Szechuan Shrimp is a bold and fiery Chinese dish known for its deep spicy flavor, glossy sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp. This dish comes from the famous Szechuan (Sichuan) cuisine, which is loved for its spicy, garlicky, and slightly tangy taste.
In this recipe, I will explain how to make authentic-style Szechuan Shrimp at home using easy English, clear steps, and simple ingredients. If you follow this recipe properly, your shrimp will turn out juicy, spicy, and better than restaurant quality.
So, let’s begin step by step.
What Is Szechuan Shrimp?
Szechuan Shrimp is a stir-fried shrimp dish cooked in a spicy sauce made with:
Garlic and ginger
Soy sauce
Chili paste or chili garlic sauce
Vinegar for tang
A slight sweetness to balance heat
As a result, the dish has a perfect balance of heat, salt, tang, and umami, which makes it extremely addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why this Szechuan Shrimp recipe will become your favorite:
First of all, it is packed with bold flavors
Secondly, it is quick and easy to prepare
Shrimp cook fast, so the dish is ready in under 30 minutes
Moreover, it is perfect with rice or noodles
Finally, it is fully customizable in spice level
Ingredients for Szechuan Shrimp
To avoid confusion, ingredients are divided into sections.
Ingredients for Marinating Shrimp
500 grams medium shrimp (peeled & deveined)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornflour
Ingredients for Szechuan Sauce
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger (finely chopped)
2–3 dried red chilies (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
½ teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ketchup
Salt to taste
½ cup water
1 teaspoon cornflour (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)
½ cup capsicum (cubed)
Half cup spring onions
½ cup onions (cubed)
How to Make Szechuan Shrimp – Step by Step
Step 1: Clean and Marinate Shrimp
First of all, wash the shrimp properly and pat them dry using a kitchen towel. This step is important because excess water can ruin the sauce texture.
Next, add soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and cornflour to the shrimp. Mix gently and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
This light marinade helps shrimp stay juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Lightly Fry the Shrimp
Now heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink. Do not overcook them.
Once done, remove shrimp from the pan and keep aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Szechuan Sauce Base
In the same pan, add remaining oil.
Then add chopped garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
After that, add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and salt.
Mix everything well and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now add onions and capsicum.
Stir-fry on high flame for 2–3 minutes so they stay crunchy.
At this stage, the sauce should look glossy and aromatic.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Next, add the cooked shrimp back into the pan.
Pour in water and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Now add cornflour slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp perfectly.
Finally, add spring onions and mix gently.
Turn off the flame.
Tips for Perfect Szechuan Shrimp
Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp
Do not overcook shrimp, or they will turn rubbery
Adjust chili garlic sauce according to spice tolerance
High flame cooking gives restaurant-style flavor
Cornflour slurry should be added slowly to avoid lumps
Variations You Can Try
Extra Spicy Version: Add chili oil or crushed red pepper
Honey Szechuan Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
Vegetable Szechuan: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or tofu
Dry Szechuan Shrimp: Reduce water and skip cornflour
Serving Suggestions
Szechuan Shrimp tastes best when served:
With steamed rice
Alongside fried rice or noodles
With garlic rice for fusion style
It also works perfectly for:
Dinner parties
Weekend meals
Special family dinners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Szechuan Shrimp very spicy?
Traditionally yes, but you can easily reduce spice by using less chili garlic sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, sauce can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Which shrimp size is best?
Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Szechuan Shrimp is a flavor-packed Chinese dish that delivers heat, depth, and satisfaction in every bite. When made at home using this recipe, it turns out better than restaurant versions.
If you love spicy food, this dish is a must-try.