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Crispy Szechuan Shrimp Recipe

Big, bold, and addictive flavors from garlic, chili, and Szechuan peppercorns, all wrapped around crispy juicy shrimp.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 362 kcal
Course: Main Course , Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian , Chinese

Ingredients

Szechuan Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound large or jumbo shell-on & deveined shrimp* pat dry
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine*
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 1/2 cup potato starch*
Aromatics & For Serving
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 red chilies finely sliced
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Make Szechuan Salt
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat a wok or large pan on medium-high heat. Dry toast the Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant.
  2. Transfer them in mortar & pestle or coffee grinder and grind until they're a fine powder. Mix with salt and set aside.
Prep Shrimp
  1. In a large bowl, add the egg white and whisk until frothy.
  2. Mix in soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and fish sauce until well combined, then add in shrimp. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Add potato starch to shrimp with the marinade and mix well. Scrunch mixture onto shrimp to pack on the potato starch and marinade.
Cook Shrimp
  1. Meanwhile, heat oil in the wok on high heat. Check if the oil is hot enough by sprinkling a little potato starch in the oil. If small bubbles form, it's ready.
  2. Gently shake off any excess potato starch from the shrimp, then carefully add them to the pan, working in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.
  3. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, then immediately sprinkle them with some of the Szechuan pepper and salt mixture to taste.
Cook Aromatics
  1. Drain oil from the wok and carefully wipe it down to remove any excess bits from frying.
  2. Reheat wok to medium-high. Add in garlic, chilis, and green onions to dry toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle them on top of shrimp and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Shrimp: This dish is typically made with the shell on because it packs on so much more flavor and creates an extra barrier to help keep the shrimp juicy. However, if you prefer to cook with the shell off, make sure to watch the shrimp closely so they don't overcook.
  • can be easily found at local Asian markets or Amazon.
  • Potato Starch: Potato starch creates a delicious texture on the shrimp and can be easily found at local Asian markets or Amazon. If you can’t find potato starch, you may also use cornstarch as an alternative.
  • Shrimp: This dish is typically made with the shell on because it packs on so much more flavor and creates an extra barrier to help keep the shrimp juicy. However, if you prefer to cook with the shell off, make sure to watch the shrimp closely so they don't overcook.
  • Shaoxing Wine: Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine that can be easily found at local Asian markets or Amazon.
  • Potato Starch: Potato starch creates a delicious texture on the shrimp and can be easily found at local Asian markets or Amazon. If you can’t find potato starch, you may also use cornstarch as an alternative.
  • Oil for Frying: I recommend using neutral oil with a high smoke point. My favorite is grapeseed oil, however, vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are some other great alternatives.

Nutrition Information

Serving 150g Calories 362kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 143mg (48%) Sodium 1433mg (60%) Potassium 893mg (26%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1072IU (21%) Vitamin C 37mg (41%) Calcium 124mg (12%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 362

% Daily Value*

Serving 150g
Calories 362kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 143mg 48%
Sodium 1433mg 60%
Potassium 893mg 19%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1072IU 21%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Calcium 124mg 12%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.