Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a classic dish known for its irresistible crunch and bold flavors. This dish is a staple in Chinese and Asian-inspired cuisine, often found in restaurants but surprisingly easy to make at home. The shrimp are lightly coated in a delicate batter, fried to a golden crisp, and tossed with a fragrant mixture of garlic, chilies, and freshly ground salt and pepper. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the perfect balance of saltiness, heat, and umami.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer for guests, or a dish to impress at a special gathering. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can recreate restaurant-quality crispy shrimp in your own kitchen. This recipe ensures the shrimp are crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right shrimp and achieving the perfect crispiness to seasoning them just right. You’ll also find tips for variations, storage, and serving suggestions to make this dish truly your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection – The light batter creates an ultra-crispy texture that stays crunchy even after tossing with seasonings.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish tastes just as good, if not better, than what you’d get in a high-end restaurant.
• Easy and Quick – With minimal prep and fast cooking, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, experiment with different seasonings, or add extra crunch with nuts or crispy garlic.
• Healthy Option – Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a nutritious choice.
• Great for Entertaining – These crispy shrimp make a fantastic appetizer or main course that will impress guests.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: About 6–8 shrimp per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

To make this Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, based on preference)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, optional)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

For the Coating:

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg white (for extra crispiness, optional)

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Seasoning Mix:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)

For the Garnish:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Place shrimp in a bowl and season with salt, white pepper, garlic powder, Shaoxing wine (if using), and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. If using, lightly whisk an egg white and mix it into the shrimp for a better coating.
5. Dredge each shrimp in the dry mixture, ensuring an even, light coating. Shake off excess flour.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 2–3 minutes per batch, or until golden and crispy.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

9. In a small bowl, combine salt, white pepper, black pepper, sugar, and five-spice powder (if using).

Step 5: Toss with Aromatics and Serve

10. In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chili for about 30 seconds.
11. Add the fried shrimp and toss quickly to coat with the garlic and chili.
12. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the shrimp and toss again.
13. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Choose large, fresh, or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Wild-caught shrimp have a firmer bite.
• Cornstarch: Used for its ability to create a lighter, crispier coating compared to just flour.
• White Pepper: Adds a more delicate heat than black pepper and is commonly used in Asian cooking.
• Shaoxing Wine: A key ingredient in Chinese cuisine that enhances the shrimp’s flavor (can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version).
• Garlic and Chili: Essential aromatics that give the dish its signature punch of flavor.

Technique Tips

• Pat the Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.
• Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: A cornstarch-based coating absorbs less oil than flour alone.
• Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Fry the shrimp a second time for 30 seconds after the first fry to achieve an even crunchier texture.
• Season Immediately: Tossing the shrimp with the seasoning mix while they’re still hot helps the flavors absorb better.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers and serve as a fun party snack.
• Taco Style: Serve the crispy shrimp in soft tortillas with slaw and lime crema.
• Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the shrimp in butter lettuce with a drizzle of spicy mayo.

Recipe Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add more chopped chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Gluten-Free: Use only cornstarch for the coating and skip the flour.
• Air-Fryer Method: Cook shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

No, it’s best to use raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp are already firm, and frying them again can make them rubbery and dry. Raw shrimp, on the other hand, stay juicy inside while developing a perfectly crispy exterior. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, you can try air-frying or pan-frying them with seasoning, but they won’t achieve the same crisp texture as raw shrimp.

2. What oil is best for frying shrimp?

The best oils for frying are neutral-flavored oils with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil work well because they can withstand high temperatures without burning. Peanut oil is an excellent choice as it adds a subtle nuttiness, but if you have allergies to consider, stick to vegetable or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can make the shrimp taste slightly bitter.

3. How do I keep the shrimp crispy for longer?

The key to keeping shrimp crispy is to serve them immediately after frying. However, if you need to keep them crispy for a bit longer:

• Drain properly: Place the fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from steaming and getting soggy.
• Avoid covering them: Covering the shrimp traps steam, which softens the crispy coating.
• Reheat properly: If the shrimp lose their crispiness, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crunch.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but with some considerations. You can prep the shrimp by peeling, deveining, and seasoning them in advance. You can also mix the dry coating ingredients and store them in an airtight container. However, it’s best to dredge and fry the shrimp just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness. If you must fry them ahead, reheat them in an oven or air fryer before serving.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, with a few modifications. Instead of using all-purpose flour and cornstarch, you can replace them with a keto-friendly option like almond flour or a mixture of almond flour and crushed pork rinds for extra crunch. Xanthan gum or egg whites can also help the coating stick. Since shrimp are naturally low in carbohydrates, this adaptation makes for a delicious keto-friendly version of the dish.

6. How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming soggy?

Soggy shrimp is often the result of improper frying techniques. To avoid this:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before adding the shrimp. If the oil isn’t hot, the shrimp will absorb more oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in steaming instead of frying.
• Use cornstarch in the coating, as it absorbs less moisture and creates a lighter, crispier texture.

7. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! This salt and pepper seasoning works well with other proteins. You can try:

• Chicken – Use bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast or thigh meat.
• Tofu – For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and coat it in the same seasoning mix before frying.
• Calamari – Sliced squid rings work beautifully with this crispy coating and seasoning.
• Fish – White fish fillets (like cod or tilapia) can be cut into bite-sized pieces for a delicious crispy fish version.

8. What dipping sauce pairs well with salt and pepper crispy shrimp?

While this dish is flavorful on its own, dipping sauces can add another layer of taste. Some great options include:

• Sweet chili sauce – Adds a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Sriracha mayo – A creamy, slightly spicy dipping sauce that complements the bold flavors of the shrimp.
• Garlic soy sauce – A mix of soy sauce, garlic, a splash of vinegar, and a hint of sugar makes for a deliciously savory dip.
• Lemon aioli – A garlicky, citrusy mayonnaise-based sauce that enhances the freshness of the shrimp.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can achieve a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different spices, proteins, and cooking methods. You can keep it classic, make it spicier, or even try an air-fried version for a healthier twist.

If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and quick-cooking meals, this Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a must-try. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy this delicious dish. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime for the perfect finishing touch!

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