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Kung Pao Shrimp — Sichuan recipe hero image
SichuanMedium 28 min serves 2

Kung Pao Shrimp

宫保虾球 · gōng bǎo xiā qiú

家庭快手版 · Home version: This is the Chengdu home version: less sugar, more toasted Sichuan peppercorn aroma, and shrimp cooked just until opaque—never rubbery. No peanuts are deep-fried separately; they’re lightly toasted with dried chilies for deeper nuttiness.

My aunt Li in Qingyang District used to make this every Friday after school—she’d let me toast the peanuts in her wok while she pounded Sichuan peppercorns in a stone mortar. The smell of chili and warm peanut oil still reminds me of her tiny balcony overlooking Jinjiang River.

H

Recipe author: HǎoWèi Test Kitchen

Home-cooking research team

Reviewed by HǎoWèi editorial team · Last updated 2026-08-29

Quick & Easy

Ingredients

  • large shrimp, peeled and deveined大虾仁(去壳去线)🛒 local250 g
  • roasted unsalted peanuts原味烤花生仁🛒 local40 g
  • dried red chilies干红辣椒🏮 asian8 g
  • Sichuan peppercorns花椒🏮 asian3 g
  • light soy sauce生抽🏮 asian15 ml
  • Chinese black vinegar陈醋🏮 asian10 ml
  • Shaoxing wine绍兴酒🏮 asian10 ml
  • cornstarch玉米淀粉🛒 local10 g

large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or thawed frozen; pat dry before marinating

roasted unsalted peanuts: Substitute raw peanuts toasted in dry pan for 4 minutes

dried red chilies: Remove seeds for milder heat; substitute crushed red pepper flakes (use ½ tsp less)

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Instructions

  1. 1Marinate shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp, 1 tsp light soy sauce (5 ml), 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (5 ml), and 1 tsp cornstarch (5 g). Mix gently and set aside 10 minutes.

    轻拌,勿挤水

    🔍 Look for 10 分钟 · 10 minutes

    Visual: 虾仁略泛光泽、微微饱满Shrimp turn slightly glossy and plump

    You know it's right when: 碗底无渗出水No liquid pooling at bottom

  2. 2Toast Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies in a cold wok over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly browned (about 2 minutes). Remove and crush coarsely with a mortar or knife.

    全程小火防焦

    🔍 Look for Medium-low 2 分钟 · 2 minutes

    Visual: 花椒微胀,辣椒尖端颜色变深Peppercorns swell slightly; chilies darken at tips

    You know it's right when: 散发坚果香气,无烟Aromatic, nutty scent rises — no smoke

  3. 3Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) neutral oil in wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated shrimp in single layer; stir-fry 1 minute until pink and curled but still tender.

    分次炒防出水

    🔍 Look for Medium-high 1 分钟 · 1 minute

    Visual: 虾仁转为不透明粉红色,微卷Shrimp turn opaque pink with faint curl

    You know it's right when: 边缘微焦,不冒水汽Edges begin to sear, not steam

  4. 4Push shrimp to side. Add 1 tsp minced ginger and 1 tsp minced garlic to center; stir 15 seconds until fragrant. Then add crushed chili-peppercorn mix and stir 20 seconds.

    先爆香辛料,再合炒

    🔍 Look for Medium-high 15–20 秒 · 15–20 seconds

    Visual: 姜蒜爆出金黄色小点Ginger-garlic sizzle and release golden flecks

    You know it's right when: 香气骤然浓郁Aroma intensifies sharply

  5. 5Return shrimp to center. Add remaining light soy sauce (10 ml), black vinegar (10 ml), Shaoxing wine (5 ml), and 1 tsp sugar (5 g). Toss 30 seconds. Fold in peanuts. Serve immediately.

    动作要快,锁住脆感

    🔍 Look for High heat 30 秒 · 30 seconds

    Visual: 酱汁均匀裹附虾仁,泛亮泽Sauce coats shrimp evenly with glossy sheen

    You know it's right when: 酱汁微稠,能挂勺Sauce thickens slightly and clings

Tips

  • · Use room-temperature shrimp — cold ones steam instead of sear.
  • · Toast peanuts *after* crushing chilies to avoid burning.
  • · Double the chili-peppercorn mix and store in jar for future kung pao dishes.

Sources & references

Quantities, technique notes, and substitution ratios are cross-checked against established Chinese cookery references and standard food-science sources.

Common questions

Can I skip Shaoxing wine? What's the substitute?

Dry sherry is the closest 1:1 swap (fidelity ~80%). No sherry? Use a splash of white wine plus a little water, or just skip it and add a tiny extra pinch of sugar — the wine's job is depth and removing meat's gamey notes, and a good marinade covers most of it.

Source: HǎoWèi substitution engine

I can't find Sichuan peppercorns. What do I use?

Honestly, there is no true substitute — the numbing (má) sensation is unique. Best local approximation: 1/2 tsp black pepper + a little citrus zest for warmth and brightness. If you cook Sichuan food regularly, buy them online; they keep for months in an airtight jar.

Source: HǎoWèi substitution engine

Is there a vegan substitute for oyster sauce?

Yes — 'mushroom oyster sauce' (often labeled vegetarian/vegan) is sold in most Asian grocers and increasingly in mainstream supermarkets. It behaves 1:1 and adds the same glossy umami. Watch labels if you're also gluten-free; most brands are GF, some aren't.

Source: HǎoWèi substitution engine

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