Introduction
If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful seafood, then you’ll absolutely love Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp. This popular dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its light, crunchy texture and bold seasoning. The combination of savory salt, tingly Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic garlic and chilies creates a perfect balance of flavors that make every bite irresistible.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp at home, including step-by-step instructions, expert tips, FAQs, and serving suggestions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The double-frying technique ensures maximum crunch.
- Bold Flavors – A perfect mix of salt, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and chilies.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Authentic Chinese Cuisine – Recreate restaurant-quality salt and pepper shrimp at home.
- Versatile Dish – Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a larger feast.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
- 1 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 cups oil (for deep frying)
For the Jiaoyan (Salt and Pepper) Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp sea salt
- 3 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp white pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
For the Aromatics:
- 2 red chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 inch ginger, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Jiaoyan Seasoning
- In a wok or dry skillet, toast the sea salt, Sichuan peppercorns, black pepper, and white pepper over low heat for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the toasted spices into a fine powder.
- Mix in the chili powder and store in an airtight container. This seasoning blend can last up to six months.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, salt, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, grated ginger, grated garlic, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Mix thoroughly and let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Coat the Shrimp
- Place 1/2 cup cornstarch at the bottom of a large container.
- Add the marinated shrimp on top, then cover with the remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- Seal the container and shake well to ensure even coating.
- Let the shrimp rest for another 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.
4. Prepare the Aromatics
- While waiting, dice the scallions and thinly slice the red and green chilies, garlic, and ginger.
5. First Frying
- Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet to 360°F (182°C).
- Shake off any excess cornstarch from the shrimp.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and start to crisp.
- Remove and drain on a rack or paper towel.
6. Second Frying
- Increase oil temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Fry the shrimp again for another 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Fry the Aromatics
- In the same hot oil, briefly fry the sliced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove and drain.
8. Combine and Serve
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy shrimp with fried garlic, ginger, fresh chilies, and scallions.
- Sprinkle 2 tsp of the prepared Jiaoyan seasoning over the shrimp and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Double-frying ensures extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and fresh chilies.
- Toast the Sichuan peppercorns properly for an authentic, aromatic flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish without deep frying?
Yes! You can air-fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
2. What can I serve with Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp?
It pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light Asian salad.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a dish that packs a punch of flavor, crunch, and spice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just craving something delicious, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results right at home. Give it a try and experience the perfect balance of crispy shrimp, bold seasoning, and aromatic ingredients!
Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this irresistible dish today!