Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

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When I first learned to make Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns at home, I couldn’t believe how quick and satisfying it was. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully crisp prawns tossed with colorful vegetables and a punchy salt and pepper seasoning — it’s a dish that immediately became a staple for my family dinners. I love how this recipe balances heat, savory notes, and a hint of sweetness, all wrapped up in a wonderfully crunchy bite.

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy prawns and the crispy, lightly battered texture that makes this dish stand out. Whether I’m serving it for a casual lunch or impressing friends at dinner, these prawns always steal the spotlight. Today, I’m sharing all my tips so you can recreate this restaurant favorite right at home with ease!

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this dish because it’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly easy. It delivers that perfect restaurant-style crispness without needing a deep fryer. Plus, the bold garlic, chili, and pepper flavors bring an exciting zing that pairs wonderfully with the tender prawns. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a standout dish for your next gathering, this recipe has you covered!

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What Type of Prawns Should I Use for Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns?

For the best results, I always recommend using large, raw prawns — preferably deveined and peeled but with the tail left on for presentation. Fresh prawns offer the sweetest flavor and best texture, but frozen prawns (thawed properly) work wonderfully too. Try to avoid precooked prawns; they tend to overcook and become rubbery during the frying process.

The ideal prawns should be firm to the touch and have a mild ocean smell. Wild-caught prawns often have a more intense flavor compared to farm-raised ones, but either type will deliver a satisfying crunch and juiciness when cooked properly.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! If you don’t have prawns on hand or want to mix things up, here are some fantastic options:

• Shrimp: Smaller shrimp can easily stand in. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
• Scallops: For a luxurious twist, use scallops — their natural sweetness pairs well with the salt and pepper seasoning.
• Calamari: Sliced calamari rings fry up beautifully and absorb flavors incredibly well.
• Chicken: For a land-based alternative, small chicken bites work great when seasoned and cooked similarly.
• Vegetarian Option: Use crispy-fried tofu cubes seasoned the same way for a plant-based spin.
• Different Peppers: Swap red chilies with jalapeños or sweet bell peppers if you prefer less heat.
• Seasoning Variations: Add a pinch of five-spice powder for an extra depth of flavor, or swap white pepper with black pepper for a slightly bolder kick.

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Ingredients for This Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor:

• Large Prawns: The star of the dish — juicy and naturally sweet, they hold up well to the high-heat cooking and crisp up beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Essential for creating that light, crispy coating without the heaviness of traditional batters.
• Salt: Adds depth to the flavor and enhances the natural taste of the prawns.
• White Pepper: Offers a slightly earthy, sharp heat that’s traditional in Chinese-style salt and pepper dishes.
• Red Chili: Brings a vibrant pop of color and a fiery kick that livens up every bite.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness, a mild onion flavor, and a bit of crunch.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with rich, aromatic notes that are simply irresistible.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying; a neutral oil that crisps the prawns without overpowering their delicate flavor.
• Green Beans or Snap Peas (Optional): Adds a bright, fresh crunch and a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

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Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

Start by cleaning and deveining the prawns if they aren’t already prepped. Pat them dry with paper towels — this step is crucial to help the coating stick and achieve that perfect crispiness later.

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Step 2: Coat the Prawns

In a large bowl, toss the prawns with a generous amount of cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Make sure each prawn is evenly coated for that light, crunchy shell once fried.

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Step 3: Fry the Prawns

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the prawns in batches. Fry until they turn golden and crispy — this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

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Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In a clean pan or wok, use a small amount of the frying oil. Toss in minced garlic, chopped red chilies, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry quickly over high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

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Step 5: Toss It All Together

Return the crispy prawns to the pan with the aromatics. Toss everything together quickly so the prawns are well coated with the garlic, chilies, and onions. Give it a final seasoning with a pinch more salt and pepper if desired.

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Step 6: Serve Immediately

Plate the prawns while they’re still sizzling hot. Garnish with extra green onions or chili slices if you like an extra pop of color and flavor!

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How Long to Cook Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

This recipe is quick from start to finish. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Prawns Frying Time: About 2–3 minutes per batch, until golden and crisp.
• Aromatics Stir-Fry: Just 30 seconds to 1 minute to release the flavors without burning.
• Final Tossing: Another quick 30 seconds to coat everything evenly.

Overall, you’ll have the dish ready in around 10 minutes of active cooking time! It’s one of those recipes where preparation (chopping, coating) takes longer than the actual cooking — perfect for busy nights.

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Tips for Perfect Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Any moisture on the prawns can cause splattering and soggy texture. Dry them well before coating.
• Use High Heat: A very hot pan and oil are key to crisping the prawns quickly without overcooking them.
• Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, or the temperature will drop, and you’ll end up with greasy, limp prawns.
• Fresh Aromatics: Always use fresh garlic, chili, and green onions. Their sharpness brings life to the entire dish.
• Cornstarch Magic: Stick with cornstarch instead of flour — it creates a lighter, crisper coating that’s ideal for prawns.
• Season Immediately: Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper as soon as the prawns come out of the oil to lock in flavor.
• Quick Toss: Don’t overcook the prawns once they’re back in the pan with the aromatics. A quick toss is all they need.
• Serve Hot: This dish shines brightest when served immediately — that crackling crispness is part of the magic!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Drying Step: If you don’t dry the prawns well, the coating won’t stick properly and the oil will splatter dangerously.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many prawns at once drops the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy prawns instead of crispy ones.
• Using Low Heat: Medium to high heat is crucial. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the prawns will absorb oil rather than crisp up.
• Overcooking the Prawns: Prawns cook quickly! Leaving them in the oil too long will make them rubbery and tough.
• Burning the Aromatics: Garlic and chilies can burn in seconds. Stir-fry them quickly and keep them moving in the pan.
• Not Seasoning Enough: A generous but balanced seasoning of salt and white pepper is key to bringing out the prawns’ natural sweetness.
• Using the Wrong Oil: Choose a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil — not olive oil.
• Neglecting Fresh Garnish: Fresh green onions or chilies at the end make a big difference in flavor and visual appeal!

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What to Serve With Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy, slightly sticky jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory salt and pepper seasoning.

Egg Fried Rice

Light, flavorful egg fried rice makes a comforting and delicious companion.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Crisp-tender greens in garlic sauce bring a refreshing balance to the meal.

Garlic Noodles

Buttery, savory noodles with a hint of garlic pair harmoniously with the bold prawns.

Chinese Cucumber Salad

A cool, crunchy salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds a refreshing contrast.

Sweet Chili Sauce

A side of sweet chili sauce can be a great dipping option for those who love a sweet-spicy combo.

Spring Rolls

Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls add a lovely crunchy appetizer before the main dish.

Wonton Soup

A light, warming wonton soup works beautifully if you’re planning a full Chinese-inspired dinner menu.

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Storage Instructions

While Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are best enjoyed fresh, you can still store leftovers properly:

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover prawns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture won’t be as crispy, but the flavors will remain delicious.
• Reheating: To regain some crispiness, reheat the prawns in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cooked prawns — they tend to become rubbery after thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze the raw, coated prawns and fry them directly from frozen for a quick meal.

Tip: If storing, separate layers of prawns with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~22g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~2g
• Cholesterol: ~180mg
• Carbohydrates: ~14g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sugar: ~1g
• Sodium: ~750mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the size of the prawns, the amount of oil absorbed, and any additional sides served with the dish. Always adjust based on specific brands or measurements used at home if you require precise tracking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the prawns are cooked through?

Prawns turn from gray and translucent to pink and opaque when they are fully cooked. They also curl into a loose “C” shape — if they curl tightly into an “O,” they may be overcooked.

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Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the red chilies, or substitute them with mild sweet peppers for a flavorful but gentle kick.

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Is it necessary to use cornstarch?

Yes, cornstarch is essential for achieving that signature light, crispy texture. Flour will create a thicker, heavier coating that’s not as delicate.

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Can I prepare the prawns ahead of time?

You can clean and coat the prawns in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours. However, fry them just before serving to maintain the best crispiness.

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What oil is best for frying prawns?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, is ideal for frying prawns without overpowering their flavor.

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How spicy is the traditional version?

Traditionally, it’s moderately spicy because of the chilies. But the heat level can be easily adjusted up or down depending on your preference.

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Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them very dry before coating and frying to avoid oil splatters and sogginess.

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What makes salt and pepper prawns different from other fried prawns?

The distinct seasoning — a punchy, savory mix of salt, white pepper, garlic, and chilies — sets them apart from other fried seafood dishes. It’s the combination of crispiness and bold flavor that makes them unique!

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Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a dazzling dish that feels like a treat but is so easy to master at home. The tender, juicy prawns with that irresistible golden crunch and spicy, garlicky flavor explosion will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Simple, fast, and packed with bold flavors — it’s a must-try for anyone who loves easy seafood dishes with a big personality.

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