Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tossed in an aromatic and addictive salt and pepper seasoning. This easy Chinese shrimp recipe delivers bold flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite, making it impossible to stop at just one.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

I truly believe some dishes stay with us not just because of how they taste, but because of how they make us feel. For me, Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is one of those dishes.

It’s a true classic in Chinese cuisine, but more than that, it holds some of my most precious childhood memories. Growing up, this was one of those special treats my parents would either prepare at home or order for me at restaurants during celebrations. I still remember the excitement of seeing a plate of golden, crispy shrimp placed in front of me — and that first bite… crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, full of flavor and comfort all at once.

To welcome the new year, I wanted to recreate this dish — not just as a recipe, but as a way to reconnect with those warm, joyful moments and honor the love I shared with my parents through food.

And this version is everything I remember, and more.

Each shrimp is lightly coated and fried until perfectly golden and crispy, while staying tender and juicy inside. Then comes the magic — that signature salt and pepper seasoning, ароматic, slightly numbing, and deeply satisfying. It clings to every crispy surface, creating that addictive balance of crunch and flavor that keeps you reaching for the next piece without even thinking.

It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and somehow… it always disappears faster than you expect.

These recipes can satisfy your different tastes. If you are also a shrimp lover, in addition to experiencing different flavors of shrimp, you can also make exquisite keychains on CustomKeychains.Com and make the keychains into interesting shrimp graphics. You can choose your favorite material, metal printing and acrylic are both good choices. Keychains can not only be used for decoration but also as a vivid expression of your love of food.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

SALT AND PEPPER MIX

For the signature salt and pepper mix, I highly recommend using both Sichuan peppercorn and black peppercorns. This combination creates a beautifully fragrant, slightly numbing flavor that makes this dish truly special. And when it comes to salt, always go for sea salt rather than regular salt — it enhances the flavor in a much more balanced way.

If you have a few extra minutes, try making the salt and pepper mix from scratch instead of using a store-bought version. It’s quick, simple, and the freshness makes a noticeable difference. Once you try it yourself, it’s hard to go back.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SALT & PEPPER SHRIMP

This Chinese Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for a cozy night at home, a relaxed dinner with friends, or as a crowd-pleasing party snack that disappears within minutes.

There’s something so satisfying about that first crunchy bite — warm, fragrant, and full of flavor — and the way it instantly brings comfort and joy.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your go-to favorites… and one you’ll want to share with the people you love. Happy Cooking!

FAQS

MORE SHRIMP RECIPES

Delightful Honey Garlic Shrimp

Super Easy and Delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp

Sensational Bang Bang Shrimp

Chinese Crispy Honey Prawns

Sichuan Chili Shrimp with Korean Rice Cakes

Healthy Sautéed Shrimp and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Haini

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tossed in an aromatic and addictive salt and pepper seasoning. This easy Chinese shrimp recipe delivers bold flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite, making it impossible to stop at just one.

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marinate 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 18-20 large Shrimp, peeled and deveined, butterfly shape
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 long fresh Thai Red Chilli, finely chopped
• 2 long dried Red Chilies, roughly chopped
• 2 Green Onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil + Oil for frying
• some Coriander for garnish
• Lime wedges to serve

Marinade

• 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine
• 1 Egg, whisked

Salt and Pepper Mix

• 1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Sea Salt

Instructions

 

• In a frying pan, toast Sichuan Peppercorns and Black Peppercorns on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then use a mortar and pestle to grind into fine powder. Transfer to a bowl.
• Add in the Sea Salt (don't use regular salt!). Mix well. Salt and Pepper mix is ready.
• Slice down the back of Shrimp (without cutting in half) into a butterfly shape. In a bowl, mix together the Shrimp, Light Soy Sauce, Chinese Cooking Wine, and Egg. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, add in Cornstarch. Add in the Shrimp and some marinade. Use your hands to mix well the Shrimp and Cornstarch. Shake off extra starch.
• In a wok, on high heat, add in enough Vegetable Oil for the Shrimp to float. Use a wooden chopstick to check the temperature of the oil. When there are small bubbles coming up quickly, the oil is ready. Add the Shrimp into the hot oil one at a time. Fry in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towel or a wire rack.
• In a clean wok, add in the Vegetable Oil over medium-high heat. Then add in the Garlic, Thai Red Chilli, Dried Red Chillies, and Green Onions. Stir fry for a minute. Then add in the fried Shrimp. Sprinkle over a generous amount of Salt and Pepper mix. Toss everything well.
• Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with some chopped coriander and serve with Lime wedges.

Video

Notes

• Butterfly the shrimp for the best texture and presentation — use a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back of each shrimp, cutting through to the tail without separating it. This allows the shrimp to open into a beautiful butterfly shape while staying intact. For an extra elegant look, keep the tail shell on.
• Use sea salt, not regular salt — when making the salt and pepper mix, sea salt gives a cleaner, more balanced flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Finish with a touch of freshness — just before serving, squeeze a little lime juice over the shrimp and dip them into the salt and pepper mix to bring out the flavors even more.

 

Did you try this recipe?Mention @hainisblog and tag #cookcookgo on instagram!