How to Make Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp

If you’ve ever wondered how to capture that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and savory in a seafood dish, then Salt and Pepper Shrimp is your answer. This beloved recipe highlights plump shrimp coated in a delightful blend of seasonings, fried to golden perfection, and tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh chili, and a sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Salt and Pepper Shrimp offers a mouthwatering experience that’s simple to master and absolutely crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The shrimp get an irresistible crunch thanks to a light coating and frying method that locks in juiciness.
• Simple Ingredients: It requires minimal pantry staples and fresh basics, making it easy to prepare anytime.
• Bold Flavors: The perfect balance of salt, pepper, garlic, and chili creates a flavorful punch without overwhelming the shrimp.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Dish: Whether served as an appetizer or main, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing that signature taste and texture in Salt and Pepper Shrimp. Each component plays a special role—whether for seasoning, coating, or enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

• Fresh Shrimp: Peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp provide the perfect bite size and texture.
• Cornstarch or Rice Flour: Creates a delicate, crispy coating when fried, essential for that satisfying crunch.
• Salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor and balances the spices.
• Cracked Black Pepper: The star seasoning that gives this dish its bold, aromatic punch.
• Garlic: Finely chopped garlic adds a savory, fragrant depth when sautéed or tossed with the shrimp.
• Fresh Chilies or Chili Flakes: Bring the heat and a subtle fruity note for a truly authentic taste.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Adds freshness and color as the final garnish.
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or peanut oil for ideal frying results.

Variations for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

One of the beauties of Salt and Pepper Shrimp is how easy it is to customize to your liking, whether you prefer more heat, want to make it gluten-free, or add unique flavors.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra sliced fresh chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute rice flour or gluten-free starch for cornstarch to keep it safe and crisp.
• Citrus Twist: Toss the finished shrimp with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a refreshing zing.
• Herbal Boost: Incorporate chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a fragrant finish.
• Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, onions, or snap peas when stir-frying the shrimp for extra crunch and color.

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing and patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp ensure a crispier coating when fried. If your shrimp aren’t peeled or deveined, now’s the time to take care of that.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are fully coated with a thin, even layer. The starch is key to achieving that light, crunchy texture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour a generous amount of vegetable or peanut oil into a deep frying pan or wok and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying (around 350°F or 175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one for precision.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In a separate pan, use a tablespoon of oil to quickly sauté minced garlic and sliced chilies until fragrant—this usually takes less than a minute, so watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Toss Shrimp with Aromatics

Add the fried shrimp to the pan with the garlic and chili mixture. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors. Sprinkle additional cracked black pepper and salt if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and toss in chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Ensures the coating sticks better and results in crispier shrimp after frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot enough to crisp the shrimp without burning, and avoid overcrowding to prevent temperature drops.
• Use Fresh Black Pepper: Grind freshly cracked black pepper for maximum aroma and flavor complexity.
• Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook fast, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn golden to keep them tender.
• Prep Stations: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before frying to make the process seamless and quick.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped cilantro brings brightness and a pop of color to Salt and Pepper Shrimp. Thinly sliced red chili also adds visual appeal and spice, while a light dusting of sesame seeds can offer a subtle nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the savory sauce. Garlic noodles or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy and snow peas complement the texture and add variety. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens tossed with a citrus vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp as a shareable appetizer in small bowls or on lettuce cups for a handheld bite. For an elegant dinner, plate atop a bed of coconut-infused quinoa or alongside a tangy mango salsa for contrast. Garnishing with edible flowers makes it restaurant-worthy sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Salt and Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 2 days, although the crispy texture may soften over time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, lay the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid to prevent clumping, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the shrimp soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before coating and frying for the best results.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

Rice flour is an excellent alternative that also produces a crispy texture and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How spicy is Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

The spice level is mild to moderate by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more fresh chilies, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper according to your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

It works well for meal prep, especially if you keep the shrimp and garnishes separate until serving to prevent sogginess and preserve crispness.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?

You can bake the coated shrimp for a healthier option, but they won’t be as crispy; broiling at the end might help add some crunch.

Final Thoughts

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a fantastic dish that combines crispy texture, bold seasoning, and freshness all in one perfect bite. It’s simple to make but impressive enough to brighten any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe at home—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp!

Related Posts

• Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe
• Easy Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipes to Try
• How to Make Crispy Fried Cornbread Perfectly

Print