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.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- 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 for the bold flavors.
- Fish Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the marinade.
- Thai Red Chili Peppers: Bring heat and a vibrant kick to the dish.
- Garlic and Ginger: Classic aromatics that elevate the flavor profile.
- Flour and Cornstarch: Create the crispy coating for the fried shrimp.
- Peppercorns and Salt: Add seasoning and a final touch of texture and spice.
- Cilantro: A fresh garnish that balances the bold flavors.
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.
Step Six: Discard excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. 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 for Nailing This Shrimp Recipe
- 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.
Variations
- 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.
- Different Proteins: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or squid for a different twist.
Storing And Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing may compromise the texture of the fried shrimp.
What to Serve Ginger Garlic Shrimp?
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the bold flavors.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with a mix of crunchy veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.
- Asian Noodles: Serve with sesame or garlic noodles for a hearty pairing.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side to balance the heat and spice.
FAQ’S
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.
Fiery Ginger Garlic Shrimp (Chinese Shrimp)
Ingredients
- 1 Ibs Large Shrimp Peeled And Deveined
- 4 Red Thai Chili Peppers
- 3 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 Inch Ginger
- 3 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Scallions Sliced
- 1 Tsp Whole Peppercorns
- 1 Tsp 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.
