Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden shrimp that's seasoned to perfection - a dish so delectable, it'll transport you straight to the bustling streets of China. Our Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is not just another seafood dish; it's a culinary adventure that combines simple ingredients with professional cooking techniques to create an irresistible appetizer or main course that will have everyone at your table begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining 1 pound of large shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat each shrimp evenly in the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess coating. Ensure each shrimp is completely and lightly covered.
- Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer to verify the precise temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sprinkle additional salt and freshly ground black pepper over the hot shrimp for extra seasoning.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, optionally with a side of sweet chili sauce or lemon wedges for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before coating to ensure a crunchy exterior.
- Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the exact oil temperature at 375°F. This precise temperature prevents greasy shrimp and ensures a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy shrimp.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne or white pepper to your cornstarch mixture for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the maximum crispiness and enjoy the shrimp at their absolute best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 419kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
