Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s a perfect balance of crispy texture and savory spices. The shrimp are lightly coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried to golden perfection. The aromatic garlic and green onion topping adds an extra layer of deliciousness that pairs wonderfully with the zesty squeeze of fresh lemon. This recipe is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer for gatherings. The five-spice powder and crushed red pepper flakes add a slight kick, making the dish exciting without being too overwhelming. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp at home in no time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, five-spice powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a clean skillet, add a small amount of oil and sauté the garlic, green onions, and red chili (if using) for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the fried shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and onion mixture.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that brings together simplicity and bold flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalistic seasoning, allowing the natural taste of the shrimp to shine through while still delivering a punch of flavor. It’s a dish that is widely loved in Asian cuisine and has become increasingly popular in households and restaurants around the world. This easy-to-make dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, making it versatile enough for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.
The Allure of Salt and Pepper Shrimp
What sets Salt and Pepper Shrimp apart from other shrimp dishes is its straightforward preparation, paired with its unique seasoning blend. Unlike many seafood recipes that require elaborate marinades or sauces, Salt and Pepper Shrimp relies on a simple combination of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a few additional spices to bring out the best in the shrimp. This minimalist approach highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a crisp, flavorful coating.
The addition of ingredients like garlic, green onions, and red chili (optional) elevates the dish, giving it a fragrant aroma and a slight kick of heat. These ingredients complement the crispy exterior of the shrimp and add a delightful contrast to its tender, juicy interior. The result is a balanced dish that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite, along with layers of flavor that make it hard to resist.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
One of the great things about Salt and Pepper Shrimp is its versatility. It can be served as a main course with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, or it can be offered as a shareable appetizer during gatherings. Its crispy texture and savory taste make it a hit at parties and events, where finger foods are often preferred. This dish also pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, from spicy sriracha to a simple soy-vinegar combination, allowing for even more flavor customization.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is also easily adaptable to personal preferences. While the recipe typically calls for shrimp with the tails left on (for ease of eating), you can choose to use shrimp with the tails removed if you prefer. Additionally, if you’re a fan of spicy food, adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a sliced fresh chili will give the dish an extra burst of heat.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. It is a low-calorie, high-protein food that is rich in essential nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. Shrimp is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health and reduce inflammation. By opting for a recipe like Salt and Pepper Shrimp, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that also provides important health benefits.
Since the shrimp in this dish are lightly coated and fried, the preparation method allows you to enjoy the crispy texture without the heaviness that often accompanies deep-fried foods. Using a moderate amount of oil and frying the shrimp quickly at high heat helps to lock in flavor while keeping the dish light and less greasy than traditional fried seafood dishes.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp
While Salt and Pepper Shrimp is relatively easy to prepare, there are a few tips that can help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
1. Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly:
One of the keys to getting a crispy coating on your shrimp is to make sure they are completely dry before coating them in the cornstarch and flour mixture. Pat them down with paper towels after rinsing them under cold water. This will help the coating stick better and prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy during frying.
2. Use High Heat for Frying:
Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to use high heat when frying them. This not only ensures that the shrimp cook evenly but also gives them that signature crispy exterior without overcooking the tender meat inside. A quick fry of 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough to achieve the desired texture.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
When frying the shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in less crispy shrimp. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain the right temperature and crispiness.
4. Season Immediately After Frying:
Once the shrimp are fried, toss them with the garlic, green onions, and red chili immediately. This allows the flavors to meld together while the shrimp are still hot, ensuring that each bite is infused with the aromatic ingredients.
5. Serve Hot:
Like most fried dishes, Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best served hot and fresh. The shrimp will maintain their crispiness and the flavors will be at their peak when enjoyed straight from the skillet.
The Cultural Significance of Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a popular dish in many Chinese households and is often featured on the menu at Chinese restaurants worldwide. It is part of a larger family of “salt and pepper” dishes, which typically involve a quick fry of meats or seafood followed by tossing in a fragrant mixture of garlic, scallions, and spicy chili. This method of preparation is highly favored in Cantonese cuisine, known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors.
In Chinese culture, shrimp is often associated with happiness and prosperity, making it a popular choice for celebratory meals and special occasions. The red color of the shrimp, especially when paired with the optional red chili, symbolizes good luck and joy, which is why shrimp dishes are commonly served during Lunar New Year and other festivals.
Conclusion:
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a dish that proves you don’t need an extensive list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. Its simplicity is what makes it so appealing, allowing the fresh flavors of the shrimp to take center stage while being enhanced by a few key seasonings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, quick to prepare, and sure to impress.
The crispy, savory shrimp paired with the aromatic garlic and green onions make this a dish that will likely become a staple in your household. Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, and its quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, with the nutritional benefits of shrimp, you can feel good about serving this dish to your family and friends.