hen you’re craving a dinner that’s flavorful, satisfying, and a little out of the ordinary, Chinese shrimp recipes deliver every time. Shrimp’s naturally sweet, delicate flavor pairs beautifully with bold Chinese seasonings like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil—making it the star ingredient in countless restaurant favorites. The best part? Many of these dishes are quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a wow-worthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
We’ll start with the classic shrimp fried rice, a beloved comfort food that combines juicy shrimp with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables in a savory soy-based sauce. Equally popular is Kung Pao shrimp, a spicy-sweet stir-fry with peanuts, bell peppers, and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn for that signature tingle.
For seafood lovers seeking something rich and aromatic, shrimp with lobster sauce offers a luxurious, savory gravy infused with garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans. If you want a lighter but equally flavorful option, garlic shrimp stir-fry with broccoli or snow peas makes for a nutrient-packed weeknight meal.
Those who love sweet and tangy dishes will fall in love with sweet and sour shrimp, coated in a glossy, colorful sauce and paired with pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Another crowd-pleaser is honey walnut shrimp, featuring crispy battered shrimp tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce and topped with candied walnuts—a Chinese restaurant classic that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
For a warming comfort dish, try shrimp congee, a silky rice porridge simmered with ginger and green onions, perfect for cooler evenings or when you need a cozy, nourishing meal. On the spicier side, mapo tofu with shrimp blends tender tofu cubes and juicy shrimp in a fiery chili bean sauce—a bold twist on the Sichuan favorite.
If you’re looking for something elegant yet fuss-free, steamed garlic shrimp with vermicelli noodles is a must. The dish bursts with aroma from freshly minced garlic, soy sauce, and scallions, soaking into delicate glass noodles underneath. Finally, for a quick, refreshing option, shrimp and cucumber stir-fry offers a clean, crisp flavor profile that’s light but incredibly satisfying.
These 10 Chinese shrimp recipes aren’t just tasty—they’re also highly versatile. You can serve them with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles, and they work just as well for a weeknight dinner as they do for a special occasion. Many can be customized to suit your spice tolerance or made healthier with less oil and more vegetables.
Cooking shrimp is also wonderfully forgiving—it cooks quickly, absorbs flavors easily, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and spices. With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and fresh aromatics, you’ll be ready to whip up any of these dishes in 30 minutes or less.
So, if you want to impress your family, wow your dinner guests, or simply treat yourself to a flavorful homemade meal, these 10 Chinese shrimp recipes are the perfect place to start. Every bite will bring that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and umami that makes Chinese cuisine so unforgettable.
Szechwan Shrimp
Add some oomph to shrimp in this classic Szechwan-style seafood dish with a spicy red pepper, garlic and ginger sauce. The fact that shrimp cook so quickly, you can easily make this favorite Chinese take-out meal at home for family and friends!
Kung Pao Shrimp
If you enjoy the sweet-sour taste of Chinese Kung Pao chicken – give this version made with succulent shrimp a go! Keep the dried red chile whole as you cook for milder heat. If you prefer spicy food, add a pinch of ground Szechuan peppercorns to kick it up a notch.
Chinese Take-Out Shrimp with Garlic
There is no shortage of garlic in this shrimp and vegetable stir-fry recipe, but the great thing about making your own takeout is that you have total control — scale back on the amount of garlic if you like and decide on a level of spiciness to suit your guests.
Shrimp Stirfry
This vegetable-loaded shrimp stir-fry with meaty king oyster mushrooms, bell peppers and beansprouts will be on the table quicker than having Chinese take-out delivered. If you’re not a fan of beansprouts, substitute sliced water chestnuts or celery for added crunch.
Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli
This is such a versatile stir-fried shrimp recipe that almost any combination of crisp vegetables and soft noodles could be used — try it with fresh baby bok choy, sliced red bell peppers and vermicelli noodles. Scatter some toasted black or white sesame seeds on each portion before serving.
Shrimp Fried Rice
You can have this family-friendly seafood fried rice dish on the table even quicker if you have cold leftover rice in your fridge. Top tip: Begin by lightly scrambling the eggs in a wok over high heat, then set them aside to stir in at the end. The final dish will look so much more appetizing that way.
Shrimp Toast
Raw shrimp, water chestnuts, green onions, fish sauce, herbs and spices are blended into a smooth paste, spread on toasted triangles of bread and then deep-fried. They look beautiful garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Serve these delectable dim sum shrimp toasts hot or warm — it shouldn’t be a problem as they’re sure to disappear fast!
Shrimp Stir Fry With Egg Noodles
If you are lucky enough to live near an Asian grocery store, stop by and pick up some fresh Chinese egg noodles. They cook in less than 2 minutes and hold their shape well when stir-fried with shrimp and vegetables.
Hunan Kung Pao
This Kung Pao chicken and shrimp dish made Hunan-style has plenty of fresh ginger, garlic, red chiles, and spicy Szechuan peppercorns.
Potstickers
Learn how to make a huge batch of authentic shrimp and beef Chinese dumplings by following this recipe to a tee. You can freeze some of the filled, uncooked pot stickers for a later date. Serve the dumplings with an Asian-style dipping sauce for a Saturday night treat!
