Ah, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, the ultimate quick and flavorful trip to culinary heaven! This dish not only stars perfectly seasoned shrimp, but it also combines the pop of peppers and the aroma of garlic and ginger into an irresistible delight that you’ll find hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Delight: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast yet fabulous.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and peppers brings a delightful kick to your taste buds.
- Crisp Perfection: Lightly coated in cornstarch, the shrimp fry up with an irresistible crunch.
- Versatile Cooking: Whether you prefer spicy or mild, this dish easily adapts, allowing you to make it just the way you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a pivotal role, this Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is both simple and sumptuous. From crisp shrimp to aromatic ginger and garlic, these simple ingredients come together to create a masterpiece.
- Shrimp: Large shrimp, ideally U/15 size, are perfect as they remain tender and juicy, even after frying.
- Minced Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a warm and zingy flavor that’s essential in balancing the taste.
- Garlic Cloves: These deliver the savory undertone that makes the dish so deep and rich.
- Green or Red Peppers: They add color and a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Scallions: Offering a fresh, oniony crunch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Cornstarch: It’s used to create a light, crispy coating on the shrimp.
- Neutral Oil: Choose an oil like canola for its high smoke point, ensuring the shrimp fries perfectly.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe. Its adaptability makes it easy to tweak based on what’s available or individual preferences, making each iteration just as delicious.
- Heat Level: Prefer it spicier? Opt for serrano peppers or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate a splash of lime juice at the end for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the entire dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out cornstarch with rice flour or potato starch for a slightly different texture that’s still crispy.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Begin by seasoning your shrimp with a generous amount of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Dust them in a light layer of cornstarch to form that crave-worthy crispy crust that makes salt and pepper shrimp so delightful.
Step 2: Let’s Fry
Heat your oil in a wok over high heat until it’s bubbling steadily. Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them become perfectly golden-brown. After they’re done, drain on paper towels so they stay crisp on the outside but tender inside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the leftover oil and add just a hint back into the pan. Sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, ensuring you don’t burn them; this stage infuses the oil with that irresistible aroma that’s essential to the dish.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your peppers and let them blister just a bit to enhance their flavor. Toss the shrimp back into the wok along with the sliced scallions, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. A sprinkle of fresh salt and pepper right before serving ensures the seasoning is just right.
Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Crispy Coating: Ensure your shrimp are dry before dusting with cornstarch to achieve an unrivaled crispiness.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a high heat for frying to prevent the shrimp from absorbing too much oil, keeping them light and non-greasy.
- Flavor Infusion: Don’t rush the aromatics; giving them a few extra seconds to cook allows them to infuse the entire dish with deep, warming flavors.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best taste and texture—frozen is okay, but fresh is preferred if possible.
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley adds a splash of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts the heat of the shrimp perfectly. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for a bit of zesty twist!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steaming hot jasmine rice or a side of sautéed Asian greens, giving you a complete meal that satisfies both taste and hunger.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive presentation, serve the shrimp on a large platter lined with banana leaves. This not only looks great but adds an extra aroma that enhances the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This will ensure your shrimp remain fresh and tasty.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked shrimp, it’s best served fresh. If you must freeze, do so before seasoning or adding other ingredients to maintain the shrimp’s ideal texture.
Reheating
Reheat your shrimp by lightly sautéing them in a pan over medium heat to avoid them becoming rubbery. You can also reheat in an oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking to achieve a crisp coating.
-
What type of pepper should I use?
Freshly cracked black pepper brings out the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with Sichuan or white pepper for a different spicy profile.
-
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! You can keep the dish mild by using sweet bell peppers instead of hot ones and controlling the amount of pepper you add.
-
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil, are best for frying shrimp to ensure they fry well without burning.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic beginner, this Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is bound to impress. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful way to spice up any meal. Dive into making this wonderful dish and share in the joy of a meal well-spent with loved ones.
Print
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Salt and Pepper Shrimp dish that combines crispy shrimp with sautéed peppers, garlic, and ginger. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe highlights the bold flavors of seasoned shrimp cooked to crispy perfection and complemented by fresh scallions and peppers.
Ingredients
Shellfish and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp deveined (see note)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch or rice flour)
Flavor Base
- 1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger
- 4 garlic cloves minced
Vegetables
- 2–4 green or red peppers sliced (see note)
- 3 scallions or green onion sliced
Seasonings and Oil
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Neutral oil (canola, avocado, or other vegetable oil) for shallow-frying and sautéing
Instructions
- Season and coat the shrimp: Season the deveined shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer for crispiness.
- Heat the oil: Set a wok or deep skillet over high heat and add about an inch of oil. Test if hot by dipping a wooden chopstick or spoon handle into the oil; if it bubbles steadily, the oil is ready.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the aromatics: Carefully wipe out excess oil from the pan and lower the heat to medium-high. Add a small amount of oil if needed, then sauté the ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté the peppers: Add the sliced peppers to the wok and let them blister and soften for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
- Add shrimp and scallions: Return the fried shrimp to the wok along with sliced scallions. Toss everything together to combine, heating through for about 1 minute.
- Season to taste: Sprinkle more salt and freshly ground pepper over the dish to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp (U/15 or under 15 pieces per pound) for best texture. Leave shells on for added crispiness if desired.
- Pepper: For authentic flavor, use Sichuan or Szechuan peppercorns, or opt for fresh cracked or ground black pepper based on availability.
- Chili Peppers: Can substitute with jalapeño, serrano, long hot, or Korean peppers. Shishito peppers add crunch and mild flavor; remove seeds and soak in hot water to lessen heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
