Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Now, I know that doesn’t always cut it. But everyone loves that perfect crunch of the shrimp when it’s cooked just right, right? Well, what if you could have that crunch combined with some salty, some savory, and a hint of spicy? That, my friend, is the power of salt and pepper shrimp. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a flavor story that is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. From the seasoned pro to the aspiring chef, this article will help you make restaurant quality salt and pepper shrimp that everyone will love and ask for again and again.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Salt and Pepper Shrimp
For the best salt and pepper shrimp, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients. Let’s break down what makes this dish so delicious!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Special Notes |
| Shrimp | 1 pound | Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined; tail on or off is up to you. |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | For creating a light, crispy coating. |
| Salt | 1.5 teaspoons | Kosher salt or sea salt works best. |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly cracked black pepper provides the most robust flavor. |
| White Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds a subtle, complex heat (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor). |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced finely; don’t skimp on the garlic! |
| Green Onions | 2-3 stalks | Sliced, for both cooking and garnish. |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste; optional, but adds a great kick. |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/4 cup | For frying; peanut oil or canola oil also works well. |
| Cooking Wine | 1 tablespoon | Shaoxing wine or dry sherry to add depth. |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools will make your salt pepper shrimp cooking experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Wok or large skillet : Ideal for stir-frying.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot : If you prefer deep-frying the shrimp.
- Tongs or slotted spoon : For flipping and removing shrimp from hot oil.
- Mixing bowls : For preparing the batter and seasoning mix.
- Microplane or grater : For finely grating ginger.
Professional Quote
“Salt and pepper shrimp” shows how good simple food can be. The most important part is using the right spices and cooking the shrimp to be soft and delicious.”
— Chef Mei Lin, Renowned Culinary Expert
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 30 minutes
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the most delicious Chinese salt and pepper shrimp:
- Prep the Shrimp
Wash your shrimp with cold water and then use paper towels to dry them very well. This helps the cornstarch stick better.
- Season the Shrimp
In a big bowl., combine the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss until the shrimp is evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil
Warm the vegetable oil in your wok or big frying pan over medium-high heat. You can tell it’s hot enough when a small drop of the cornstarch mixture makes a sizzling sound right away.
- Fry the Shrimp
Gently add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches if needed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and crispy.
- Drain the Shrimp
Take the fried shrimp out of the hot oil using a spoon with holes in it. Put the shrimp on a plate that has paper towels on it. This will help soak up extra oil.
- Sauté Aromatics
Remove all but a tablespoon of oil from the wok, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Everything
Add the fried shrimp back to the wok, and toss well to coat them in the garlic and chili mixture.
- Add Finishing Touches
Add the cooking wine, then the sliced green onions, and toss again. Cook for another 30 seconds until they are tender.
- Serve Immediately
Serve your salt and pepper shrimp hot, garnish with extra green onions, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks For Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Mastering salt and pepper shrimp is all about the details. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Dry Shrimp is Key: The drier the shrimp, the crispier the result. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat them dry.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches ensures that the oil temperature doesn’t drop, resulting in crispier shrimp.
- High Heat is Essential: Medium-high heat is crucial for that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Freshly Ground Spices: Freshly cracked black pepper and freshly ground white pepper make a huge difference in flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning levels to your preference.
- Garnish Matters: Don’t ignore how tasty fresh green onions can be. They add nice flavor and brighten up your dish with color.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made this incredible salt and pepper shrimp, here are some ways to enjoy it:
- As an Appetizer: Serve it as a flavorful starter, perfect for parties or gatherings.
- With Rice: Pair it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
- Over Noodles: Toss it with stir-fried noodles for a complete dish.
- With a Side of Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried veggies for a balanced and healthy meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Create delicious and healthy lettuce wraps by placing the shrimp inside fresh lettuce cups.
Nutritional Information
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 4-5 shrimp):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
Please keep in mind that the nutrition information can change depending on the ingredients you use and how large your serving is.
Variations & Alternatives
Want to switch things up? Here are some exciting ways to explore salt and pepper shrimp even further:
- Add Extra Spice: Put in more red pepper flakes or a little bit of chili oil to make it spicier.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Double or triple the amount of garlic.
- Lemon Twist: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the finished dish for a zesty touch.
- Vegetable Addition: Add stir-fried bell peppers, onions, or other veggies with the shrimp.
- Vegan Option: Use large pieces of fried firm tofu or mushrooms instead of shrimp, and adjust the seasonings to match the base flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure your cooking wine and any other ingredients are gluten-free if you need this option. Use gluten free flour, like a tapioca starch.
FAQ Section
Let’s address some common questions about making this fantastic dish:
The basic process involves coating shrimp in cornstarch and seasonings, frying until crispy, and then tossing with sautéed garlic, chili flakes, and green onions. Detailed steps are in the instructions above.
Salt and pepper shrimp is a Chinese-style dish featuring shrimp that are fried until crispy. Then, it’s sprinkled with salt, pepper, garlic, and spicy chili flakes for extra flavor.
You prepare it by first preparing the shrimp and then fry it and combine it with the other ingredients. Refer to the ‘step-by-step instructions’ section for full details.
It is cooked using a combination of frying and sauteing over medium to high heat to achieve the perfect crispness and flavor.
You can eat it as an appetizer, main course with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. It’s versatile and delicious in many ways.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
While salt and pepper shrimp is incredibly delicious, it may not be suitable for everyone:
- Those with Shellfish Allergies: This recipe contains shrimp and is not safe for those with shellfish allergies.
- People on Low-Sodium Diets: This dish is high in sodium, so it might not be suitable if you’re on a low-sodium diet. You can reduce the salt but it will affect the flavor profile.
- Those with High Cholesterol: As shrimp has high cholesterol levels, individuals managing this should moderate their intake.
- People Sensitive to Spicy Food: Red chili flakes can make a dish very spicy. You can use less red chili flakes if you want it to be milder or choose to leave them out entirely.
- Those Avoiding Fried Foods: This recipe involves frying, so it might not be ideal if you are avoiding fried foods. You may be able to air fry the shrimp for a healthier alternative.
What Do You Think?
Are you ready to try making this mouthwatering salt and pepper shrimp? Let me know in the comments! Have you made salt and pepper shrimp before, or is this your first time? What are some of your tips and tricks for this dish? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
My Experience with Salt and Pepper Shrimp
It was my first time eating salt and pepper shrimp, I was in a small busting restaurant in Chinatown. I first smelt it before I tasted it, and that was the garlic, the chili and that subtle smoke. Then was the first bite and I was hooked. Crispy, savory, a bit spicy – it was a explosion of flavor! I had to try to recreate that at home. It took a few attempts to get the taste balance right, but when I did, it became a go-to in my kitchen. I hope this recipe will also bring joy to your table! It is one of my go-to recipes for a quick and always crowd-please meal and I can can’t wait to share it with you.
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