Looking for a quick, crunchy, and flavor-packed seafood dish? Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp brings restaurant-quality texture and taste straight to your kitchen in just minutes. Lightly battered and flash-fried until golden, these shrimp are tossed in a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and chili for a perfect harmony of heat and crunch.
This Cantonese-inspired dish is loved for its simple preparation and bold flavor. Serve it as an appetizer, part of a seafood platter, or the star of a weeknight dinner — it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Shrimp
- One pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- Two tablespoons cornstarch
- Two tablespoons all-purpose flour
- One quarter teaspoon white pepper
- One quarter teaspoon black pepper
- Half teaspoon kosher salt
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1.5 cups)
For the Seasoning Mix
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Two scallions, thinly sliced
- One small red chili or jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- One tablespoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, white pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Toss the shrimp in the dry mixture until well coated on all sides.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry the shrimp in batches, without crowding the pan, for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
Step 3: Finish with Aromatics
- In a clean skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil (or use a spoonful of the frying oil).
- Sauté garlic, chili, and scallions for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the fried shrimp to the pan and toss quickly to coat in the aromatics.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions or chili if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp Asian-style slaw or lightly sautéed greens like bok choy.
- Offer lime wedges on the side to enhance the flavor with citrus brightness.
- For dipping, serve with sweet chili sauce or a soy-lime vinaigrette.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 28 grams |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 19 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | <1 gram |
| Sodium | 780 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Shrimp is high in lean protein and low in calories, making it a great alternative to heavier meats.
- Pepper and garlic provide anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
- Quick frying keeps the shrimp juicy inside while forming a crisp exterior without excess oil absorption.
Tips for Success
- Make sure shrimp are completely dry before dredging — moisture causes splattering and sogginess.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil.
- Keep the fried shrimp warm in the oven (200°F) between batches to maintain crispness.
- White pepper adds a traditional earthiness, but black pepper works fine if that’s what you have.
Variations to Try
- Add crushed Sichuan peppercorns to the seasoning for a numbing heat.
- Toss with crispy fried basil leaves or curry leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Make it gluten-free by replacing flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Skip the chili for a milder version suitable for kids or heat-sensitive guests.
Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is deceptively easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you can create a golden, crunchy, flavor-packed plate in under 30 minutes.