Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Introduction

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a restaurant-style dish that’s easy to make at home. Lightly battered and fried until golden and crunchy, these shrimp are tossed with a flavorful blend of salt, black pepper, and aromatic spices. The crispy texture, combined with the bold seasoning, makes this dish incredibly addictive.

I first tried making these shrimp when I was looking for something crispy and flavorful, and they quickly became a favorite. The shrimp turn out perfectly golden, with just the right amount of seasoning that’s not too overpowering but still packs a punch. You can serve them as an appetizer for a party, as a side dish with rice or noodles, or as the main event in a delicious meal.

What’s great about these shrimp is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you get a crispy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a casual meal or a special occasion, these shrimp are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Quick and easy meals
• Seafood lovers
• Appetizers and party platters
• Asian-inspired dinners
• Pairing with rice or noodles

Why You’ll Love This Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Here’s why Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crunchy and Flavorful: The light, crispy coating delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Bold Seasoning: A simple yet delicious mix of salt, black pepper, and spices enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main course with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra seasonings like garlic, chili flakes, or Sichuan peppercorns.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if desired)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg white
• ¼ cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1-2 red chili peppers, finely sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, making sure they are fully dried before coating for the crispiest texture.
• Cornstarch and Flour: This combination creates a light, crispy coating that stays crunchy.
• Baking Powder: Helps the batter puff up slightly, giving the shrimp a delicate crunch.
• Black and White Pepper: Black pepper adds bold spice, while white pepper brings a subtle, earthy heat.
• Sparkling Water: Helps create an airy, crispy batter when frying.
• Garlic and Chili: These aromatics add an extra layer of heat and flavor to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp and Batter

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg white and cold sparkling water until slightly frothy.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable.

Fry the Shrimp

5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil.
7. Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Toss with Aromatics

9. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions, red chili peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add the crispy shrimp to the pan and toss quickly to coat with the aromatic mixture.
11. Sprinkle with additional salt, black pepper, and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp can be served in several ways:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve over white or fried rice for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Pair with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss with stir-fried noodles for a flavorful seafood dish.
• As a Topping: Use as a crispy topping for salads or Asian-inspired grain bowls.
• With Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or steamed veggies like bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Additional Tips for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp turns out perfect every time:

• Dry the Shrimp: Removing excess moisture helps the batter adhere better and prevents splattering when frying.
• Use Cold Sparkling Water: The carbonation creates a light, crispy batter.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn before cooking through; if it’s too cool, they’ll be greasy.
• Work in Batches: Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature and makes them less crispy.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add extra chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns for a spicier kick.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the shrimp are at their crispiest.

Recipe Variations for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp:

• Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Add extra chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns for more heat.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss the fried shrimp with melted butter and extra garlic for a rich, savory twist.
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Replace white pepper with lemon zest and a dash of lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy Shrimp: Add a drizzle of honey or sweet chili sauce for a sweet-savory balance.
• Five-Spice Shrimp: Incorporate Chinese five-spice powder for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• Tempura-Style Shrimp: Use only cornstarch for an even lighter, crispier coating.
• Coconut Crispy Shrimp: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical touch.
• Salt and Pepper Prawns: Use jumbo prawns instead of shrimp for a heartier version.
• Low-Carb Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Replace the batter with a light dusting of seasoned almond flour or keto-friendly coating.
• Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Freezing and Storage for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked battered shrimp on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp easier:

• Deep Frying Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the right temperature.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Helps safely remove shrimp from hot oil.
• Paper Towels: Absorbs excess oil after frying.
• Tongs: Makes handling and flipping shrimp easier.
• Mixing Bowls: For batter preparation and coating shrimp evenly.
• Air Fryer (Optional): If using an air fryer for a healthier version.

Frequently Asked Questions for Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before using.
2. Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
   Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
   Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a simple garlic aioli pair well.
4. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes, this recipe works great with calamari, fish, or chicken.
5. How do I make it less spicy?
   Simply omit the chili peppers or reduce the black pepper amount.

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Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy texture and bold seasoning, this shrimp dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as an appetizer, side, or main dish, and enjoy the irresistible combination of crispiness and spice.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a small group or preparing a big feast, these crispy shrimp will be a hit every time.

I’d love to see how your Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!