Salt and Pepper Shrimp

So, guess what? I made salt and pepper shrimp the other night. And wow—it was gone in minutes.

It’s crispy, a little spicy, and super tasty. The garlic and pepper? Oh, they hit just right. We kept going back for more.

You don’t need much to make it. Just shrimp, a hot pan, and a few seasonings. It’s way easier than it looks.

Come on, let’s do it together. I’ll show you how I make it nice and crispy. Trust me—you’ll love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Addictive: The light, crunchy coating makes each bite absolutely delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizers.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip takeout and make this high-quality dish in your own kitchen.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your liking with different types of peppers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of potato starch for a gluten-free version.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder)
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Slotted spoon

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Salt and Pepper Mixture:

• 2 parts whole peppercorns (black or Sichuan peppercorns)
• 1 part sea salt

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (shells on and deveined, with or without heads)
• 3 tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch
• 1/3 cup oil (for shallow frying)
• Salt and pepper mixture (to taste)
• 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 long hot green or red pepper (thinly sliced)

Variations for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Make it Spicier: Use more chili peppers or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Extra Aromatics: Toss in some thinly sliced scallions or ginger for additional flavor.
• Use a Different Protein: Try this technique with squid, fish fillets, or even tofu.
• Air Fryer Version: Skip the oil and air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 7-9 minutes.
• Saucy Version: Toss the cooked shrimp in a sweet chili or garlic butter sauce for extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salt and Pepper Mix

• Toast the whole peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.
• Transfer to a mortar and pestle (or spice grinder) and crush into a coarse powder.
• Mix with an equal part of sea salt and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

• Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
• Leave the shells on for maximum crispiness, but devein them for a cleaner taste.
• Toss the shrimp with potato starch or cornstarch until evenly coated.

3. Fry the Shrimp

• Heat the oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

• Remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
• Sauté the garlic and sliced hot peppers for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Toss in the fried shrimp and sprinkle with the salt-and-pepper mix.
• Stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
• Garnish with chopped scallions or fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with different sides:

• With Rice: Serve over jasmine or fried rice for a complete meal.
• With Noodles: Toss into stir-fried noodles for a satisfying dish.
• As an Appetizer: Enjoy as a crispy finger food with a dipping sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the crispy texture may be lost.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sodium
250	22g	10g	12g	1g	600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-peeled shrimp?

Yes! However, leaving the shells on adds extra crispiness and flavor.

What type of pepper should I use?

Sichuan peppercorns provide a numbing, citrusy kick, but black pepper works well too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the salt and pepper mix in advance.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use cornstarch instead of potato starch!

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a must-try dish that delivers bold flavors in every bite. With its crispy texture, aromatic garlic, and spicy kick, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a special occasion. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Let me know how this recipe turns out for you in the comments below!