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Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick and easy seafood dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a crunchy starch batter and tossed with bold salt, black pepper, garlic, and green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this flavorful recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and aromatic seasoning in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy days or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium or large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Coating

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or potato starch (use tapioca starch or rice flour for gluten-free option)

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • Optional: 1-2 fresh chili peppers or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Frying

  • Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil), enough for shallow frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this step is crucial to ensure a crisp, non-soggy coating.
  2. Coat with starch: Place the dried shrimp into a bowl and evenly toss them with your choice of cornstarch or potato starch, making sure each piece is lightly coated to create a crispy exterior when fried.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour enough neutral oil into a deep pan for shallow frying and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking, approximately between 350°F to 375°F, to achieve a golden, crunchy finish.
  4. Fry the shrimp: In small batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove shrimp and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  5. Season and toss: While shrimp are still warm, toss them gently in a mixture of salt, freshly ground black pepper, finely chopped garlic, green onions, and optional chili flakes. The heat from the shrimp will release the flavors and coat them evenly.
  6. Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Salt and Pepper Shrimp hot and fresh, enjoying the perfect balance of crunch and seasoning at its peak.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before coating to avoid sogginess and ensure coating sticks well.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for even, quick frying and to prevent burning.
  • Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and avoid clumping or sticking.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper and fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
  • Drain fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to help keep them crispy longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salt and Pepper Shrimp, crispy shrimp, seafood appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, gluten free shrimp, Chinese shrimp dish

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/salt-and-pepper-shrimp/