Salt and Pepper Shrimp: How to Make It Crispy Every Time
Missing that crispy, spicy bite? Salt and Pepper Shrimp hits every craving. See what makes this dish a must-try favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal
- Large shrimp/prawns 1 pound 450g Shell-on preferred, deveined
- Cornstarch 1/4 cup For coating the shrimp
- Salt 1 teaspoon Sea salt or kosher salt recommended
- White pepper 1 teaspoon Freshly ground for best flavor
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground for best flavor
- Vegetable oil 1/2 cup For frying the shrimp
- Garlic 4-5 cloves Minced
- Green onions 3-4 stalks Finely chopped
- Red chili 1-2 Sliced optional for heat
- Szechuan peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon Crushed optional for authentic flavor
✅ Prepare the Shrimp❶ For the most authentic salt with pepper shrimp experience, use kitchen scissors to carefully cut along the back of each shell-on shrimp, exposing and removing the digestive tract (deveining process).❷ Maintain the shells and tails intact on your shrimp, as these components contribute significantly to the distinctive flavor and exceptional texture that define traditional salt with pepper shrimp.❸ Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels – this seemingly simple step proves absolutely crucial for achieving the signature crispiness that makes salt with pepper shrimp so addictive!✅ Season and Coat❶ In a small bowl, thoroughly combine 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, white pepper, and black pepper to create the signature seasoning for your salt with pepper shrimp.❷ Place cornstarch in a separate bowl, ensuring you have enough to lightly coat all your shrimp.❸ Gently toss the thoroughly dried shrimp in cornstarch until evenly but lightly coated, being careful to shake off any excess that might make your salt and pepper shrimp heavy or gummy.✅ Heat the Oil❶ Heat your oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have access to a cooking thermometer, simply test by dropping a small piece of green onion into the oil – it should immediately sizzle vigorously, indicating the perfect temperature for salt with pepper shrimp.✅ Fry the Shrimp❶ Working methodically in batches to prevent overcrowding (which would steam rather than fry your shrimp), carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil.❷ Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp transform to a beautiful pink color and the coating develops a golden, irresistibly crispy texture characteristic of perfect salt with pepper shrimp.❸ Using your spider strainer or slotted spoon, remove the cooked shrimp and allow them to drain on paper towels, ensuring your final salt with pepper shrimp dish won’t be excessively oily.✅ Prepare the Aromatics❶ Carefully pour off all but approximately 1 tablespoon of oil from your wok, reserving just enough to sauté the aromatics.❷ Add your minced garlic, sliced chili (if incorporating heat), and half of your prepared green onions to the wok to create the aromatic base of your salt withpepper shrimp.❸ Stir-fry these ingredients for a brief 30 seconds until they become fragrant but not browned or burnt, which would impart bitterness to your salt with pepper shrimp.✅ Combine and Season❶ Return your perfectly fried shrimp to the wok, reuniting them with the fragrant aromatic mixture.❷ Sprinkle with your remaining salt and pepper mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the shrimp.❸ If using, add the crushed Szechuan peppercorns at this stage for that authentic numbing quality that elevates traditional salt with pepper shrimp.❹ Toss everything together for approximately 30 seconds until thoroughly combined and the shrimp are evenly coated with the aromatic seasonings that define salt with pepper shrimp.✅ Garnish and Serve❶ Transfer your completed salt with pepper shrimp to an attractive serving plate, arranging them for maximum visual appeal.❷ Garnish with the remaining fresh green onions, adding color contrast and a final layer of flavor to your salt and pepper shrimp.❸ Serve your masterpiece immediately while still hot and optimally crispy to experience salt with pepper shrimp at its absolute finest.
Keyword shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp, Chinese appetizer, seafood dish, easy weeknight meal, spicy shrimp, summer recipe, quick dinner, takeout at home