Chinese Salt and Pepper Fried Crayfish
Chinese Salt and Pepper Fried Crayfish is a popular Cantonese-style dish where whole crayfish are deep-fried until crispy and then tossed with a fragrant mix of salt, white pepper, garlic, chili, and scallions. It is a beloved street food and restaurant staple in southern China, especially in Guangdong and Hong Kong, known for its bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat due to the deep-frying process, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with a starchy side. A typical serving provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12, with a rough calorie count of 300-450 per serving, depending on portion size and oil absorption.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Selenium | 65 mcg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Copper | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.0 mg |
| Vitamin E | 3.5 mg |
| Iron | 2.8 mg |
Per 1 typical serving (approx. 300 g, including shell and seasoning) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish is a social food often enjoyed with beer during summer evenings, reflecting the communal dining traditions of southern China. Nutritionally, the high-heat frying locks in the crayfish's natural sweetness while the pepper and garlic add digestive benefits, making it a flavorful yet surprisingly nutrient-dense option.
