Crispy & Irresistible Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Quick & Flavorful Recipe

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How I Fell in Love with Salt and Pepper Shrimp

You know those recipes that surprise you? The ones that seem too simple to be that good? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I made Salt and Pepper Shrimp. I was craving something crispy, savory, and a little spicy, but I didn’t want to deal with a complicated recipe. Then I stumbled upon this dish—light, crunchy shrimp coated in a perfect blend of salt, pepper, and garlic. One bite, and I was hooked.

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crispy salt and pepper shrimp, golden and lightly dusted with a flavorful seasoning.

The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. No deep frying, no fancy ingredients—just a super satisfying, restaurant-quality dish right at home. If you love quick seafood recipes, you might also enjoy this delicious shrimp dish.

What You’ll Need For Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp (shell-on for extra crunch or peeled if you prefer)
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for that crisp factor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional, but adds a nice depth)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2-3 small chili peppers (finely chopped, adjust for spice level)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • Oil for frying (I use about ¼ cup)
the ingredients for crispy salt and pepper shrimp, neatly arranged on a rustic wooden surface.

You probably have most of this in your kitchen already! And if you love cooking with shrimp, you might want to try this other seafood recipe.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

  1. Super Quick – Done in under 30 minutes!
  2. Crispy & Flavorful – The cornstarch gives the shrimp a light crunch, and the mix of salt, pepper, and garlic makes every bite irresistible.
  3. Minimal Ingredients – No need for a long grocery list.
  4. Restaurant-Quality at Home – You’ll never need takeout again!

Still not convinced? Check out this similar crispy dish for another easy and delicious idea.

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp

  1. Prep the shrimp – If you’re using shell-on shrimp, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry. If they’re peeled, just make sure they’re dry so they get nice and crispy.
  2. Coat with cornstarch – Toss the shrimp in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This is what gives them that delicate, crispy crust.
  3. Fry the shrimp – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté the aromatics – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic, chili peppers, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Season and combine – Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder into the pan. Toss the crispy shrimp back in and stir everything together for another minute.
  6. Serve immediately – Best enjoyed hot, straight out of the pan!
shrimp sizzling in a hot pan, with steam rising as they develop a golden, crispy texture.

Looking for more quick dinner ideas? You might love this easy seafood meal.

How to Serve Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is amazing on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some ideas:

  • With rice – Simple steamed rice balances out the bold flavors.
  • As an appetizer – Serve with a squeeze of lime and a cold drink.
  • With stir-fried veggies – A side of bok choy or garlic green beans pairs perfectly.
A beautifully plated serving of salt and pepper shrimp, arranged on a rustic ceramic plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use peeled shrimp instead of shell-on shrimp?

Absolutely! Shell-on shrimp give extra crunch and flavor, but if you prefer peeled shrimp, they’ll still turn out crispy and delicious. Just make sure they’re completely dry before coating them in cornstarch.

2. What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large shrimp (around 16-20 count per pound) work best. They hold up well during frying and have a juicy texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work—just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.

3. Do I have to deep-fry the shrimp?

Nope! This recipe uses shallow frying, so you only need a small amount of oil. If you want to reduce oil even more, try air-frying or baking them (though the texture will be slightly different).

4. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Of course! Just skip the chili peppers or use a mild variety. You can also add a little sugar to balance the flavors.

5. What’s the difference between black and white pepper?

Black pepper is stronger and has a bold, spicy kick, while white pepper is milder with a slightly earthy taste. Using both creates a more complex flavor, but you can stick with just black pepper if that’s what you have.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. If you need to reheat, use an air fryer or oven to keep the shrimp crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

7. What can I serve with Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

It pairs well with:

  • Steamed white rice or fried rice
  • Stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli
  • A side of dipping sauce (soy sauce with a squeeze of lime works great)

8. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Yes! You can use the same seasoning and method for chicken, tofu, or even calamari. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

Final Thoughts

This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something amazing. Crispy, garlicky, and packed with bold flavors—it’s a must-try. If you make it, let me know how it turns out! And if you’re looking for more quick and delicious recipes, browse my other shrimp dishes here.