If you haven’t tried making Salt and Pepper Shrimp at home yet, you are in for a delightful culinary journey. This recipe combines the fresh, delicate taste of shrimp with a perfectly balanced seasoning of salt and pepper. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to wow your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of salt, white pepper, garlic, and scallions creates a robust and unforgettable flavor profile.
- Impress Your Guests: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
- Versatile Pairings: Pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Salt and Pepper Shrimp lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of ingredients that create a deliciously crispy and aromatic dish. Let’s look at what you need and why:
- Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and taste. Make sure they’re dry for optimal crispiness.
- Salt and White Pepper: These seasonings are crucial for the classic flavor, offering a gentle heat and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Rice Wine: A touch of rice wine adds subtle depth and enhances the umami flavors.
- Potato Starch: Provides a light, crispy coating that’s perfect for frying.
- Garlic and Scallions: These aromatic ingredients boost the flavor profile and add a lovely fragrance to the dish.
Variations
There’s so much room to play around with flavors and ingredients in this recipe! Here are some delightful variations that can suit any palate or dietary requirement:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies for a spicier version of this classic dish.
- Herbal Infusion: Stir in freshly chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a vibrant, herbal twist.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Prepare your shrimp by ensuring they are peeled, deveined, and thoroughly dried. Mix them with salt, white pepper, rice wine, oil, and cornstarch until they are well-coated. Let them sit for a bit as you prepare your frying setup.
Step 2: Coat and Fry
Coat the shrimp in potato starch—this is key for that beloved crispiness. Heat oil in your pan, and fry the shrimp in batches until they are golden. Make sure to give each piece its space to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Combine
In the same pan, sauté garlic and scallions until they release their delicious aroma. Toss your crispy shrimp back in, season with a pinch more salt and pepper, and give them a quick toss to coat. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Achieve Optimal Crispiness: Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before coating to avoid sogginess.
- Perfect Oil Temperature: Heat your oil properly before adding shrimp to ensure a firm and crunchy exterior.
- Keep Them Moving: Constant stirring ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Flavor Enhancement: Adding a squeeze of lime just before serving brightens and intensifies the flavors.
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
For that final touch, consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of finely sliced red chilies for a pop of color and heat. These garnishes not only look appealing but also complement the dish’s flavors quite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside a simple jasmine rice, or for a more full-bodied meal, pair it with a crunchy Asian-style slaw or stir-fried vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with your presentation by serving these shrimps in small bamboo steamer baskets, lined with parchment for a restaurant-like experience that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence), place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. They won’t retain their original crispness but will still be delicious.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a ziplock bag. This helps prevent them from clumping together.
Reheating
Reheat your shrimp in the oven at a low temperature to regain some crispness, or toss them quickly in a hot pan. Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make Salt and Pepper Shrimp without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the rice wine, and perhaps add a splash of lime juice for brightness. You’ll still enjoy the core flavors of this delightful dish.
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Is there an alternative to potato starch?
Cornstarch is an excellent substitute for potato starch. It also creates a light and crispy texture when frying.
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How do I prevent my shrimp from turning tough?
Avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended fry time and temperatures. The shrimp should be just pink and firm to the touch.
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but be sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure they fry up nice and crispy.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to head to a restaurant when you can create Salt and Pepper Shrimp in your own kitchen! It’s a heartwarming and satisfying recipe that will surely become a staple in your home. Gather your ingredients and try it today—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Description
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a savory and crispy seafood dish featuring tender shrimp coated in potato starch, pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed with garlic and scallions for an aromatic flavor boost. Perfectly crispy on the outside with juicy interiors, it’s an easy yet flavorful dish ideal for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a taste for Chinese-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Marinate Shrimp:
- 500g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon rice wine, dry sherry, or Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Coating:
- 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil (for frying)
Seasoning:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Stir Fry:
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, wash them thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate shrimp: Combine shrimp with salt, white pepper, rice wine, cooking oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well to coat evenly and let sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Coat shrimp: Place potato starch on a plate. Dip each marinated shrimp into the starch on both sides, gently shake off excess, then set aside to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Pan fry shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 60-90 seconds per side until lightly golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté garlic and scallions: In the same pan, add a little oil if needed and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the scallions and cook for another minute.
- Combine and season: Add the cooked shrimp to the pan, season with salt and white pepper, toss quickly to coat, and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy hot with rice and a glass of beer or white wine for an authentic experience.
Notes
- Drying the shrimp ensures they stay juicy and firm after cooking.
- Shake off excess starch for crispier results and to prevent clumping during frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches for even crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
