Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in an addictive mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and sliced jalapeños. This popular restaurant-style dish is surprisingly easy to whip up at home for a spectacular weeknight dinner or appetizer.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Shrimp and Coating
- b.Rinse the shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is the most critical step for a crispy coating.
- c.In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp of the salt, and the ground white pepper.
- d.In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy, about 30 seconds.
- e.Add the dry shrimp to the frothy egg white and toss to coat evenly. Then, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Shrimp
- b.In a wok or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- c.Working in 2-3 batches, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. They will float to the surface when done.
- e.Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let the oil return to temperature before frying the next batch.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Finish the Dish
- b.Carefully pour out the hot oil into a heatproof container, leaving about 1 tbsp in the wok. Alternatively, use 1 tbsp of fresh oil in a clean pan.
- c.Heat the wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced jalapeños. Stir-fry rapidly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Immediately return all the fried shrimp to the wok. Add the chopped scallions.
- e.In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tsp salt, the ground black pepper, and the sugar. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the shrimp.
- f.Toss everything vigorously for 15-30 seconds to coat the shrimp evenly with the aromatics and seasoning. Do not over-mix, or the shrimp will lose their crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Transfer the salt and pepper shrimp to a serving platter immediately. Serve while hot and crispy with steamed rice and lime wedges.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an even crispier coating, substitute the all-purpose flour with potato starch or tapioca starch.
- 2Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating; any moisture will create steam and prevent them from getting crispy.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. Cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- 4Use a high smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for frying.
- 5The final toss with aromatics should be very quick. Over-sautéing will make the crispy coating soggy.
- 6For a more authentic flavor, add 1/2 tsp of ground Sichuan peppercorns to the final seasoning mix for a tingling sensation.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose blend, or use only cornstarch and potato starch for the coating.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
For more heat, add 1-2 sliced red Thai chilies along with the jalapeños, or add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes to the final seasoning mix.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
Coat the shrimp as directed, then arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray generously with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Then, toss with the sautéed aromatics.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir-fry 1/2 cup of diced red and green bell peppers and onions with the jalapeños for added color, flavor, and crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
This dish provides a significant amount of selenium from the shrimp, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid health.
Contains Beneficial Aromatics
Garlic and ginger not only provide incredible flavor but also contain compounds like allicin and gingerol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Salt and Pepper Shrimp contains approximately 450-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the shrimp and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.