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Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Crispy, flavorful Salt and Pepper Shrimp that makes a quick and easy appetizer or meal, featuring a light cornstarch coating fried to perfection and tossed with aromatic garlic, green onions, salt, white pepper, and chili flakes. Perfectly crunchy with a customizable spice level and versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (or rice flour/potato starch for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil) for frying
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the cornstarch sticks properly, yielding a crispier texture.
  2. Coat with Cornstarch: Place the dried shrimp in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated, creating a light protective layer that crisps when fried.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or wok to fully submerge the shrimp. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying without burning.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  5. Sauté Aromatics and Combine: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic, chopped green onions, and red chili flakes until fragrant. Add the fried shrimp back into the pan, sprinkle with salt and white pepper, and toss thoroughly to coat with the aromatic mixture.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with extra green onions or lemon wedges if desired, and serve right away to maintain the crispiness.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness.
  • Use fresh garlic and green onions for the best flavor.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt shrimp.
  • Fry shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding and keep oil temperature steady.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for the best crunchy texture as coating softens over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: salt and pepper shrimp, crispy shrimp, appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, gluten free shrimp, spicy shrimp

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