Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Light, Crunchy, and Flavor-Packed

This Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick and delicious dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Lightly coated shrimp are fried until golden and tossed with aromatic garlic, peppers, and a touch of salt and pepper for the perfect balance of crunch and seasoning. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that works as an appetizer, snack, or main dish alongside rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection – Shrimp are lightly battered for a golden crunch without being heavy.
Bold Flavors – Garlic, peppers, and seasoning bring a fragrant kick.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile – Serve as a starter, side, or main course.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if desired)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp white pepper (optional, for extra kick)
• Oil for frying

For the Toss:

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ½ tsp coarse salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss shrimp until evenly coated.
2. Fry Shrimp
   Heat oil in a skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Stir-Fry Aromatics
   In a clean wok or skillet, add 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic, chili, and green onions for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss Together
   Return shrimp to the skillet and toss quickly with aromatics. Sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve
   Plate immediately and enjoy hot with steamed rice, noodles, or as a crunchy appetizer.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~290
Protein: 23g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They cook quickly, so keep frying time short for juicy, tender bites.
• Adjust Heat – Add more or fewer chilies depending on your spice preference.
• Extra Crisp – Double fry shrimp for an even crunchier coating.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of light cornstarch coating, quick frying, and aromatic seasoning makes the shrimp crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s a restaurant-style dish made simple for home cooking.

Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the perfect dish when you crave bold flavors and crunchy texture. Easy to prepare and full of zest, it’s sure to become a favorite for family meals or entertaining guests.