Szechuan Shrimp
Plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a fiery, numbing Szechuan sauce with crisp veggies. This classic Chinese-American stir-fry is packed with bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Shrimp
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, 1 tablespoon (3 tsp) of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper.
- c.Toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly.
- d.Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Sauce & Peppercorns
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and the chicken broth. Set aside.
- c.Heat a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the Szechuan peppercorns and toast for 1-2 minutes, shaking the pan, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- d.Immediately transfer the toasted peppercorns to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind into a coarse powder.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Shrimp
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Cook for 60-90 seconds per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- e.Remove the cooked shrimp from the wok and set aside on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same wok over high heat.
- c.Add the dried red chilies and the ground Szechuan peppercorn powder. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the minced ginger, garlic, and the chopped white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- e.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the cooked shrimp to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a quick stir to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it into the wok.
- d.Stir and toss everything together constantly for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.
- e.Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give it a final toss.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Garnish with the sliced green parts of the scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- c.Serve immediately with hot steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before marinating.
- 2Mise en place is key for stir-frying. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking.
- 3Use a wok if you have one. Its shape allows for high heat and even cooking.
- 4Control the spice level by adjusting the number of dried red chilies. For a milder dish, use fewer chilies or remove their seeds.
- 5Don't overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly and will become tough if left on the heat for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the shrimp with thinly sliced chicken breast, beef flank steak, or firm tofu cubes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or water chestnuts. Add them along with the bell peppers.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts or cashews at the end for extra texture and flavor, similar to Kung Pao style.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your Shaoxing wine is gluten-free or use dry sherry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and supporting muscle health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Garlic, ginger, and bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, supporting overall cellular health.
Metabolism Boosting Properties
The capsaicin in the dried red chilies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may aid in weight management.
Frequently asked questions
This Szechuan Shrimp recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, not including rice. The final count can vary based on the exact amount of oil used and the size of the shrimp.