National Dish China: Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Salt and Pepper Shrimp, a Chinese classic that bottles all the punchy flavour of the wok in a single plateful. Tender prawns are tossed in a light, crackling coating and finished with a fragrant blend of black pepper and salt, then scattered with fresh chilli and spring onion. Whether you serve it as a sharing starter or the centrepiece of dinner, it is the kind of dish that turns heads at the table. Bring the buzz of a Chinese kitchen straight to your own home.
About Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a classic Chinese dish that captures the bold, layered flavours of Asian cooking to perfection. The combination of tender, freshly fried prawns and an aromatic seasoning mix of black pepper and salt makes it a highlight of any meal. Whether you offer it as a starter or a main course, it wins over everyone who tries it. Let the gentle heat and the rich taste of the sea cast their spell on you.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2–3 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 fresh green chillies, sliced into rings
- 1–2 spring onions, finely sliced into rings
- Oil, for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best salt and pepper shrimp, choose the freshest ingredients you can find. Visit your local fishmonger or a specialist food shop to track down good-quality prawns, and check both their look and their smell before you buy. The remaining ingredients are easy to source — most supermarkets stock the spices and fresh aromatics you need. If you enjoy seafood, the same care pays off in dishes like Sichuan Boiled Fish.
Preparing the dish
To get the prawns ready, it is important to clean and dry them thoroughly. Once peeled and deveined, lay the prawns on kitchen paper to draw off any excess moisture — this is the secret to a properly crisp coating. While they sit, prepare the green chillies and spring onions by slicing them into rings. With everything in place, the cooking comes together in just a few quick minutes.
Step-by-step instructions
- Drain the prawns well and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Toss the prawns in a bowl with the cornflour until they are evenly coated.
- Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan until it is good and hot.
- Add the prawns in batches and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.
- Lift the prawns onto kitchen paper to drain off the excess oil.
- In a separate pan, lightly fry the fresh chillies and spring onions.
- Add the fried prawns and season with black pepper and salt.
- Toss everything together and serve piping hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
This dish is wonderfully easy to keep gluten-free. Simply use cornflour in place of wheat flour for the coating, and it stays beautifully crisp. The recipe is naturally lactose-free, as it contains no dairy at all. Just double-check that any other seasonings you reach for are also gluten-free, and everyone — including those with intolerances — can enjoy this delicious plate without a worry.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although salt and pepper shrimp is traditionally made with prawns, plant-based alternatives let you create a vegan version with ease. Courgette batons or cubes of tofu stand in nicely for the prawns. Marinate the vegetables briefly first to deepen the flavour, then follow exactly the same frying method. The result is just as crisp and tasty, much like the meat-free crunch of Gan Bian Si Ji Dou.
More tips and tricks
To get the most from your dish, take care not to over-fry the prawns, or they can turn tough and rubbery. Experiment with the amount of black pepper to dial in the heat you prefer. A little extra garlic or ginger adds another fragrant layer if you fancy it. Serving the prawns with a fresh dipping sauce alongside is another easy way to lift the whole experience.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Make your salt and pepper shrimp your own by trying out different spices. A pinch of Sichuan pepper, for instance, brings a wonderful extra dimension and a gentle tingle. The number of chillies can be adjusted to suit you too — fewer for a milder plate, more for an extra kick. This flexibility lets you tailor the dish so it matches your taste exactly.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find prawns, other seafood such as squid or firm fish fillets work beautifully in their place. Potato starch can be used instead of cornflour to keep the coating crisp. For a smokier note, stir a little smoked paprika into the seasoning mix. Variations like these keep the dish interesting and open up new flavours — much like the delicate touch of Steamed Fish with Ginger and Soy.
Drink pairing ideas
To partner your salt and pepper shrimp in style, reach for an Asian beer such as Tsingtao, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Both complement the dish’s flavours and offer a refreshing contrast to the savoury heat. For an alcohol-free option, a cup of ginger or jasmine tea balances the spice beautifully and rounds the meal off nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
Present your salt and pepper shrimp on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges to make it look as good as it tastes. Arrange the prawns evenly and generously across the plate. Small bowls of dipping sauce or soy sauce set alongside give your guests extra ways to enjoy the dish. A thoughtful, creative arrangement adds to the pleasure and makes for a memorable meal — a treat fit to sit beside Longjing Shrimp.
A bit of history
Salt and pepper shrimp comes from the traditional kitchens of China, a cuisine celebrated for its varied flavours and clever cooking techniques. The pairing of salt and black pepper reflects the love of bold, distinctive tastes that runs through Chinese cooking. Across the many regions of China the dish is prepared with countless variations, though the core ingredients stay much the same. Its popularity has carried it well beyond China to become a much-loved part of China cuisine enjoyed around the world.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Salt and Pepper Shrimp
In short, salt and pepper shrimp is an exquisite way to explore the flavours of Chinese cuisine. The dish brings together tender prawns and a punchy, peppery seasoning that delights the palate. It is simple to make and easy to adapt in countless ways, so everyone can enjoy it their own way. Do not miss the chance to serve this delicious dish at your next dinner — it is sure to become a firm favourite.
