Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a beloved takeout-style dish that’s crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor. Lightly coated prawns are fried until golden, then tossed in a fragrant mix of garlic, chilies, and scallions with a seasoned salt and pepper blend. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salt & Pepper Prawns are quick to make, incredibly addictive, and packed with bold flavor. The prawns stay juicy on the inside while developing a delicate, crispy coating. The garlic-chili-scallion mix gives each bite a punch of umami, heat, and aroma. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these prawns bring the sizzle and spice of Chinese cooking right to your table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large raw prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
• Garlic, finely minced
• Red chili or red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Green onions (scallions), finely sliced
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional: lime wedges (for serving)

directions

1. In a bowl, toss prawns with a mix of cornstarch, salt, and pepper (and five-spice if using) until well coated.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the prawns in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and just cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. In a clean pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil and sauté garlic, chili, and green onions until aromatic (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Add the fried prawns back to the pan and toss quickly to coat in the aromatics.
6. Taste and sprinkle additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

Serves 2–3 as a main or 4 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Dry Version: Omit chilies and scallions for a minimalist version focused on crispiness.
• Spicy Version: Add more red chilies or crushed chili flakes for extra heat.
• Sweet & Spicy: Toss prawns in a drizzle of honey or sweet chili sauce after frying.
• Vegetable Boost: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or onions for texture and color.
• Air Fryer Option: Air fry the coated prawns at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

storage/reheating

Salt & Pepper Prawns are best enjoyed fresh.
If storing leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to ensure crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I use regular shrimp instead of prawns?

Absolutely. Any large shrimp will work well in this recipe.

Why is cornstarch used instead of flour?

Cornstarch gives a lighter, crisper coating that stays crunchier than flour.

Is five-spice powder necessary?

It’s optional, but adds a warm, aromatic undertone if you enjoy complex flavors.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Fry in hot oil and avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but results will be less crispy. Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to moderate. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili used.

What can I serve with salt & pepper prawns?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles make great side options.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the prawns and chop aromatics ahead, but fry and toss just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a fast, flavor-packed dish that delivers crunch, spice, and aromatic goodness with every bite. With minimal ingredients and simple prep, you can bring this takeout favorite to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether as a starter or main course, it’s a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for bold Chinese flavors.

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