Oh my goodness, if you love shrimp as much as I do, you’re in for a treat with this Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! This dish is like a flavor explosion in your mouth, with the perfect balance of spice from black and white pepper that truly elevates the natural sweetness of the shrimp. I can’t get enough of that crispy, crunchy coating that gives each bite a satisfying texture. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp and vibrant veggies makes this dish not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
How to Prepare Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- First things first, let’s get that spice mix ready! In a medium bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well mixed.
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show—our shrimp! Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the spice mix, making sure they’re fully coated. I love to use my hands for this to really get the spices all over them.
- Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned shrimp and toss again until they’re lightly dusted. This is what will give them that deliciously crispy texture when cooked. Yum!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough so that the shrimp sizzles as soon as they hit the pan, but not so hot that they burn.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Once the shrimp are beautifully cooked, toss in the minced garlic, chopped green onions, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes. This step adds such a lovely freshness to the dish!
- And just like that, your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp is ready to serve! Enjoy it hot and feel free to add a sprinkle of extra pepper for an added kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor from a spicy peppery kick that elevates every bite.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile—pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors from the veggies, making it a feast for the eyes.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp turns out fantastic every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t shy away from adjusting the spice levels. If you love a spicy kick, feel free to add more black and white pepper to the mix. On the flip side, if you prefer it milder, just use less.
Also, the key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each shrimp enough space to crisp up beautifully—this will help them get that golden brown color without steaming. And remember, shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them—just 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Lastly, don’t forget to serve it hot! The flavors and textures are at their best right out of the pan. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, it’s always great to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s a good idea to check your labels for the most accurate information. Enjoy your cooking and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them get that crispy coating and prevents excess moisture.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. It won’t give quite the same level of crispiness, but it still works well for coating the shrimp.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For those who love heat, you can add red pepper flakes or even some sliced fresh chili peppers when stir-frying. It adds a fantastic kick that complements the peppery flavor beautifully!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some snap peas, broccoli, or even carrots for added crunch and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What should I serve with Chinese salt and pepper shrimp?
I love serving it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair it with noodles for a delightful twist. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying! Pair these flavorful shrimp with fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that delicious seasoning. You can also serve it alongside a vibrant stir-fried vegetable medley for an extra crunch and nutrition boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some noodles with a light soy sauce for a delightful twist. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it tastes!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty shrimp again, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This helps maintain that crispy texture. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to create some steam, which will help warm everything through without drying it out. Just a few minutes should do the trick. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think of this Chinese salt and pepper shrimp recipe! If you try it out, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to give it a rating and share your delicious creations on social media. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Seafood Paella!
Print
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp: 7 Bold Flavor Tips to Enjoy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A spicy and flavorful Chinese dish featuring shrimp coated in a peppery seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
- Toss shrimp in the spice mix until fully coated.
- Dust shrimp with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until golden brown.
- Add garlic, green onions, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chinese salt and pepper shrimp, shrimp recipe, stir-fried shrimp
