How to Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp Fast

If you’ve ever craved a quick, crispy, and flavorful seafood dish, Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the ultimate go-to. This popular Chinese-inspired recipe is loved for its crunchy texture, the perfect seasoning balance, and the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, mastering Salt and Pepper Shrimp will elevate your cooking game and bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your home table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super crispy texture: Lightly battered shrimp fry up golden and crunchy every time, offering the perfect bite.
• Burst of bold flavors: The simple combination of salt, pepper, and subtle aromatics creates a flavor punch that’s addictive.
• Ready in minutes: This recipe is quick to prep and cook, making it fantastic for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
• Versatile and customizable: Easy to adjust for heat, seasoning, or even ingredient swaps without losing charm.
• Great for sharing: Crisp, savory shrimp are a crowd-pleaser and perfect as finger food or part of a meal spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salt and Pepper Shrimp lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the shrimp’s freshness, the seasoning’s punch, or the crisp coating’s crunch. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking:

• Fresh shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tail-on for the best texture and presentation.
• Cornstarch or rice flour: Creates a light, crispy coating that fries up perfectly golden.
• Sea salt and white pepper: The central seasoning duo that gives this dish its distinctive zing.
• Garlic and scallions: Adds aromatic depth and freshness to the shrimp.
• Fresh chili or dried chili flakes: Optional for delivering that signature spicy kick.
• Neutral oil for frying: Such as canola or peanut oil, which handle high temperatures without burning.

Variations for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want it milder, spicier, or even gluten-free, Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a flexible canvas for flavor and dietary preferences.

• Spicy upgrade: Add chopped fresh bird’s eye chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Gluten-free coating: Swap cornstarch with tapioca starch or a certified gluten-free flour.
• Herbal twist: Mix in freshly chopped cilantro or basil alongside scallions to brighten each bite.
• Garlic-heavy version: Double the garlic for a robust, highly aromatic taste sensation.
• Different proteins: Try this method with calamari rings, small fish fillets, or even tofu cubes.

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by rinsing your peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Keeping the shrimp dry is essential for achieving that perfect crisp coating when frying.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss them lightly with cornstarch ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This light dusting enables that crunchy texture that Salt and Pepper Shrimp is known for.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour your neutral oil into a wok or deep skillet and heat it over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). It’s important the oil is hot enough to crisp the coating without absorbing excess oil.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch until they turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics

In a clean pan, add a small amount of oil and quickly sauté minced garlic, chopped scallions, and fresh or dried chili flakes until fragrant. This step infuses the seasoning with the essential flavors that make Salt and Pepper Shrimp so delicious.

Step 6: Combine and Season

Return the fried shrimp to the pan with the aromatics. Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly cracked white pepper, tossing everything together for even seasoning and heat distribution.

Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Shrimp size matters: Medium to large shrimp work best for crisp frying and easy handling.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for an even, crisp crust without sogginess.
• Pat shrimp dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so dry thoroughly before coating.
• Use white pepper: It has a more subtle heat and cleaner flavor than black pepper, perfect for this dish.
• Quick fry times: Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy inside the crisp shell.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped scallions or cilantro adds vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that balance the savory shrimp beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair Salt and Pepper Shrimp with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables like bok choy and snap peas for a well-rounded meal that keeps the focus on the crispy shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp on a bed of lightly dressed greens or alongside a cooling cucumber salad for contrast. Offering a simple dipping sauce like spicy mayo or soy-lime dip can also enhance the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best eaten within 2 days to retain optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked Salt and Pepper Shrimp in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to help the shrimp regain some crispness. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before coating and frying to ensure crispiness.

What’s the difference between white pepper and black pepper in this recipe?

White pepper offers a milder, earthier heat without the black specks, which keeps the appearance clean and the flavor balanced.

Can Salt and Pepper Shrimp be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free starch like tapioca or use gluten-free flour to coat the shrimp.

How do I make this recipe less spicy?

You can reduce or omit the chili flakes and fresh chilies while still keeping the signature salt and pepper flavors intact.

Is deep frying necessary or can I pan-fry Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

Deep frying provides the best crisp texture, but you can shallow-fry or even air fry the shrimp if you prefer a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick, crispy, and addictive seafood dish, Salt and Pepper Shrimp is waiting to become your new favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers big flavor and that irresistible crunch every time. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this classic in your weeknight rotation!

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