There are few dishes that can rival the addictive crunch and bold flavor of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp. Lightly battered, golden-fried shrimp tossed with fragrant garlic, spicy chilies, and a sprinkle of aromatic seasoning—this recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes.
If you love Chinese takeout classics but want to recreate them at home, this dish is perfect for you. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires just a handful of pantry staples, and is guaranteed to impress family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or simply craving something crispy and satisfying, this salt and pepper shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy yet light – thanks to a simple cornstarch-and-flour batter.
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Packed with flavor – a fragrant mix of garlic, chilies, scallions, and optional Sichuan peppercorns for that signature tongue-tingling finish.
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Customizable – peel or leave the shells on, adjust spice levels, and even swap proteins.
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Quick to make – ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe is for anyone who loves bold, crave-worthy Chinese flavors. Even beginner cooks will find it approachable, while seasoned home chefs will appreciate the chance to add their own spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make authentic salt and pepper shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp (shell-on or peeled, deveined)
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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½ teaspoon ground white pepper
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1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
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½ teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (for dredging)
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Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil work best)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1–2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced
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1 scallion, chopped
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½ teaspoon crushed Sichuan peppercorns (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Clean your shrimp thoroughly, removing veins and rinsing well. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Keeping the shells on adds extra crunch and flavor, but peeling them makes the dish easier to eat. Choose whichever works best for your guests.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, stir together sea salt, white pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, and sugar. This will be sprinkled over the fried shrimp later, so set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in water (about ¼ cup) until you have a smooth batter thick enough to lightly coat shrimp.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry
Lightly toss the shrimp in 2 tablespoons of dry cornstarch. Dip each shrimp into the batter, then carefully lower into hot oil (350–365°F) in a deep skillet or wok. Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics
Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Over medium heat, sauté garlic, red chilies, and scallions until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add Sichuan peppercorns if you’d like that signature numbing-spicy finish.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Return the fried shrimp to the wok. Sprinkle with the prepared seasoning mix and toss quickly over high heat until evenly coated. Serve immediately while piping hot and crispy.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, you’ll need:
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Large wok or deep skillet (for frying and tossing)
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Mixing bowls (for batter and seasoning)
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Slotted spoon or spider strainer (for frying safely)
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Tongs (for handling shrimp)
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Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
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Sharp knife (for slicing chilies and scallions)
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Cutting board
Tips for Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Dry your shrimp well – excess moisture prevents the batter from crisping properly.
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Use medium-high heat – oil should be hot enough to crisp but not burn (350–365°F).
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Fry in small batches – overcrowding the pan lowers oil temperature, making shrimp soggy.
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Keep seasoning light – the mix is potent, so a little goes a long way.
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Adjust spice levels – use fewer chilies for milder heat or more if you love it fiery.
Variations and Swaps
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Different proteins – Try squid, scallops, or even chicken chunks for a twist.
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Shell-on for crunch – In Cantonese cooking, the shells are often left on for an extra crispy bite.
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Gluten-free – Replace flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
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Spice blends – Swap Chinese five-spice with a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky version.
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Vegetarian option – Use battered cauliflower florets instead of shrimp.
Storing Leftovers
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored:
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Refrigerator: Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and store for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it makes shrimp rubbery.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the batter loses its texture.
What to Serve with Salt and Pepper Shrimp
This bold and crispy dish pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed Jasmine rice – to balance the strong flavors.
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Garlic fried rice – for an indulgent pairing.
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Stir-fried bok choy or gai lan – adds freshness to the meal.
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Chilled beer or sparkling water with lime – to cut through the richness.
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Dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc – excellent wine choices for seafood lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before battering and frying.
Q: Do I have to use five-spice powder?
Not necessarily. It adds authentic depth, but you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, clove, and star anise if you don’t have it.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how many chilies you use. One chili gives mild heat, while two or more make it fiery. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I air-fry instead of deep fry?
Yes. Coat shrimp lightly with oil spray and air-fry at 400°F for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be as crispy but still delicious.
Q: What’s the purpose of Sichuan peppercorns?
They create a unique numbing sensation that balances chili heat, making the dish more exciting and authentic.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the chilies and Sichuan peppercorns to make it mild. Kids love the crispy texture of the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create restaurant-quality flavor at home. With its crispy coating, savory seasoning, and spicy kick, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to cook again and again.
Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a solo treat, this dish is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and utterly addictive. Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different proteins, spice levels, and sides.
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