You know, I stumbled upon this incredible dish, Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, during a late-night food adventure at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked! The bold flavors of garlic and ginger combined with the kick of salt and pepper create a symphony of taste that dances on your tongue. It’s the perfect blend of spicy and savory—just what you need to elevate any meal. Trust me, whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this dish packs a punch that you won’t forget!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for an extra kick)
Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference! The cornstarch helps create that delightful crispy coating, while the garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. You can adjust the chili flakes to suit your heat preference too!
How to Prepare Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! I promise you, it’s simpler than it sounds, and every step adds to that delicious flavor you’ll love. Just follow along, and soon you’ll be impressing everyone with your cooking skills!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, give those shrimp a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove any extra grit and ensures a clean taste. After rinsing, grab some paper towels and pat them dry. This step is crucial because it helps the coating stick better and keeps the shrimp nice and crispy when cooking. Trust me, you don’t want any soggy shrimp!
Step 2: Mix the Coating
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Just use a whisk or fork to mix it all together until it’s well combined. This coating is what gives the shrimp that delicious crunch, so make sure everything is evenly mixed. You’ll want to have this ready for when you coat the shrimp!
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Time to coat those shrimp! Take your dried shrimp and toss them into the bowl with the cornstarch mixture. I like to do this in batches to ensure each shrimp gets evenly coated. Just toss them around gently until they’re fully covered. You want that nice white coating all over for maximum flavor and crunch!
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts shimmering a bit. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them until they’re fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn; we want that beautiful aroma without the bitterness. This is where your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time to add the coated shrimp to the pan! Spread them out in a single layer and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if you have too many shrimp, they won’t cook evenly. Oh, and keep an eye on them; no one likes overcooked shrimp!
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Finally, toss in the chopped green onions and chili flakes, if you’re using them. Stir everything together for another minute, allowing those flavors to meld. Make sure the green onions get a bit wilted but still vibrant. Once done, you’re ready to serve this delicious dish hot and enjoy every spicy, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Bold flavors that pack a spicy punch
- Perfectly crispy shrimp every time
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for many diets
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Versatile dish—great as an appetizer or main course
- Customization options to suit your spice preferences
Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on the delightful balance of flavors and textures!
Tips for Success
To truly master Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, here are a few pro tips! First, always use the freshest shrimp you can find—they make all the difference in flavor and texture. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level based on your taste; you can add more or fewer chili flakes to suit your preferences. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp to achieve that perfect crispy coating. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan—give those shrimp some space to shine!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chinese salt and pepper shrimp is approximately 200 calories, making it a delicious yet light option. You’ll get about 20 grams of protein per serving, which is fantastic for a seafood dish! Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect while enjoying this flavorful meal.
FAQ Section
Got questions about Chinese salt and pepper shrimp? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, making for a complete meal. You can also serve it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating to ensure that crispy texture.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different. Cornstarch really gives that light, crispy coating!
Can I adjust the spice level?
For sure! If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the chili flakes or skip them entirely. You can always serve them on the side for those who like it spicy!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or omit it altogether, this dish is naturally gluten-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this fantastic Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to keep that crispy texture intact. Just heat gently until warmed through—nobody likes soggy shrimp! Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to properly cook shrimp, visit this The Spruce Eats guide.
And if you’re interested in more delicious shrimp recipes, check out this Food Network collection.
Print
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp: 7 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring shrimp cooked with salt and pepper for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat shrimp in the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink.
- Add green onions and chili flakes; stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili flakes.
- Serve with rice for a complete meal.
- Fresh shrimp works best for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chinese salt and pepper shrimp, seafood, stir-fry
