Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe – a Chinese restaurant classic but let’s learn to make it at home! Sauteed shrimp combined with sauteed veggies in a sweet and zesty kung pao sauce, is so delicious!

If you enjoy Asian-inspired dishes like this Kuna Pao Shrimp, you’ll want to try our copycat Orange Chicken or our Mongolian Beef recipes.

Kung Pao shrimp in a white plate with rice topped with fresh greens.

KUNG PAO SHRIMP-

This simple yet hearty Kung Pao Shrimp recipe is so easy to make at home! Shrimp cooked and combined with sauteed veggies then tossed in a thick, sticky, and sweet kung pao sauce.

Skip take out and give this homemade kung pao shrimp a try at home, you’ll be amazed at the flavor!

What is Kung Pao Shrimp?

Kung Pao Shrimp is a Chinese dish made with shrimp and peppers, peanuts tossed in a spicy and sweet Kung Poa Sauce – a spicy dish that’s so addictive.

A skillet filled with kung pao shrimp topped with green onion.

INGREDIENTS-

With just a few basic ingredients, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time!

SHRIMP-

  • Shrimp– Large or jumbo raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined are needed for this recipe.
  • Seasoning– We use just salt and pepper to lightly season the shrimp.
  • Cornstarch– Coating the shrimp in cornstarch results in crispy and crunchy shrimp.
  • Oil & Butter– We use oil and butter to saute the shrimp and veggies.

VEGETABLES-

  • Bell Peppers– You can use a combination of bell peppers that you have on hand, we used green and red peppers.
  • Onion– Adding onion to this dish adds so much flavor.
  • Garlic– Freshly minced garlic works great in this dish but garlic powder may easily be substituted.
  • Ginger– For the best results you want to use freshly grated ginger.
  • Pepper Flakes– We love adding red pepper flakes for heat in the dish. 
  • Peanuts– Roasted peanuts are the key to this kung pao recipe.

KUNG PAO SAUCE-

  • Sauce– Chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch are used for the sauce.
All the ingredients needed for homemade kung poa shrimp laid out in bowls.

HOW TO MAKE KUNG PAO SHRIMP-

You can have this dish ready in under 15 minutes!

  1. Kung Pao Sauce– In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the kung pao sauce.
  2. Saute Shrimp– Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Fully coat the shrimp in cornstarch.
  3. Cook Shrimp– Saute the shrimp in a skillet with oil until the shrimp is opaque, remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  4. Saute Veggies– In the same skillet, saute the onions and peppers until tender.
  5. Add Peanuts– Add in the garlic and ginger, and saute until fragrant. Add the roasted peanuts and red pepper flakes and toss until mixed.
  6. Combine– Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add Shrimp– Add the shrimp back in and cook just until the shrimp is reheated.
  8. Serve– Garnish with freshly chopped green onion or chives and serve with favorite sides.
  9. Enjoy, friends!
Step by step collage for how to make homemade kung poa shrimp.

KUNG PAO VARIATIONS-

There are several different ways to add a spin to the classic dish. Whether adding a variety of veggies or different meat to this dish, you are going to love this dish. Here are some favorite things to add:

  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Asparagus
  • Yellow Squash
  • Green Onions
  • Red Chilies

SERVING IDEAS-

There are several different ways to enjoy this hearty Chinese dish! Here are some of our favorite side dishes:

Kung poa shrimp topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-

Is this Kung Pao Shrimp healthy?

Yes! To make this dish even healthier, opt out of adding cornstarch to the shrimp!

Can I store leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

How to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the shrimp on the stovetop over low heat until reheated, stirring as needed.

Can I freeze kung pao shrimp?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Once cooled, add to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Kung poa shrimp in a bowl with rie topped with green onion.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes:

Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe

Author: Valentina
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5 from 1 vote
Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe – a Chinese restaurant classic but let’s learn to make it at home! Sauteed shrimp combined with sauteed veggies in a sweet and zesty kung pao sauce, so delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp oil, divided
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

shrimp-

  • 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ¼ tsp salt or to taste
  • tsp ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 small onion diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts

kung pao sauce-

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • green onion and sesame seed to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make Kung Pao Sauce-

  • In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the kung pao sauce and set aside.

Cook Shrimp-

  • Coat the shrimp in the cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, saute the shrimp with 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp is opaque, flipping halfway through cooking.
  • Remove the shrimp from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, add 1 more Tbsp of oil and saute the diced peppers and onions over medium high heat until veggies are tender.
  • Once the veggies are tender, add 1 Tbsp butter along with the garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the roasted peanuts and red pepper flakes to the skillet and toss to combine.

Combine Everything-

  • Pour in the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer, continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
  • Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with the desired side dishes and enjoy!

Nutrition

214kcal Calories12g Carbs5g Protein17g Fat5g Saturated Fat4g Polyunsaturated Fat8g Monounsaturated Fat0.3g Trans Fat16mg Cholesterol1112mg Sodium212mg Potassium2g Fiber5g Sugar771IU Vitamin A33mg Vitamin C29mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 214 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 1112mg48%
Potassium 212mg6%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 771IU15%
Vitamin C 33mg40%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)