Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about crispy and flavorful Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! This dish has a way of bringing the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen, and every bite is a delightful explosion of taste. I remember the first time I tried it at a bustling dim sum restaurant, and I was instantly hooked! The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp, aromatic spices, and that crispy texture is simply irresistible. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for entertaining or just a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you whip up this dish at home, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s that good! So, let’s dive into making this delicious masterpiece together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering Chinese salt and pepper shrimp. Don’t worry; these ingredients are pretty straightforward and easy to find!
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Make sure your shrimp are nice and clean for that perfect bite. The cornstarch is essential for that crispy coating, so don’t skip it! And feel free to adjust the spices to your liking—this dish is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this crispy goodness in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
Start by grabbing a bowl and mixing together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. This spice mixture is where the magic begins! Stir it well until everything’s evenly combined, and you can already smell those wonderful aromas. It sets the stage for that crispy and flavorful coating.
Step 2: Coat Shrimp
Next up, it’s time to coat the shrimp! Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with your spice mixture. Make sure each shrimp gets a nice, even coating; this is key for that delightful crunch! I like to use my hands for this—it’s more fun and you can really feel the coating stick.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Now, heat up your vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. It’s super important to get that oil nice and hot before adding the shrimp—this helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color. You can test the heat by dropping a tiny bit of the spice mixture; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Step 4: Cook Shrimp
Once your oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want each shrimp to get that crispy treatment! Flip them carefully to avoid splattering oil.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
After the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 1-2 minutes. This step releases incredible flavors, and you’ll love how the garlic perfumes the air as it cooks!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped green onions just before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring a lovely fresh crunch! Serve your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp hot, and watch everyone dive in with excitement. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the coating process—take your time to ensure every shrimp is evenly covered with the spice mix for that fantastic crunch. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add chili flakes to the spice mixture; it really amps up the flavor! Also, make sure your oil is hot enough; this is crucial for that crispy exterior. And remember, serving the shrimp immediately after cooking ensures they stay crispy and delicious. Trust me, they taste best when fresh from the pan!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your Chinese salt and pepper shrimp! For a bit of color and crunch, try adding sliced snap peas or julienned carrots along with the red bell pepper—this adds a vibrant look and extra texture. You could also toss in some diced pineapple for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the savory shrimp. If you’re a spice lover, consider adding some Szechuan peppercorns for a unique flavor profile. Each of these variations can elevate your dish and make it a delightful surprise for your taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guideline. For a serving of Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, you can typically expect around 220 calories, 12g of fat, 20g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this dish knowing you’re savoring something delicious!
FAQ Section
You might have a few questions as you dive into making this Chinese salt and pepper shrimp, so let’s tackle some common ones! First off, can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before coating them with the spice mixture. Another question I often get is, can I make this dish ahead of time? I recommend serving it fresh for the best texture, but you can prep the shrimp and spice mix in advance—just cook them right before serving. And if you’re wondering about the spice level, you can always adjust the amount of black and white pepper to suit your taste. Lastly, what should I serve with this delicious dish? It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a simple stir-fried vegetable side—perfect for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful and crispy, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your home.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice levels.
- Gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice!
- A true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy meat sauce dish or German bread dumplings!
Drucken
Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Crispy and flavorful Chinese salt and pepper shrimp dish.
Zutaten
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Anweisungen
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
- Coat shrimp with the spice mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Can add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Stir-fry
- Küche: Chinese
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 220
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 10g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 150mg
Keywords: chinese salt and pepper shrimp, shrimp recipe, stir-fry shrimp
