5 Crispy Cornstarch Shrimp Recipes You Need to Try

From spicy Sichuan flavors to sweet and tangy delights, fried shrimp coated in cornstarch offers a delightful crunch and versatility. Here are five popular recipes to get you started:

1. Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This classic Chinese dish is a symphony of textures and flavors. The shrimp are coated in a light cornstarch batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a flavorful salt and pepper seasoning. The result is a dish that’s both satisfyingly crunchy and bursting with savory goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove shrimp from oil and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve immediately.

2. Sweet and Sour Shrimp

A popular Chinese-American dish, this recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic sauce with the satisfying crunch of fried shrimp. The shrimp are coated in cornstarch, deep-fried to golden brown, and then tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, often with pineapple chunks and bell peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove shrimp from oil and drain on paper towels.
7. In a separate pan, combine pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and sweet and sour sauce. Heat over medium heat until sauce is warmed through.
8. Add fried shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat.
9. Serve immediately over rice.

3. Kung Pao Shrimp

This spicy and savory dish features shrimp coated in cornstarch and deep-fried until crispy. They are then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with peanuts, dried chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup dried chili peppers
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove shrimp from oil and drain on paper towels.
7. In a separate pan, toast peanuts over medium heat until fragrant.
8. Add dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
9. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to the pan and bring to a simmer.
10. Add fried shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat.
11. Serve immediately over rice.

4. Tempura Shrimp

This Japanese dish features shrimp coated in a light batter made with cornstarch and flour, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It is often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and grated daikon radish. The light and airy batter allows the shrimp’s natural flavor to shine through, while the crispy texture provides a delightful contrast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ice water
• Vegetable oil for deep frying
• Dipping sauce (soy sauce and grated daikon radish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour.
2. Gradually add ice water to the flour mixture, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms.
3. Add shrimp to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove shrimp from oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

5. Shrimp Scampi

While not traditionally fried, this dish can be made with fried shrimp for an extra layer of crunch. The shrimp are coated in cornstarch and pan-fried in butter and garlic, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. The cornstarch coating helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with cornstarch.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
6. Add parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately over pasta or rice.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can create with fried shrimp coated in cornstarch. Experiment with different flavors and spices to find your own favorite combinations. Enjoy!