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Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick, bold, and satisfying dish featuring a perfect balance of heat, savory saltiness, and crisp peppery flavor. Ready in under 20 minutes, this simple recipe uses common pantry ingredients to deliver restaurant-quality flavor and a delightful crunch. Ideal as an appetizer, main, or snack, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz medium-sized fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste) or 1 fresh chili, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear and avoid sogginess during frying.
  2. Season and Coat: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, red chili flakes (or fresh chili), and cornstarch or flour until evenly coated. This thin coating creates a crispy exterior.
  3. Heat the Oil: Warm the neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. The oil temperature is key for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and crispy on the outside.
  5. Garlic and Green Onions: Quickly sauté the minced garlic and sliced green onions in the pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Toss the cooked shrimp back into the pan to combine and infuse flavors.
  6. Final Toss and Serve: Mix everything together for a final toss. Optionally sprinkle a little more black pepper or chili flakes for extra kick. Serve immediately to enjoy peak crispness and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness and prevent oil splatter.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper and chili flakes for maximum aroma and heat.
  • Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; shrimp can lose their crispiness if left to sit.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy shrimp, salt and pepper shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp, Asian appetizer, gluten-free shrimp

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