Name: Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon whole Sichuan pepper; ½ star anise; ½ teaspoon sesame seeds; ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds; 4 teaspoon salt; 300 g shell-on shrimp (or prawns), with or without heads; 3 tablespoon corn starch (or tapioca starch); Neutral cooking oil, for deep or shallow frying; 2 tablespoon minced shallots, or onion; 2 tablespoon minced red chili pepper; 2 tablespoon minced green chili pepper; 2 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1 stalk scallions, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something that bursts with crunch, spice, and irresistible savory punch, the Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe is here to blow your mind and satisfy your cravings all at once. This stunning dish masterfully blends aromatic Sichuan pepper, star anise, fiery chilis, and a perfectly crispy shrimp exterior to create a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just stepping into the world of Chinese-inspired cooking, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your absolute favorites—a true celebration of texture and taste in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a group of raw shrimp covered in white flour, placed in a round white bowl with soft swirling pastel colors inside. The shrimp are layered in a pile, showing light grayish-pink shells with tails visible, and a powdery white coating that clings unevenly to their bodies and the bowl surface. The bowl rests on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s truly wonderful about the Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully selected each ingredient is. Every element plays a unique role in building layers of flavor, providing crunch, or adding that beautiful golden hue that makes this dish so inviting.

Whole Sichuan pepper: Adds a distinctive numbing spice that defines the classic flavor profile.
Star anise: Offers a subtle warmth and sweet licorice aroma to deepen the seasoning.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty undertone and appealing texture.
Fennel seeds: Enhances fragrance with a gentle sweetness that balances the spice.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the spices together.
Shrimp (300g, shell-on): The star of the show, providing juicy meat and crispy shells when fried.
Corn starch: Creates the perfectly crispy coating on the shrimp.
Neutral cooking oil: Necessary for frying without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Minced shallots, red and green chili peppers, garlic, and ginger: These aromatics lend a vibrant kick and complexity.
Scallions: For fresh, herbal garnish that brightens each bite.

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe

Step 1: Create the Salt and Pepper Seasoning

Start by toasting the whole Sichuan pepper, star anise, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, and salt in a dry pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the salt darkens slightly and the spices become irresistibly fragrant. This step unlocks their full aroma, forming the soul of the seasoning.

Step 2: Grind the Toasted Spices

Once cooled slightly, grind the toasted mixture finely using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. The result is a vibrant, aromatic salt and pepper blend that will make this recipe uniquely flavorful and authentic.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse your shrimp under cold running water, then pat dry thoroughly with kitchen paper. This helps the corn starch stick better, which is crucial for that perfect crispiness. Toss the dried shrimp with corn starch until they are evenly coated but not clumped together.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

You can choose to deep fry or shallow fry, both will yield delicious results. For deep frying, heat oil to about 375°F (190°C) and fry the shrimp for around 90 seconds until crisp and pink. For shallow frying, pour enough oil to cover half of the shrimp when laid flat, cook over high heat flipping halfway, and watch for that golden crunch while managing splashes carefully.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics and Finish

After frying your shrimp, drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving a thin layer behind. Add minced shallots, red and green chili peppers, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Sauté gently over medium heat until fragrant—about 1 minute. Then add your crispy shrimp back along with about half a teaspoon of the freshly ground salt and pepper seasoning (adjust as you like). Toss quickly to coat everything evenly, and finish by sprinkling chopped scallions before serving.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with cooked shrimp that are golden orange in color and garnished with small red chili pieces and sliced green onions scattered on top. The shrimp have their tails and shells partially on, with a slightly shiny and textured surface indicating they are cooked with a sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a wooden spoon with a brown spice and a small bowl with chopped fresh vegetables. A woman's hand is reaching towards the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scattering of finely chopped scallions not only adds a burst of fresh color but also a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness of the fried shrimp beautifully. For an extra touch, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can add a garden-fresh aroma that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to balance the bold salt and pepper flavors. Lightly sautéed greens, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli, offer a crisp, fresh counterpoint that rounds out your meal with a healthy crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the shrimp on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves or nestle them neatly in bamboo steamers lined with parchment paper for a fun, authentic presentation. You can also offer a spicy citrus dipping sauce on the side to add a zesty twist that friends and family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe tasting its best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the shrimp has that incredible crisp coating, consume within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp, but note that the delicate crispiness will be slightly compromised. To freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and consume within one month for best taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a hot oven or air fryer to revive the crispy texture—avoid microwaving if possible, as this will make the coating soggy. A quick 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) usually works perfectly to bring the dish back to life.

FAQs

Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell-on shrimp?

While peeled shrimp will work, the shell-on shrimp provides that signature crunch and extra flavor from the frying process, which is essential to the authentic Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe experience.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chili used. You can easily adjust the red and green chili quantities to suit your personal tolerance for spicy foods without losing the dish’s bold character.

Can I use regular black pepper instead of Sichuan pepper?

Sichuan pepper offers a unique numbing spiciness that black pepper cannot replicate, but if it’s unavailable, black pepper is an acceptable substitute—it just won’t give quite the same signature flavor.

What oil is best for frying shrimp in this recipe?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil work best to achieve that perfect golden crisp without imparting extra flavors.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

The shrimp should turn a lovely pink and develop a crispy exterior, which usually takes about 90 seconds in deep frying or a few minutes in shallow frying. Be careful not to overcook, or the shrimp might become tough.

Final Thoughts

You simply can’t go wrong making this Salt and Pepper Shrimp (椒盐虾) Recipe at home. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough to wow guests with its harmonious blend of crunchy texture, aromatic spices, and fresh heat. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful bite!