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When the sun begins to set and a hint of spice fills the air, it’s the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with tantalizing flavors. I discovered this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp recipe during a cozy dinner party, where the laughter was as abundant as the food. As my friend laid out a platter of these crispy little delights, I could hardly believe my taste buds—each bite was a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness.

After trying it, I knew I had to recreate this star dish at home. This recipe is not just about fried shrimp; it’s a fantastic way to break away from the mundane fast-food routine without sacrificing flavor or excitement. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can impress family and friends or enjoy a well-deserved treat just for yourself. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s transform the way you think about shrimp—because homemade never tasted this good!

Why is Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp a Must-Try?

Crispiness that will have everyone coming back for more. Each bite of these shrimp boasts a wonderfully crunchy exterior that locks in the juicy goodness.

Quick and easy preparation means you can whip this dish up in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Versatile flavor from the garlic and jalapeño elevates your palate and provides a delightful kick that brightens up the shrimp.

Crowd-pleaser guaranteed—serve it at your next gathering and watch your guests rave about it! If you’re also looking to explore more savory shrimp dishes, check out our guide on delicious shrimp recipes.

Fresh ingredients mean you know exactly what’s going into your meal, leaving fast food behind and embracing wholesome cooking!

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp Ingredients

For the Shrimp
• 2 lb Shrimp – shell-on and deveined for that classic texture and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon White pepper – adds a subtle, aromatic heat to enhance the taste.
• Salt & Pepper mix – use your favorite blend for a perfectly seasoned finish.

For the Coating
• 1/2 cup Potato starch or Corn starch – use potato starch for extra crispiness, or corn starch for a gluten-free option.

For Flavoring
• 1 Jalapeño or Thai red chili – sliced to bring a delightful kick that complements the shrimp.
• 5 cloves Garlic – minced to infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt – enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For Frying
• 3/4 cup Avocado oil – or any high smoke point oil best for frying, ensuring a crispy finish without burning.

This delightful Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp recipe is perfect for those wanting a break from fast food while still enjoying big flavors!

How to Make Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp: Wash the shrimp thoroughly. If they have heads, cut off the tentacles and front legs for a cleaner look. If desired, keep the head on; otherwise, remove it and devein the shrimp by cutting along the back with kitchen scissors.
Dry and Season: Place the deveined shrimp on a paper towel to dry completely. Sprinkle with white pepper and coat with potato starch, letting them sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps achieve that fantastic crunch!
Heat the Oil: In a shallow pan, heat the oil on high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches 350°F or when you see bubbles form around a chopstick dipped in the oil.
Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp in batches, ensuring they’re not overlapping. Fry them for about 1 minute on each side until they’re golden and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a plate to drain.
Sauté the Aromatics: Soak up some excess oil from the pan with a paper towel. Reduce the heat to medium, then add garlic and jalapeños. Cook until the garlic is golden brown but not burned, mixing in the sea salt and white pepper for extra flavor.
Toss it Together: Return the crispy fried shrimp to the pan and gently toss them in the garlic and jalapeño mixture until well-coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice.

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists and swaps that will tantalize your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute avocado oil with coconut oil for a slightly sweet flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
Spicy Kick: Add more heat by including diced Thai bird’s eye chilies along with the jalapeños for an extra punch.
Herbaceous Boost: Toss in fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of fresh flavor after cooking.
Zesty Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp just before serving for a refreshing zesty finish.
Crispy Breading: For an even crunchier texture, dip the shrimp in beaten egg before coating with potato starch.
Asian-Inspired: Incorporate sesame oil in the frying stage and garnish with sesame seeds for an authentic Asian touch.
Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for cauliflower florets tossed in the same seasonings for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle a bit of honey or agave over the finished dish for an irresistible sweet and spicy contrast.

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Fridge: Store leftover Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheat in a pan for best results.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months to preserve quality.

Reheating: Reheat frozen shrimp directly from the freezer in a hot pan for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave reheating to keep them crunchy.

What to Serve with Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp?

Mouthwatering accompaniments can transform your crispy shrimp into a delightful full meal experience.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice provides a perfect base, absorbing the flavorful juices from the shrimp for a satisfying bite.
Garlic Broccoli: Bright green florets sautéed with garlic add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich shrimp, making every mouthful exciting.
Spicy Asian Slaw: A zesty mix of cabbage, carrot, and sesame dressing brings a crunchy, tangy element that beautifully complements the shrimp’s savory profile. The refreshing flavors balance the heat perfectly!
Crispy Wontons: These golden bites add a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp. Enjoy them as a fun starter or alongside for texture contrast.
Chili Mango Salsa: This sweet and spicy topping enhances the umami flavors of the shrimp. Fresh mango pieces mixed with heat create a mouthwatering burst of flavor!
Cold Beer or Sparkling Water: A chilled lager cuts through the richness of the shrimp, while refreshing sparkling water keeps your palate cleansed between bites, inviting you to indulge again.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can devein and season the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance—simply keep them dry on a paper towel and refrigerate after seasoning to maintain that crunch. Chop the garlic and slice the jalapeños ahead as well; they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to cook, heat the oil and fry the shrimp as directed. Just before serving, sauté the garlic and jalapeños to release their flavors, then toss in your crispy shrimp for a deliciously quick meal that feels freshly made without the hassle!

Expert Tips for Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Dry, Dry, Dry: Ensure shrimp are fully dried before seasoning; moisture will prevent crispiness.

Temperature Check: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for the perfect fry. Too low, and the shrimp will be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn.

Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. This helps each shrimp achieve an even crispiness and prevents steaming.

Flavor Boost: For added zest, incorporate lime or lemon juice right before serving—the acidity balances the rich flavors beautifully.

Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like cilantro elevate the presentation and taste. A little goes a long way in adding freshness to your dish!

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best shrimp?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for those that are firm and have a slightly translucent appearance. Avoid shrimp with dark spots all over as they indicate aging. If buying frozen, ensure that they’re individually quick frozen (IQF) for better quality!

What’s the best way to store leftover Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp?
You can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which could make them soggy.

Can I freeze Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp?
Yes, you can! To freeze the shrimp, first lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they don’t stick together. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat them directly from the freezer on high heat for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.

What can I do if my shrimp aren’t crispy?
Very! If your shrimp turn out less crispy, it might be due to excess moisture or overcrowding in the pan. To rectify, make sure to dry the shrimp very well before coating, and fry them in smaller batches to allow for even cooking. Another tip is to check that your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying; too low, and they won’t crisp up!

Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can! While I recommend avocado oil for its high smoke point, you could also use oils like grapeseed, peanut, or canola. Just avoid low smoke point oils, as they can burn and affect the flavor of your shrimp.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to someone with allergies, particularly to shellfish, you’ll want to avoid shrimp altogether. Additionally, if someone is gluten-sensitive, make sure to use cornstarch instead of potato starch, which is typically gluten-free. Enjoy cooking with care!