Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Description
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a classic Cantonese seafood dish known for its light, crispy coating and bold savory flavor. Fresh shrimp are lightly coated with cornstarch, fried until perfectly golden, then tossed with garlic, fresh chilies, green onions, and a simple salt and pepper seasoning that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
This easy homemade Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. It's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and makes an excellent appetizer or main course served with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned.
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Authentic Cantonese-style flavor.
- Better than takeout.
- Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
- High in protein and full of flavor.
- Family-friendly recipe.
- Ready in under an hour.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Coat evenly with cornstarch.
2. Prepare the Aromatics
Mince the garlic.
Slice the green onions.
Thinly slice the red chilies.
Mix the salt, black pepper, and white pepper in a small bowl.
3. Fry the Shrimp
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Transfer to a wire rack.
4. Toss Everything Together
Heat a small amount of oil in a wok.
Cook the garlic and chilies until fragrant.
Add the fried shrimp.
Sprinkle in the seasoning mixture and toss well.
Stir in the sliced green onions.
5. Serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, steamed rice, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before coating.
- Fry in small batches for maximum crispiness.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Toss with the seasoning immediately after frying.
- Serve while hot for the best texture.
Variations
Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Add extra fresh chilies or chili flakes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Finish with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Squid Version
Replace the shrimp with calamari rings.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fry instead of deep frying for a lighter version.
Extra Crispy Shrimp
Mix a little rice flour with the cornstarch.
What to Serve
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Egg fried rice
- Chow mein
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic noodles
- Cucumber salad
- Hot and sour soup
Storage
Allow the shrimp to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer until crispy.
Freezing
Yes.
Freeze the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
For Frying
For the Seasoning
For the Aromatics
Instructions
-
Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt and black pepper, then coat evenly with cornstarch.
-
Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack.
-
In a clean wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the garlic and sliced chilies until fragrant.
-
Add the fried shrimp to the wok, sprinkle with the salt, black pepper, and white pepper mixture, then toss until evenly coated.
-
Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for another 30 seconds.
-
Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or lemon wedges.
