This Fiery Ginger Garlic Shrimp recipe is a showstopper that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Crispy fried shrimp are coated in a bold blend of garlic, ginger, and red chili peppers, creating an irresistible Chinese shrimp dish with layers of flavor and heat.
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It’s perfect when you’re craving something a little extra but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight dinner game or flexing for guests, this recipe delivers all the punch of your favorite Chinese takeout, minus the delivery fee.
Pair it with Air Fryer Bok Choy for a complete, crispy-saucy-spicy vibe, or keep it simple with Instant Pot white rice and veggies. Either way, this dish is fire—in every sense of the word.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Flavors: Packed with spicy, savory, and aromatic notes.
- Crispy Perfection: The fried shrimp stay crunchy while soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
🥘 Ingredients
- Shrimp: The star ingredient, offering a sweet and tender base perfect for soaking up all those flavors.
- Fish Sauce: Adds that umami depth to your marinade. Don’t skip it.
- Thai Red Chilies: Bring the heat! Adjust to your fire level.
- Garlic + Ginger: Classic aromatics that make everything smell and taste amazing.
- Flour + Cornstarch: The dream team for a crispy coating.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Different Proteins: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or squid for a different twist.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for added color and crunch.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy zing.
🔪How To Make Chinese Ginger Garlic Shrimp
Step One: Marinate the peeled and deveined shrimp in fish sauce for 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
Step Two: In a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the whole peppercorns for added texture and flavor.
Step Three: Drain the shrimp from the fish sauce marinade and coat them in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. Ensure each shrimp is evenly covered.
Step Four: Drain the shrimp from the fish sauce marinade and coat them in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. Ensure each shrimp is evenly covered.
Step Five: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Step Six: Heat the oil, then sauté the chopped garlic and ginger until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the red chili peppers and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir in the sliced scallions and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Seven: Return the fried shrimp to the pan and gently toss them with the aromatic mixture until well coated. Remove from heat.
Step Eight: Sprinkle the dish with the ground peppercorns and coarse salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Serve Immediately: The shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, right after cooking.
- Fry in Small Batches: To ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase the number of Thai chilies based on your heat tolerance.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aroma and flavor.
- Serve Hot & Fresh: This dish is peak delicious straight out of the pan.
💭 FAQs
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe, as pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery during frying.
You can substitute with red pepper flakes, and jalapeños, or omit them for a milder dish.
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli would be great additions.
Reduce the number of Thai chilies or remove the seeds to lower the heat level.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Do not freeze.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some great sides to serve with garlic shrimp:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking in the bold flavors.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with a mix of crunchy veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.
- Air Fryer Crispy Green Beans: Light, crisp, and great for balancing the spice.
- Asian Noodles: Serve with sesame or garlic noodles for a hearty pairing.
- Korean Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side to balance the heat and spice.
🍽 Related Seafood Recipes
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Fiery Ginger Garlic Shrimp (Chinese Shrimp)
Ingredients
- 1 Ibs Large Shrimp Peeled And Deveined
- 4 Red Thai Chili Peppers
- 3 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 Inch Ginger
- 3 tablespoon All Purpose Flour
- 3 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Scallions Sliced
- 1 teaspoon Whole Peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Salt Or To Taste
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves For Garnish
Instructions
- Marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in fish sauce for 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Coarsely grind the whole peppercorns using a mortar and pestle.
- Drain shrimp from the marinade and coat in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, ensuring each shrimp is evenly covered.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 3 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Discard excess oil from the pan, leaving 1 tablespoon. Sauté chopped garlic and ginger until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Add red chili peppers and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in scallions and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return fried shrimp to the pan and toss with the aromatics until well coated. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with ground pepper and coarse salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
