Description

Crispy, sizzling, and packed with bold flavor, Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is your new favorite go-to for quick dinners, shareable appetizers, or indulgent snacks. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this restaurant-style dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for seafood lovers and weeknight warriors, this easy recipe delivers crunchy texture, savory spice, and mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner wins, or fresh food ideas for your next gathering, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 fresh red chilies, sliced

2 scallions, chopped

1 1/2 cups oil, for frying

1 tbsp oil, for tossing

2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels until no moisture remains.

2. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to evenly coat each piece.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and lightly sauté the garlic and sliced chilies for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add scallions and stir for another 30 seconds.

5. Return the fried shrimp to the pan and toss everything together briefly to coat in the aromatics. Serve immediately with optional cilantro and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pat the shrimp very dry to ensure maximum crispiness when frying.

Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, more delicate crust.

If making ahead, store coated raw shrimp and aromatics separately, and fry fresh before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: easy recipe, crispy shrimp, seafood, dinner ideas, Asian shrimp