Description
This crispy salt and pepper shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture right in your kitchen. Make crispy salt and pepper shrimp with a perfect balance of savory and spicy notes. This easy crispy shrimp with salt and pepper is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy salt and pepper shrimp)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Salt and Pepper Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- 1–2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy salt and pepper shrimp.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) for the crispy coating.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and cold water.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess. This is key for crispy shrimp with seasoning.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. This makes for perfectly fried shrimp.
- Remove the crispy shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and five-spice powder for the salt and pepper seasoning.
- In a clean, dry skillet, toast the salt and pepper seasoning over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. This enhances the flavor for authentic salt and pepper shrimp.
- Toss the fried shrimp with the toasted salt and pepper seasoning.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and fresh red chilies (if using). Serve immediately as a delicious salt and pepper shrimp appetizer or main course. Enjoy your homemade salt and pepper crispy shrimp!
Notes
- For extra crispy salt and pepper shrimp, you can double-fry them. Fry once until lightly golden, then fry again for 30 seconds to 1 minute until deeply golden.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for spicy salt and pepper shrimp.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; this lowers the oil temperature and can result in less crispy shrimp.
- This recipe makes restaurant-style salt and pepper crispy shrimp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
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