Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the culinary equivalent of a high-octane action movie—quick, thrilling, and packed with explosive flavors. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly fried to a golden crisp, tossed with a riot of spices that dance on your taste buds. The aroma? Absolutely irresistible. You might even find yourself envisioning a bustling Chinese kitchen where woks hiss like angry cats, and the air is thick with the scent of garlic and chilies.
If you’ve ever been in a pinch trying to impress at dinner parties or simply craving something savory while wearing pajamas at home, this dish is your golden ticket. It’s like giving your palate an all-access pass to flavor town! Now, let’s dive into why you absolutely need to make this delightful dish tonight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is quick to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
- The striking contrast of colors makes it visually appealing as well
- Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it over rice for a satisfying main course
Ingredients for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; both work great. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
All-Purpose Flour: This will give the shrimp that delightful crispy coating we all crave.
Cornstarch: Using cornstarch in combination with flour adds extra crunchiness to the shrimp.
Salt: A critical ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides heat and depth; don’t skimp on this one!
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an aromatic punch that makes everything better.
Chili Peppers: Use fresh red chili peppers or dried chili flakes for that spicy kick.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best for controlling saltiness while adding flavor.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil brings a nutty richness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water if they’re frozen. Pat them dry using paper towels; excess moisture can ruin that crispy coating you’re after!
Step 2: Mix Your Coating
In a large bowl, combine equal parts flour and cornstarch with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Feel free to get creative with additional spices if you like!
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Toss those lovely shrimp in your flour mixture until each piece is well-coated. You want them looking like they just stepped out of a spa day—glamorous yet ready for action.
Step 4: Heat Your Oil
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—a good sign it’s ready. If you have a thermometer, aim for about 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Fry Away
Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches; overcrowding is bad news! Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about two minutes per side.
Step 6: Toss with Spices
Once fried, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. In another pan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic and sliced chili peppers briefly before tossing in your crispy shrimp.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with soy sauce mixed with sesame oil for that perfect finishing touch.
Now go ahead—dig in! Your taste buds will thank you for this incredible culinary adventure.
You Must Know
- This delightful Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is not just scrumptious; it elevates your cooking game to a whole new level
- With its crispy texture and zesty flavors, it’s bound to impress at any gathering
- Perfect for quick dinners or fancy feasts, it’s an all-rounder!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in a flavorful mix of spices. While that works its magic, prep your veggies. Sear the shrimp until they turn golden brown, then toss in the vegetables for a delightful crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer. Experiment with different spices like paprika or garlic powder for an extra kick. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, toss it back in a hot skillet for a few minutes or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy shrimp, ensure your oil is hot before adding them to the pan
- Avoid crowding the shrimp to maintain that crunch
- Consider using cornstarch for an even crispier coating!
I once made Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp for my family’s game night, and let’s just say the plate was cleared faster than I could say “seconds!” Their smiles were all the encouragement I needed to perfect this dish.
FAQs :
What is Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and crispy texture. The shrimp are typically seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and spices before being fried to perfection. This dish often features a combination of garlic, chili, and scallions to enhance the taste. It is usually served as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by dipping sauces. With its savory profile, this dish is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants around the world.
How do you make Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp crispy?
To achieve crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, it is essential to use high-quality shrimp with shells removed. Coat the shrimp in a light layer of cornstarch or flour before frying; this creates a crunchy exterior. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, as this prevents the shrimp from absorbing too much oil. Fry in small batches to maintain temperature consistency, and drain on paper towels afterward for extra crispiness.
Can I make Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare certain components of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp ahead of time but it’s best to fry them fresh for optimal texture. For preparation, season the shrimp and coat them with cornstarch or flour up to an hour in advance. However, frying should be done right before serving to ensure that they remain crispy. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day but expect some loss of crunch.
What are some variations of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
There are several delicious variations of Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp that you can try. Some people like to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or onions for added color and flavor. Others may incorporate different spices like five-spice powder for a unique twist. You could also substitute shrimp with other seafood or chicken for those who prefer different proteins while maintaining the same seasoning style.
Conclusion for Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp :
In summary, Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a delightful dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its crispy coating and spicy seasoning, it makes for an excellent appetizer or main course. By following proper techniques such as using fresh ingredients and frying at the right temperature, you can create this restaurant-style dish at home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal, this recipe will surely impress everyone at your table.
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy shrimp with bold spices, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Each bite offers a delightful crunch and a kick of heat, perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying main course. With its vibrant colors and explosive flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 fresh red chili peppers, sliced (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture until evenly covered.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels; sauté garlic and chili in another pan before tossing with fried shrimp.
- Drizzle with soy sauce mixed with sesame oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course/Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (150g)
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 565mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
