If you’re looking for a delectable dish that is sure to impress your taste buds, then this Salt and Pepper Shrimp is an absolute must-try. Crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, this dish brings together the best of simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this delicious Salt and Pepper Shrimp in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistibly Crispy: The light coating of cornstarch gives the shrimp a deliciously crunchy texture.
- Flavorful Punch: The combination of garlic, salt, and pepper makes each bite burst with flavor.
- Perfect Party Dish: This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering with its tantalizing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Salt and Pepper Shrimp is how it relies on a handful of everyday ingredients to deliver a culinary masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s unique flavor profile.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor and texture; make sure they are peeled and deveined but keep the tails on for extra flair.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This is what gives the shrimp their signature crispy coating without making it too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if you can; it adds just the right amount of heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and the spices.
- 6 cloves garlic: Finely chopped for a robust, aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Perfect for frying as it doesn’t impart any additional flavors.
- 2 green onions: Adds color and freshness to balance the savory shrimp.
- Oil for frying: Enough to ensure even frying and that irresistible crispiness.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking Salt and Pepper Shrimp is its versatility. Feel free to alter it based on your dietary needs or personal taste. Here are some delightful variations you might want to try:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for an extra kick.
- Citrus Infusion: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the cooked shrimp for a tangy finish.
- Herbaceous Hint: Toss in some fresh cilantro or parsley in addition to the green onions for a fresh flavor.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Peel and devein the shrimp, but leave the tails on for a touch of elegance. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure the cornstarch coating sticks properly – this is crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy texture.
Step 2: Coating and Frying
Toss the prepared shrimp into a bowl of cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a pot to 375 degrees F – the right temperature will ensure your shrimp turns golden brown and perfectly cooked through, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Seasoning
Use a small skillet to heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, followed by the salt and pepper, and cook just until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the green onions, then pour over the fried shrimp and give it all a good toss. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Perfect Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 375 degrees F for that golden crisp every time.
- Quick Prep: Have all your ingredients ready before starting; this recipe cooks fast and ready-prep ensures nothing gets overdone.
- Make Ahead: Coat your shrimp just before frying to prevent moisture from seeping in and reducing the crispiness.
- Ingredient Selection: Opt for fresh shrimp if possible; it makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Sprinkle some sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top of the shrimp to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for those who enjoy a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a light vegetable stir-fry. For a more hearty meal, serve alongside fried rice or noodles tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your Salt and Pepper Shrimp in individual bowls with chopsticks, or pile them high on a family-style platter for shared enjoyment. For an eye-catching touch, consider using a bed of lettuce or bamboo leaves underneath the shrimp for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover Salt and Pepper Shrimp, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Ensure the shrimp cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freezing the cooked shrimp is not recommended as it will affect the texture and crispiness. However, you can freeze the raw, coated shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for future frying.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, use an oven at 350 degrees F to warm the shrimp. This helps retain their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
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What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Potato starch, rice flour, or all-purpose flour are good alternatives to cornstarch for creating a crispy coating.
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Is it necessary to keep the shrimp tails on?
Keeping the tails on is not strictly necessary, but it adds to the presentation and offers an easy way to handle the shrimp when serving.
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How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually after 3-5 minutes of frying at 375 degrees F.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Salt and Pepper Shrimp yet, you’re in for a treat. With its quick preparation and incredible flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Dive into the world of savory delights and share this dish with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Print
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Frying
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that features crispy, golden shrimp seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it combines tender shrimp with aromatic garlic and fresh green onions for a satisfying seafood dish that can be made in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp
Coating
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic & Aromatics
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Oils
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Oil for frying (vegetable or neutral oil, enough to cover 1/2 inch in pot)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation and ease of handling. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they fry up crispy.
- Coat the Shrimp: Toss the prepared shrimp evenly in cornstarch until well-coated. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large pot and heat to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature. Fry the shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, frying for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in sliced green onions, and pour the aromatic garlic mixture over the fried shrimp. Toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispy shrimp, double coat with cornstarch or use a light batter.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to taste for more or less spice.
- This dish pairs well with a simple dipping sauce like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
- Ensure oil is at the correct frying temperature to prevent greasy shrimp or undercooking.
- Can be made gluten-free by using rice flour instead of cornstarch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound (about 4 shrimp)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
