Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

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Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor—this Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I’m craving something quick, satisfying, and a little indulgent. The crackling texture of the shrimp, coated in a delicate layer of seasoned starch, paired with the aromatic punch of garlic, scallions, and chili, always hits the spot. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

I love serving this dish when friends drop by unannounced or when I need something exciting for a weekday dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re piling them onto rice bowls, dipping them into tangy soy-vinegar sauce, or enjoying them solo straight from the skillet, these crispy shrimp always disappear quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

This dish is all about contrast—crispy textures, savory and spicy notes, and a hit of freshness from the herbs. You’ll love how easy it is to make without compromising on flavor. The simplicity of ingredients and the quick cooking time mean you can whip it up anytime a craving strikes. Plus, it works beautifully as a party appetizer, quick dinner, or even as a topping for salads and noodles.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Medium to large shrimp (preferably 21/25 count) are ideal for this recipe. I like to use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail on for ease and presentation. Fresh shrimp work wonderfully, but frozen (thawed) shrimp will do the job just as well. The key is to pat them dry thoroughly so they fry up crisp and don’t steam in the pan.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re avoiding shellfish, this method works great with firm tofu or thinly sliced calamari. For a gluten-free option, use potato starch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour or cornstarch. Want a different heat level? Swap in sweet bell peppers for chili, or go spicier with Thai bird’s eye chilies. And if you’re not into frying, air fry the shrimp for a lighter version that still brings the crunch.

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Ingredients for this Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Shrimp – The star of the dish. Medium to large shrimp provide the perfect bite and texture. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined.

Cornstarch – Essential for that ultra-crispy coating. It gives the shrimp a delicate crunch without heaviness.

Salt & Pepper – Use freshly ground black pepper and fine sea salt to deliver that bold seasoning punch.

Garlic – Sliced thinly or minced, garlic infuses the oil with a rich aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.

Fresh Chilies – Adds heat and vibrant color. Red or green chilies work well; adjust quantity to your spice preference.

Scallions – Stirred in at the end, scallions add freshness and a mild onion bite.

Oil for Frying – A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil ensures a perfect, golden fry.

Optional Garnish: Cilantro or Toasted Sesame Seeds – For extra aroma and a beautiful finish.

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Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is critical for a crispy finish. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and dry.

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Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Every piece should be dusted but not overloaded.

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Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (test by dropping in a pinch of starch—it should sizzle), fry the shrimp in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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Step 4: Make the Aromatic Toss

In a clean pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and lightly fry the garlic and chilies until fragrant but not burnt (about 1–2 minutes). Add scallions and toss for another 30 seconds.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the crispy shrimp to the pan and toss quickly with the aromatics to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Prep Time: The prep process for this dish is refreshingly quick. From cleaning and drying the shrimp to slicing your garlic and chilies, you’ll need about 15 minutes. If your shrimp are already peeled and deveined, it’ll take even less time.

Cook Time: Frying each batch of shrimp takes just 5–6 minutes, and the final toss with aromatics is under 3 minutes. In total, the cooking time is around 10–12 minutes. You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

• Dry the shrimp thoroughly – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Press the shrimp with paper towels until completely dry.
• Use cornstarch, not flour – Cornstarch yields a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy longer.
• Fry in batches – Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp.
• Don’t overcook – Shrimp cook quickly. As soon as they turn golden and opaque, they’re done.
• Toss gently with aromatics – Just a quick toss to coat and flavor without softening the crispy crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using wet shrimp – They’ll steam instead of fry.
• Too much cornstarch – Can create a gummy coating instead of a crisp one.
• Burning the garlic – It turns bitter fast; sauté lightly on medium heat.
• Overfrying – Shrimp become rubbery and lose their sweetness.
• Skipping the toss – The aromatics are what elevate this dish beyond just fried shrimp.

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What to Serve With Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp?

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

The light, fluffy texture complements the crispy shrimp and soaks up the flavors beautifully.

2. Garlic Noodles

Savory, buttery noodles are a delicious base or side, pairing perfectly with the seasoned shrimp.

3. Asian Slaw

A crunchy slaw with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich shrimp.

4. Stir-Fried Greens

Quick stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli adds color and nutritional balance.

5. Dipping Sauce Sampler

Serve with soy-vinegar dip, sweet chili sauce, or Sriracha mayo for fun flavor variety.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of the shrimp and coating won’t hold up well once thawed.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prep the shrimp and slice the aromatics in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Only fry when ready to serve.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on a 4-serving yield)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, depending on the chilies used. You can reduce or omit the chilies to control the heat.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral, high-smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fry in batches to maintain crispiness and oil temperature.

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Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is the ultimate combination of flavor, crunch, and speed. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it, but really takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you serve it as a party appetizer, a fast dinner, or a weekend treat, it’s sure to impress. Crispy, aromatic, and irresistibly good—this one’s a keeper in every shrimp lover’s kitchen.

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