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Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick, crispy, and flavorful seafood dish combining perfectly seasoned shrimp with aromatic garlic, fresh chili, and green onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a delightful crunchy texture and customizable heat, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh medium-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (or rice flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 fresh chilies or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp if not already done. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove all moisture, ensuring they fry up crisp and not soggy.
  2. Season and Coat: In a bowl, sprinkle the shrimp evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the shrimp with cornstarch until each piece is lightly and thoroughly coated, forming the crispy outer shell when fried.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet or wok for shallow frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C), or until a small bit of cornstarch sizzles immediately when dropped in.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  5. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Using the same pan, briefly sauté minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chili flakes until fragrant. Toss the fried shrimp back in to evenly coat with these aromatic flavors.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with additional green onions or fresh chili slices if desired. Enjoy while hot and crispy for the best experience.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp thoroughly dry before coating to ensure crispiness.
  • Fry in batches to avoid oil temperature drop and soggy shrimp.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a vibrant peppery flavor.
  • Choose high smoke point, neutral oils like canola or peanut for frying.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for optimal crisp texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salt and Pepper Shrimp, crispy shrimp, Asian appetizer, seafood recipe, gluten-free shrimp, spicy shrimp