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Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a quick and easy dish featuring crispy fried shrimp seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic, and fresh chilies. Perfectly golden on the outside with juicy shrimp inside, this flavorful appetizer or main course is sure to impress with its bold flavors and irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)

Coating & Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (or rice flour/potato starch for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper, plus extra to taste

Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

Oil & Finish

  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough to fill about 2 inches in a skillet)
  • 1 lemon or lime, cut into wedges for squeezing over cooked shrimp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining medium to large shrimp, leaving tails on if desired for presentation. Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and yields a crisp exterior when fried.
  2. Season and Coat: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, ground black pepper, and cornstarch until each piece is evenly and lightly coated. The cornstarch creates the crispy crust during frying, so be generous but not clumpy.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Without a thermometer, test by dropping a small pinch of the coating mixture; it should sizzle and immediately rise to the surface.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and quickly sauté chopped garlic and green chilies until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Toss the fried shrimp in this aromatic mixture to infuse flavor without losing their crispiness.
  6. Serve Fresh: Sprinkle extra salt and black pepper to taste and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Serve immediately while shrimp are hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable or peanut oil for frying.
  • Fry shrimp in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent sogginess.
  • Fresh garlic and chilies significantly enhance the aroma and flavor.
  • Serve immediately after frying to keep shrimp crispy; avoid microwaving leftovers as it makes them soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salt and Pepper Shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, easy appetizer, seafood snack, gluten-free shrimp

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/salt-and-pepper-shrimp/