1. Honey Walnut Shrimp
35 min · Intermediate · Cantonese
Crispy battered shrimp in a creamy honey sauce with candied walnuts — the indulgent banquet favorite, fresher than takeout.
3 Chinese Shrimp Recipes
By The Chowmi Test Kitchen · Updated June 6, 2026
Shrimp cook in minutes, which makes them perfect for Chinese stir-fries — and the single most important rule across all of these dishes is simply not to overcook them, since shrimp turn from plump and juicy to rubbery in seconds. These Chinese shrimp recipes show the range: the rich, creamy indulgence of honey walnut shrimp, the bold sweet-spicy kick of kung pao shrimp, and the crunchy, garlicky punch of Cantonese salt and pepper shrimp. Each is written for a US kitchen with substitutes noted, and each comes together fast. Shrimp are also a lucky food at celebrations — their name sounds like laughter — so these dishes earn a place on a festive table, too.
2. Kung Pao Shrimp
20 min · Beginner · Sichuan
Plump shrimp with peanuts and dried chilies in a sweet-sour-spicy Sichuan sauce with a numbing tingle. Bold and quick.
3. Salt and Pepper Shrimp
25 min · Intermediate · Cantonese
Crunchy shell-on shrimp tossed with garlic, chili and a salt-pepper-five-spice seasoning. Salty, aromatic and addictive.
Easy Chinese dinner FAQ
How do you keep shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook them fast and briefly over high heat — just until they turn pink and curl, usually 1–3 minutes. For stir-fries, sear the shrimp, remove them, build the sauce, and return them at the very end only to coat. Overcooking, or leaving shrimp in the pan while you do other steps, is what makes them tough.
Should I use shell-on or peeled shrimp?
It depends on the dish. Salt and pepper shrimp is traditionally made with shell-on shrimp, because the fried shells turn crisp and edible and add flavor. For saucy stir-fries like kung pao or honey walnut shrimp, peeled and deveined shrimp are easier to eat. Either way, pat them very dry before cooking.
What size shrimp is best for Chinese cooking?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for most of these dishes — they stay plump and juicy through quick, high-heat cooking and are easier not to overcook. Medium shrimp work too but cook even faster, so watch them closely. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp both work well.
Why are shrimp considered lucky for Chinese New Year?
In Cantonese, the word for shrimp (蝦, “ha”) sounds like laughter, so shrimp dishes symbolize happiness, liveliness and good fortune. That's why dishes like honey walnut shrimp and salt and pepper shrimp are popular on celebration and Chinese New Year tables.
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