Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe

Craving a flavour explosion? Look no further than this incredibly easy recipe for Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp! This classic Chinese dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy, succulent shrimp and a addictive salt and pepper seasoning. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for even the busiest weeknight cooks, requiring readily available ingredients and a minimum of fuss. The satisfying crunch of the shrimp and the punchy flavour profile will quickly become a family favourite.

This irresistible dish is unbelievably simple to make, and incredibly satisfying to eat. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Ready to get started on creating your own crispy, flavour-packed shrimp? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below!

Tools Needed

  • Cooking oil
  • Pan
  • Chopsticks
  • La Crusade Buffet Casserole (or similar)

Ingredients

  • Medium-sized prawns: 10 (approx. 300g)
  • Egg white: 1
  • Corn flour: 2 tablespoons
  • Fine salt: 1.5 teaspoons
  • Five-spice powder: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Ground white pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Shallots: 3
  • Garlic: 3 cloves
  • Spring onion: null

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp

  • Snip off the center part of each prawn and remove the vein.
  • Add egg white and corn flour to the prawns. Gently mix until coated.
Prepare prawns: Snip off the center part of each prawn and remove the vein.Marinate prawns: Add egg white and corn flour to the prawns. Gently mix until coated.
Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp

Step 2. Fry the Shrimp and Prepare Aromatics

  • In a pan, heat oil until it shimmers around a chopstick.
  • Carefully add prawns to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway.
  • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté chopped shallots until fragrant.
  • Add chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
Heat oil: In a pan, heat oil until it shimmers around a chopstick.Fry prawns: Carefully add prawns to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway.Prepare aromatics: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté chopped shallots until fragrant.Add garlic: Add chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
Fry the Shrimp and Prepare Aromatics

Step 3. Season and Combine

  • Mix salt, five-spice powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a bowl.
  • Add the fried prawns to the pan with the shallots and garlic.
  • Gradually add the salt mixture, tossing to coat.
Prepare seasoning: Mix salt, five-spice powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a bowl.Combine: Add the fried prawns to the pan with the shallots and garlic.Season: Gradually add the salt mixture, tossing to coat.
Season and Combine

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Turn off heat, stir in chopped spring onion, and serve.
Finish: Turn off heat, stir in chopped spring onion, and serve.
Finish and Serve

Read more: Crispy Fried Egg Rolls: Authentic Chinese Appetizer Recipe

Tips

  • To reduce splatter when frying, remove the eyes of the prawns.
  • Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the prawns.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Protein: 27g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they get crispy.

2. What if I don't have cornstarch?

You can substitute with arrowroot powder or even all-purpose flour, but the cornstarch provides the best crispiness.

3. How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?

Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before frying and don't overcrowd the pan. A higher frying temperature also helps achieve extra crispiness.


This simple yet flavourful Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and addictive seasoning – your taste buds will thank you! Now go forth and create your own delicious masterpiece!