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Close-up of spicy Szechuan Shrimp with dried red chilies and green onions served over white rice.

Spicy-Sweet Kung Pao Shrimp

This vibrant Spicy-Sweet Kung Pao Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of fiery heat, sticky sweetness, and savory umami, tossed with tender shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables. It's a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that's sure to impress.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs shrimp raw, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
For the Kung Pao Sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
  • 1 tbsp black vinegar Chinkiang or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp ginger fresh, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 8-10 dried red chilies whole, such as arbol, stems removed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts roasted
  • 1 red bell pepper diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 green onions chopped, white and green parts separated

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wok or large non-stick skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp & Marinade
  1. Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Prepare the Kung Pao Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Prepare Vegetables
  1. Dice red and green bell peppers. Mince ginger and garlic. Remove stems from dried red chilies. Separate white and green parts of green onions.
Stir-Fry the Shrimp
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove shrimp from the wok and set aside.
Cook Aromatics and Vegetables
  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add dried red chilies and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn them). Immediately add minced ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the diced red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.
Combine and Finish
  1. Give the prepared Kung Pao sauce a quick whisk again to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour the sauce into the wok, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok. Add the roasted peanuts and the green parts of the green onions. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for just 1 minute more to heat through.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried red chilies and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, use fewer chilies or omit the flakes. For more heat, crush some of the chilies to release their seeds.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, water chestnuts, or sliced bamboo shoots.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.