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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 dish that combines bold, savory flavors with a crispy texture. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features perfectly cooked shrimp coated in cornstarch and seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic, and green onions, with an optional spicy kick from chili flakes. It’s versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 12 oz fresh medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped (optional)

Cooking Oil

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for shallow frying)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Start with peeled and deveined shrimp, patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to getting a crispy coating during cooking.
  2. Season and Coat: In a bowl, lightly toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch will create the perfect crispy texture when fried.
  3. Heat the Oil: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Proper oil temperature ensures the shrimp cooks quickly and crisps up nicely.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, add minced garlic, sliced green onions, and chili flakes, briefly sautéing them in the residual oil to release their flavors.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the pan, toss to coat evenly with the garlic and green onion mixture, then serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Dry your shrimp well: Patting them completely dry prevents sogginess and helps the coating stick better.
  • Maintain oil temperature: Too low, and the shrimp will absorb oil; too high, and they can burn quickly.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions really elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust spice levels: Tailor the chili flakes or fresh chili amount to your heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: salt and pepper shrimp, crispy shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, easy appetizers, spicy shrimp

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