If you’re craving a bold and quick seafood dish, learning how to make Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp fast is an absolute game-changer. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of heat, savory flavors, and a crispy texture that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers big on taste with simple ingredients and an easy cooking method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy preparation: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings.
Bold flavors: Combines spicy heat with savory salt and pepper seasonings for a flavor-packed bite.
Versatility: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or snack that suits any occasion.
Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp for a fuss-free cooking experience.
Textural delight: Crispy edges meet juicy shrimp, creating an irresistible contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component enhances the final dish with flavor, crunch, or a bit of heat, making it perfect for quick assembly without sacrificing taste.

Fresh shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and to absorb flavors fully.
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp when fried.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds that classic peppery kick that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Red chili flakes or fresh chilies: Provides the spicy heat that makes the dish exciting.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth and a slight sweetness.
Green onions: Chopped, they add freshness and vibrant color as a garnish.
Vegetable oil: For shallow or deep frying, ensuring crispy shrimp every time.

Variations for Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with spice levels or swap ingredients to make it your own signature dish.

Spicy kick adjustment: Increase or decrease red chili flakes depending on your heat tolerance.
Different coatings: Substitute cornstarch with rice flour or panko breadcrumbs for varied texture.
Herb additions: Add fresh cilantro or basil for a fragrant twist.
Non-fried version: For a healthier option, bake or air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying.
Swap seafood: Use calamari or scallops to switch up the protein while following the same method.

How to Make Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial to ensure a crispy coating when fried. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed.

Step 2: Season and Coat

In a bowl, gently toss the shrimp with salt, ground black pepper, and cornstarch (or your chosen flour). Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated, which will give you that perfect crispy crust when cooked.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a skillet or wok to about a half-inch depth and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. Hot oil is key to sealing in the shrimp’s moisture and achieving a golden finish.

Step 4: Fry Shrimp

Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying each side for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to keep the shrimp crunchy.

Step 5: Toss with Garlic and Chili

In the same pan, add a little fresh oil if needed and quickly sauté minced garlic and red chili flakes for about 30 seconds. Then toss the fried shrimp back in, mixing everything together so each piece is infused with spicy, garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch and bold flavors at their best.

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp tends to have a better texture and flavor than frozen.
Dry shrimp well: Excess moisture will result in soggy coating instead of crispiness.
Hot oil is essential: Fry in oil hot enough to sizzle but not so hot it burns the shrimp.
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
Toss quickly with aromatics: Sauté garlic and chili briefly to avoid bitterness and preserve bright flavors.

How to Serve Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Garnishes

Sprinkle lots of freshly chopped green onions or scallions for a bright, fresh pop. Adding some toasted sesame seeds can also elevate the visual appeal and add a subtle nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the juices or a light Asian slaw to balance the heat with crisp, fresh vegetables. Fried rice or simple garlic noodles also complement the shrimp’s bold flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups with a drizzle of spicy mayo or lime wedge. Another creative idea is to turn it into tacos with crunchy coleslaw and avocado slices for a fusion-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness.

Freezing

While not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To maintain crispiness, reheat shrimp in a hot skillet or air fryer instead of the microwave. This method helps restore the crunch without overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and dried thoroughly before cooking to help the coating stick and keep the shrimp crispy.

How spicy is the Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili flakes or fresh chilies used, making it suitable for both mild and heat lovers.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

All-purpose flour, rice flour, or even panko breadcrumbs work well to create a crunchy coating if you don’t have cornstarch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and aromatics separately to assemble quickly later, then reheat using a pan or air fryer.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at a high temperature or using an air fryer can reduce oil use while keeping the shrimp crispy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe will soon become one of your favorite seafood shortcuts. It’s quick, flavorful, and so satisfying, making it a perfect go-to for any day of the week. Dive in and enjoy the bold taste and crispy texture guaranteed to brighten your meal!

Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe that offers a perfect balance of heat, savory salt and pepper seasoning, and a crispy texture. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an ideal seafood dish for a weeknight dinner, appetizer, or snack with minimal ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 oz fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
1/2 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp red chili flakes or 1–2 fresh chilies, minced
3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch depth in pan)

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove all excess moisture. Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen. This step is essential to achieve a crispy coating when frying.
Season and Coat: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the shrimp with salt, ground black pepper, and cornstarch (or your chosen flour) until each piece is evenly coated. This forms the crispy crust after cooking.
Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet or wok to about a half-inch depth. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, preparing it for frying the shrimp properly.
Fry Shrimp: Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to maintain crunchiness.
Toss with Garlic and Chili: In the same pan, add a small amount of fresh oil if needed. Quickly sauté minced garlic and red chili flakes for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Return the fried shrimp to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the spicy garlic mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the combination of bold flavors and crispy texture.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for better texture and flavor.
Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried to prevent soggy coating.
Maintain hot oil temperature to achieve crispiness without burning.
Cook shrimp in batches to keep oil temperature stable and ensure even cooking.
Sauté garlic and chili flakes briefly to avoid bitterness and preserve bright flavors.
Adjust chili flakes quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
Substitute cornstarch with rice flour, all-purpose flour, or panko breadcrumbs for different textures.
Baking or air frying shrimp offers a healthier alternative with less oil while maintaining crispiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat shrimp in a hot skillet or air fryer to retain crispiness instead of using a microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz shrimp with coating and seasoning
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: shrimp, spicy shrimp, salt and pepper shrimp, quick seafood, appetizer, fried shrimp, Asian shrimp, spicy seafood