter and stir-fried with fragrant garlic, ginger, and scallions, this dish is an irresistible combination of crunch and umami.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder)
Cutting board & knife
Frying pan or wok
Tongs or slotted spoon
Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 teaspoon coarse salt (adjust to taste)

For the Aromatics:

4 red Thai chili peppers, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, minced
2 scallions, sliced

For Garnish:

Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with fish sauce and let it marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
Using a mortar and pestle, grind the whole peppercorns until coarsely crushed. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep the Aromatics
Chop the garlic, ginger, and red Thai chili peppers into small pieces.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Drain excess fish sauce from the shrimp.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Heat a layer of oil in a pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C).
Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through until they turn crispy and golden brown.
Remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Discard most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Sauté the minced garlic and ginger over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the chopped red chili peppers and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the sliced scallions and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Combine & Serve
Add the fried shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat with the sautéed aromatics.
Sprinkle the coarsely ground peppercorns and coarse salt over the shrimp, adjusting to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

Enjoy this crispy, bold, and aromatic Salt and Pepper Shrimp—perfect as a main dish or appetizer with a side of steamed rice! 🍤🔥

Keyword Asian stir-fry, Chinese shrimp dish, crispy shrimp, Salt and pepper shrimp, seafood recipe, spicy shrimp