Go Back
+ servings
Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Savory Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp You'll Love to Share

This Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp recipe is quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 18-20 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, butterflied
  • 1 cup cornstarch coating agent for crispiness
  • 1 fresh Thai red chili adds kick; jalapeño is a substitute
  • 2 dried red chilies for spiciness; omit for milder dish
  • 2 green onions for flavor and garnish; scallions can substitute
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking; canola or peanut oil are substitutes
  • coriander for garnish; fresh cilantro is a swap
  • lime wedges for serving; lemon is a substitute
For the Marinade
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce for umami; low-sodium is an option
  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine adds flavor; dry sherry is a substitute
  • 1 egg whisked; can omit for vegan option
For the Salt and Pepper Mix
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns floral spice; substitute with regular black pepper
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns adds warmth and spiciness
  • 1 tbsp sea salt essential seasoning; avoid table salt

Equipment

  • wok
  • frying pan
  • spice grinder
  • slotted spoon
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast the Sichuan and black peppercorns in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Grind into a fine powder, mix with sea salt, and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and whisked egg. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, add cornstarch. Toss marinated shrimp in until evenly coated, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  5. In a clean wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry minced garlic, fresh Thai red chili, dried chilies, and chopped green onions for 1 minute. Add fried shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper mix, tossing everything together.
  6. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure shrimp is butterflied correctly for even cooking. Use sea salt for better flavor. Fry in batches for crispy texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!