Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings a punch of zesty spiciness right to your dinner table. This recipe will guide you through crafting a delicious meal, seasoned with your own homemade salt and pepper blend, ensuring each bite is wonderfully crisp and aromatic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double Duty: The homemade salt and pepper blend is not only fresh but versatile, perfect for enhancing countless dishes beyond this scrumptious shrimp.
- Quick and Simple: This dish is deceptively easy to make, taking under an hour from start to finish while keeping your cleanup minimal.
- Bold Flavors: Each bite is an adventure with the rich umami of crispy shrimp perfectly balanced by aromatic garlic and the kick of fresh peppers.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of chili to tailor the spice level to your exact preference, ensuring both mild and fiery tastes are satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Salt and Pepper Shrimp lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each plays an essential role in creating an umami-bomb sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s break down the stars of this dish.
- Whole Peppercorns: A crucial base for flavor, these add a deep, aromatic kick once roasted and ground.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.
- Large Shrimp: Opt for deveined shrimp to save time; the shells provide an added crunch when fried.
- Potato Starch: Creates the lightest, crispiest coating for quick frying; cornstarch can be used as well.
- Garlic and Peppers: These aromatics elevate each bite with warmth and vibrancy.
Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your personal tastes. Whether you’re trying to keep things fresh or cater to specific dietary needs, these simple adjustments can make this dish feel brand new.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes or cauliflower florets for a plant-based twist.
- Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chilies for those who enjoy their dishes fiery.
- Herbal Infusion: Toss in a handful of fresh basil or cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Salt and Pepper Mixture
Start by dry roasting the whole peppercorns over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes. The aroma should be enticingly fragrant. Ensure they don’t burn by stirring occasionally until cooled, then grind them into a fine powder. Repeat the process with the salt until it achieves a light yellow tinge. Combine them for a delightful seasoning blend.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry before coating evenly in the potato starch. Heat oil in a skillet to 375°F. Fry your shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 30 seconds per side. This ensures they stay crispy and perfectly cooked. Once done, drain on paper towels and dust with your seasoning mix.
Step 3: Bring All Together
With a hint of oil left in the wok, sauté the garlic until light golden. Toss in the peppers just until warmed through. Remove from heat, mix in the shrimp and remaining seasoning, and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Perfect Grinding: For the freshest flavor, grind your pepper right before using.
- Quick Fry: The secret to crispy shrimp is quick frying over high heat, so resist the urge to overcook.
- Garlic Watch: Keep a close watch on the garlic; golden is great, but burnt can ruin the aroma.
- Cleanup Simplified: Use a paper towel to swipe out excess oil to avoid soggy ingredients.
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime for an added zing and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to brighten up the plate and delight the eyes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a light and crisp cucumber salad, both of which complement the bold flavors of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving shrimp on a colorful platter with sliced avocados and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a striking and elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp crisp by reheating under a broiler rather than in the microwave.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Salt and Pepper Shrimp, as it can alter the texture of the shrimp and diminish the crispiness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat by placing the shrimp in a hot oven or under the broiler just until warmed through, helping them regain some of their initial crispiness.
FAQs
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Can I make the seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, the salt and pepper mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for several weeks, ready whenever you’re in need of a flavorful boost!
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What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large shrimp with their shells on provide the best texture and flavor, but you can use shelled shrimp if you prefer it for ease of eating.
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Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Simply ensure your potato starch or cornstarch is certified gluten-free to keep it safe for dietary restrictions.
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Could I use this recipe for other proteins?
Definitely, this seasoning and preparation method pairs wonderfully with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or calamari.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to dazzle your family and friends with this incredible Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. Don’t hesitate to give this dish a try; it’s a guaranteed hit at any dining occasion. Enjoy creating, and savor every deliciously crispy bite!
Print
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe features crispy, lightly seasoned shrimp cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic and hot peppers, finished with a homemade salt and pepper spice blend for an authentic flavor experience. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it blends texture and bold seasoning for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the salt and pepper mixture:
- 2 parts whole peppercorns
- 1 part sea salt
For the rest of the dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp (450g; shells on and deveined, with or without heads)
- 3 tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch
- 1/3 cup oil (for shallow frying)
- Salt and pepper mixture (to taste)
- 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 long hot green or red pepper (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Make the salt and pepper mixture: In a small pot over medium-low heat, dry roast the whole peppercorns for about 15 minutes until very fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Cool completely, then grind the peppercorns into a powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Next, dry roast the salt until it turns slightly yellow, then let it cool. Combine the ground pepper and roasted salt to make your spice blend.
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Dredge the shrimp evenly in potato starch or cornstarch, ensuring a light coating on each piece.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat 1/3 cup of oil in a small cast iron skillet or deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, frying each side for about 30 seconds until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle the hot shrimp with salt and pepper mixture to taste.
- Cook aromatics and combine: In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and fry until just golden brown, about 30-40 seconds. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Remove excess oil, leaving about a tablespoon in the wok. Add the sliced hot pepper, turning off the heat to prevent burning, and stir-fry for about a minute. Return the garlic to the wok and toss everything together. Add the crispy shrimp, gently toss to combine, and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper blend if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing green or red hot peppers based on your heat preference.
- Ensure the oil temperature is accurate for crispy shrimp; use a thermometer for best results.
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.
- This dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course with rice or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~115g)
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 902 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 286 mg
