Easy Crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of bold, irresistible flavors, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns. This dish, a restaurant favorite across Asia, delivers that addictive crispiness and mouth-tingling spice that makes every bite unforgettable. Interestingly, despite its complex taste, making Salt and Pepper Shrimp at home is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require a deep fryer!

Perfect for casual dinner parties, festive gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms simple prawns into a show-stopping meal within minutes. Thanks to its versatility, you can serve it as a main dish or a fun appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Quick and easy — ready in under 20 minutes
• ✅ Packed with spicy, crispy goodness
• ✅ Uses just a handful of pantry staples
• ✅ Amazingly close to Chinese restaurant-style Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Ingredients & Preparation

Making Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns at home is much simpler than you might expect. Even better, most of the ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry! However, a few key items, like fresh large prawns and Sichuan peppercorns, really elevate this dish and deliver that authentic flavor similar to restaurant-style Salt and Pepper Shrimp.

Ingredients

For the Prawns

• 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed Sichuan peppercorns (optional but recommended)

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon sugar (balances the heat)
• A pinch more salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

If you love seafood with bold flavors, you might also enjoy this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe for a delicious creamy twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing these Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns is genuinely satisfying. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a crispy, golden dish that rivals any takeout!

1. Prep the Prawns

• In a bowl, gently pat the prawns dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures maximum crispiness later on.

2. Coat the Prawns

• In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Lightly toss the prawns in this dry mixture.
• Tip: Be careful not to overcoat them — a light dusting helps achieve that perfect crunch!

3. Fry the Prawns

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the prawns in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
• Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil’s temperature and achieve even frying.

4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

• In the same skillet, remove most of the oil, leaving about a tablespoon. Add the garlic, chilies, and green onion. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Immediately add the fried prawns back in and toss to coat in the aromatic mixture.

5. Final Seasoning

• Sprinkle with a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper. Give everything a final quick toss.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges for that irresistible burst of freshness! If you’re craving more peppery flavors, don’t miss this Easy Flavorful Pepper Steak Recipe You’ll Love, another simple and bold option.

Cooking & Serving

Mastering Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns is easy once you know a few insider tricks. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these tips and tweaks will help you achieve the best results every time.

Pro Tips for Success

Ingredient Swaps/Adjustments

• If you can’t find Sichuan peppercorns, a blend of regular black pepper and a touch of cayenne pepper makes a lively substitute.
• Swap prawns for squid or tofu cubes if you prefer a different texture but still want that delicious flavor found in restaurant-style Salt and Pepper Shrimp.

Storage/Reheating Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat quickly in a hot skillet or an air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn the prawns rubbery.

Flavor/Texture Enhancements

• For an extra boost, marinate the prawns with a splash of Shaoxing wine before coating.
• Toss in a few toasted sesame seeds during the final stir-fry step to add nutty flavor and a nice crunch.

For another quick and flavorful seafood idea, you might also enjoy this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Variations/Substitutions

Adapting Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns is simpler than you think. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Substitute prawns with firm tofu cubes. Coat and fry the tofu the same way for a crispy, satisfying bite.
• Low-Spice: Reduce or skip the fresh chilies without losing the overall flavor. Boost the garlic and green onion instead for a more aromatic version.
• Extra Heat: For spice lovers, add a few dashes of chili oil when stir-frying.

If bold, peppery dishes are your thing, don’t miss trying this Easy Flavorful Pepper Steak Recipe You’ll Love.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Ideas

• Serve your Salt and Pepper Prawns with steamed jasmine rice or simple garlic noodles for a complete meal.
• A light, crisp cucumber salad on the side balances the richness perfectly.
• For drinks, an ice-cold lager or a refreshing ginger beer pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick.

Garnish Tips

• Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and sliced red chilies over the top for a pop of color and added zing.
• A quick squeeze of lemon or lime just before serving enhances the prawns’ crispy coating and brightens the overall flavor.

By following these simple ideas, you’ll not only master the art of making Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns but also impress everyone at the table!

FAQs

Conclusion

Mastering Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns at home is much easier than it seems. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results straight to your kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible — you can easily adapt it using tofu or squid, just like other flavorful seafood dishes such as Shrimp Alfredo.

If you enjoyed the bold flavors here, you might also love trying this Easy Flavorful Pepper Steak Recipe for another savory option. Ready to dive into more kitchen adventures? Check out even more great ideas like the Salt and Pepper Shrimp variations to keep your meals exciting and delicious!

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