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Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and savory seafood dish featuring plump shrimp coated in a light, crunchy coating and fried to golden perfection. Tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh chili, and a sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors and delightful textures. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it pairs excellently with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a versatile and crave-worthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 lb medium-sized fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or rice flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1–2 fresh chilies, thinly sliced, or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions (scallions), chopped for garnish

For Frying

  • Vegetable or peanut oil, enough for deep frying (about 2-3 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispier coating. Peel and devein if not already done.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine cornstarch (or rice flour), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until each shrimp is evenly coated with a thin layer of the starch mixture.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a deep frying pan or wok and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C) or is shimmering and hot enough for frying.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil. Quickly sauté the finely chopped garlic and sliced fresh chilies or chili flakes for less than a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  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 allow the flavors to infuse. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and cracked black pepper if desired.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest and most flavorful.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly to help the coating adhere and to achieve maximum crispness after frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature by not overcrowding the pan; this prevents soggy shrimp and helps them cook evenly.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
  • Remove shrimp from oil as soon as they turn golden to avoid overcooking and keep them tender.
  • Prepare all ingredients before frying to streamline the cooking process and avoid burning aromatics.

Nutrition

Keywords: salt and pepper shrimp, crispy shrimp, seafood appetizer, gluten free shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/salt-and-pepper-shrimp/