5.0 from 90 votes
Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe - Ready In Minutes
Kung pao shrimp is a easy, quick and delicious stir-fried shrimp with a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 240 kcal
Course:
Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
Asian , Chinese
Ingredients
- 400 gram or 14 ounces shrimp (or prawn) peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon peanut oil
- 5 dried red chili
- 3-4 fresh garlic cloves minced
- ½ inch fresh ginger minced
- ¼ teaspoon red Sichuan peppercorns freshly ground
- ½ green bell pepper cut into 1 inch square
- ½ red bell pepper cut into 1 inch square
- ½ medium-sized onion cut into 1 inch square
- 2 stalks scallion greens cut into 1 inch long
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoon Water or stock
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: Toss the shrimp together with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the kung pao sauce: Mix light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, ground white pepper, and toasted sesame oil in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the pan or wok over high heat, then add one tablespoon of oil and shrimp. Sear them for 1 minute from each side and transfer them to a plate.
- Stir fry the aromatics and dried chilies: Heat remaining oil, add dried red chilies, ground sichuan peppercorn, garlic, and ginger. Stir constantly over medium flame for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add the veggies: Add onion and bell peppers, then stir-fry over high heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp: add the shrimp back to the pan and stir-fry for a minute.
- Add kung pao sauce: Stir sauce once more to prevent clumping (the cornstarch usually settles to the bottom, so be sure it is well incorporated) and pour into the pan; stir fry for another minute.
- Add peanuts and scallion greens: Once the sauce is thick enough, turn off the heat and add scallion greens and roasted peanuts. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Dish out and serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
240kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
18g
(36%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
126mg
(42%)
Sodium
1570mg
(65%)
Potassium
311mg
(9%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
800IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
34mg
(38%)
Calcium
82mg
(8%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 240
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 240kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 126mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1570mg | 65% |
| Potassium | 311mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 800IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 34mg | 38% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.