Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a delightful dish that showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp complemented by simple yet bold seasonings. This Asian-inspired recipe balances savory flavors with a hint of spice, making it a favorite for many seafood lovers. You might come across this dish in various Asian restaurants, but there’s nothing quite like preparing it at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Why We Love This Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about Salt and Pepper Shrimp. The contrast of textures—the crispy coating and the tender, juicy shrimp—is simply delightful. Additionally, this dish incorporates basic ingredients that are often found in most kitchens, yet the flavor is anything but ordinary. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but the cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying the delicious meal. Plus, the versatility of the recipe lets you introduce your unique twist with additional herbs or side dishes, making it a flexible option for any occasion.
Ingredients about Salt and Pepper Shrimp
To whip up a delicious batch of Salt and Pepper Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 green onions
- Oil for frying
These ingredients create the perfect blend that brings out the best in shrimp, allowing them to shine while being enhanced by the seasonings. The cornstarch adds an enjoyable crunch when fried, while the fresh garlic and green onions lend vibrancy and depth to the overall flavor.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp Directions
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp is almost as easy as gathering the ingredients. Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, ensuring to leave the tails on. Not only does this make for an attractive presentation, but it also provides a convenient way to enjoy the dish. Once peeled, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it allows the cornstarch to adhere better and helps achieve that desired crispy texture.
Coat the Shrimp: Place the dried shrimp in a bowl and toss them with the cornstarch. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the light dusting of cornstarch, as this will contribute to the crunchiness once fried.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 375 degrees F. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough. When the oil reaches the right temperature, carefully add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer to Paper Towels: Once the shrimp are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain off. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to keep them crispy.
Sauté Garlic: In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Finishing Touches: Once the garlic is aromatic, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, allowing the residual heat to soften them slightly. Pour this delicious mixture over your crispy shrimp and toss to ensure every piece is coated with the fragrant seasoning.
Serve Immediately: Serve your scrumptious Salt and Pepper Shrimp right away to enjoy their crunchiest form. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Serving Salt and Pepper Shrimp is all about showcasing its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. You can serve this dish as a standalone appetizer or as a main course. If you choose to make it the star of your meal, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to balance the dish. Fresh vegetables, like sautéed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad, can also enhance the presentation and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
You can elevate your serving style by garnishing with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a visually appealing finish. Consider providing a delectable dipping sauce on the side, such as a soy sauce-based blend or a spicy chili sauce, for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor.
Expert Tips: Salt and Pepper Shrimp
To make your Salt and Pepper Shrimp even more delightful, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always bring out the best flavor. When purchasing them, look for shrimp that smell clean and slightly briny, indicating their freshness.
Adjust the Spice: If you want a little more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch mixture. This can elevate the dish and cater to those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
Experiment with Aromatics: While garlic and green onions are traditional, you can also try adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder for an additional layer of flavor.
Serve Immediately: The crunchiness of the shrimp is best enjoyed right after they are made. If you need to hold them for a short time, keep them in a warm oven, but aim to serve them fresh.
How to Store Salt and Pepper Shrimp
If you have any leftovers of your Salt and Pepper Shrimp—a rare occurrence given how delicious it is—you can store them to enjoy later. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the shrimp soggy.
Variation of Salt and Pepper Shrimp
While the traditional Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:
Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for an extra spicy take on the classic recipe.
Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari: Swap the shrimp for calamari rings for a new seafood experience. Follow the same preparation process, adjusting frying time as needed.
Salt and Pepper Tofu: For a vegetarian alternative, use firm tofu instead of shrimp. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes, tossing with the cornstarch mixture before frying.
Vegetable Medley: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the dish for added nutrition and a pop of color. Toss them in at the end with the garlic mixture.
Tangy Citrus Twist: Create a zesty version by adding a touch of lemon or lime juice to the garlic mixture. The acidity complements the richness of the shrimp beautifully and adds a refreshing finish.
FAQ about Salt and Pepper Shrimp
What’s the best type of shrimp to use for Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
When making Salt and Pepper Shrimp, large, fresh shrimp are ideal. Look for shell-on shrimp, as leaving the tails on enhances presentation and flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure to thoroughly thaw and pat them dry before applying the cornstarch.
How can I make Salt and Pepper Shrimp healthier?
To make a lighter version, consider baking the shrimp instead of frying them. Coat them in the cornstarch mixture and bake them at a high temperature until they turn crispy.
What dipping sauces go well with Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a spicy mango salsa work wonderfully alongside Salt and Pepper Shrimp.
Can I prepare Salt and Pepper Shrimp in advance?
While it’s best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the shrimp and garlic mixture ahead of time. Just fry them right before serving for that fresh crunch.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Cooking Thermometer
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 6 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp Canola Oil for sautéing
- 2 stalks Green Onions sliced
- to taste Oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Toss the dried shrimp in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Carefully add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, around 3-5 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Pour this mixture over the crispy shrimp and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a dipping sauce on the side.
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