Description

Welcome to another delicious and easy-to-follow recipe! Today, we are bringing you an irresistible Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp recipe that’s perfect for an appetizer, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or looking for something quick to satisfy your cravings, this crispy shrimp dish will not disappoint. Get ready to enjoy a bite of crispy, juicy shrimp seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper!

Ingredients

Scale

18–20 large Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
1 cup Cornstarch
1 long Thai Red Chili, finely chopped
2 dried Red Chilies, roughly chopped
2 Green Onions, sliced
1 tbsp Vegetable Oil + Oil for frying
Coriander, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Marinade:

1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine
1 Egg, whisked

Salt and Pepper Mix:

1 tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns
1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
1 tbsp Sea Salt

Optional substitutions:

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
For those sensitive to spice, reduce or eliminate the Thai red chili and dried chilies.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salt and Pepper Mix

In a frying pan, toast the Sichuan Peppercorns and Black Peppercorns on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Use a mortar and pestle to grind them into a fine powder. Mix in the Sea Salt and set the blend aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Slice the back of the shrimp to butterfly them. In a bowl, combine the Light Soy Sauce, Chinese Cooking Wine, and Whisked Egg. Add the shrimp to the marinade and set aside for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

In a large bowl, add the Cornstarch. Drain the shrimp and toss them in the cornstarch to coat. Shake off excess starch.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In a wok or deep frying pan, heat enough oil for the shrimp to float. Test the oil’s temperature by inserting a wooden chopstick—when bubbles form, it’s ready. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 5: Stir-fry the Aromatics

In a clean wok, heat 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil over medium-high heat. Add the Garlic, Thai Red Chili, Dried Chilies, and Green Onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the crispy shrimp and sprinkle a generous amount of the Salt and Pepper Mix over the shrimp.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure the oil is hot before frying to get the crispiest shrimp.
Adjust the amount of Salt and Pepper Mix based on your preference. If you like it spicier, add more black pepper or even red chili flakes!