Crispy Shrimp Recipe with Salt and Pepper Seasoning

Salt and pepper crispy shrimp captures that addictive crunch and bold flavor everyone craves at their favorite restaurants, but making it at home means you can enjoy it anytime.

The contrast between the delicate seafood and its perfectly seasoned coating makes every bite satisfying.

This dish works beautifully as an appetizer for company or as a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Preparation is surprisingly simple, and the results rival anything from a takeout menu.

You don't need fancy equipment or hard-to-find items – just a few minutes and some basic pantry staples.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around before dinner even hits the table.

Time to cook up something incredibly delicious tonight.

Why Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp Is So Satisfying

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These crispy shrimp will disappear from the plate faster than you can say “seconds,” making them perfect for game nights or casual gatherings with friends.
• Simple Seasoning Magic: The homemade salt and pepper blend gives your shrimp a seriously addictive flavor that beats any store-bought seasoning your kitchen has ever seen.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skipping the takeout means you control the ingredients, making this dish healthier and more budget-friendly while impressing everyone at the dinner table.
• Flavor-Packed Protein: With just a few spices and cornstarch, you transform plain shrimp into a zesty, crunchy dish that feels like a culinary adventure right in your own kitchen.

Which Ingredients Create Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Large Shrimp (1820): Peeled, deveined, and butterflied to create a beautiful presentation that helps these catch the crispy coating perfectly.

• Cornstarch (1 cup): Creates an incredibly light and crisp exterior that makes each shrimp golden and crunchy.

• Light Soy Sauce (1 tbsp), Chinese Cooking Wine (1 tbsp), Egg (1): These ingredients tenderize and add depth of flavor to your shrimp before frying.

• Thai Red Chilli (1 long), Dried Red Chilies (2 long), Green Onions (2): These bring heat and sharp, fresh notes that complement the crispy shrimp.

• Sichuan Peppercorns (1 tbsp), Black Peppercorns (1 tbsp), Sea Salt (1 tbsp): Ground together to create a complex, numbing and sharp seasoning that transforms the shrimp.

• Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp + extra for frying): Ensures perfect, even frying and golden color.

• Coriander (some), Lime Wedges (to serve): Fresh herbs and citrus brighten the rich, crispy shrimp.

What Tools Are Needed for Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Large Mixing Bowl: Your go-to container for marinating shrimp and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Mortar and Pestle (6-8 inch): Perfect for grinding Sichuan and black peppercorns with sea salt into a fine, fragrant blend.
• Large Skillet or Wok (12-inch): Provides ample space for frying shrimp evenly and achieving that perfect crispy golden color.
• Tongs: Helps you flip and move shrimp around the hot pan without burning your hands.
• Cornstarch Dredging Dish: A shallow plate where you’ll coat each shrimp in cornstarch for that incredible crispy exterior.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing green onions, red chilies, and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting Board: Your workspace for chopping fresh herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp and keeping them crisp.
• Serving Platter: A beautiful dish to present your salt and pepper crispy shrimp with garnishes.

How to Make Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Which Tips Keep Salt and Pepper Shrimp Crispy

• Let your shrimp soak up those delicious flavors for a full 30 minutes to make them extra tasty.
• Crush those Sichuan and black peppercorns with sea salt to create a super fragrant seasoning blend that will make your shrimp pop.
• Make sure every single shrimp gets a perfect, even coating of cornstarch for that incredible crispy exterior.
• Keep your oil hot but not smoking – this ensures your shrimp turn out golden and crunchy without getting greasy.
• Sprinkle that salt and pepper mix generously, then top with fresh green onions, red chilies, and coriander for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Popular Variations for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Swap Sichuan peppercorns for Cajun seasoning, giving your shrimp a bold Louisiana kick with a blend of paprika, cayenne, and herbs that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Coconut Crusted Option: Replace cornstarch with shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds crunch and sweetness to your crispy shrimp adventure.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use rice flour instead of cornstarch to ensure everyone can enjoy these crispy bites without worrying about gluten sensitivity.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Ditch the pan-frying and use an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, creating a healthier version that’s just as crispy and satisfying.

Ideal Side Pairings for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Perfect Pairing: Serve these crispy shrimp alongside steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the red chilies based on your heat tolerance – remove seeds for mild, keep them for extra kick.
• Ideal Serving Suggestion: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with lime wedges scattered around, making it easy for everyone to squeeze fresh citrus over their portion.
• Fresh Herb Tip: Chop the green onions and coriander right before garnishing to keep their bright, zesty flavor at its peak.

How to Store Salt and Pepper Shrimp

• Refrigerate extra shrimp in an airtight container for 2-3 days, keeping the crispy coating separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat leftover crispy shrimp in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore the crunch and keep them from getting greasy.
• Slice cold shrimp into a fresh salad for a quick lunch, adding extra salt and pepper mix for renewed flavor.
• Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to one month, thawing completely before cooking to maintain texture.

Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp Frequently Asked Questions

Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Salt and pepper crispy shrimp delivers bold seasoning and crunchy texture with minimal ingredients. This simple seafood dish feels light, flavorful, and satisfying.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 18 large Shrimp
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 Egg

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan Peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Sea Salt

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 long fresh Thai Red Chilli
• 2 long dried Red Chilies
• 2 Green Onions
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• Oil for frying
• Coriander
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine, and 1 whisked egg in a medium bowl. Add 18-20 large shrimp and gently coat them in the marinade. Allow the shrimp to absorb flavors for exactly 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Combine 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp sea salt in a spice grinder. Pulse until you create a fine, uniform seasoning blend.
3. Pour 1 cup cornstarch onto a flat plate. Remove each shrimp from marinade and thoroughly coat it, ensuring complete coverage with a light, even layer of cornstarch.
4. Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, filling it 2 inches deep. Heat oil to 375°F. Carefully slide coated shrimp into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain temperature.
5. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they transform into a crispy golden brown with curled edges. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Sprinkle freshly ground salt and pepper mix generously over hot shrimp. Top with 2 sliced green onions, 1 finely chopped Thai red chili, and roughly chopped dried red chilies.
7. Transfer crispy shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and accompany with lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp at room temperature to ensure even seasoning and prevent cold spots during cooking.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best crispy texture and clean ocean flavor.
• Pat the shrimp completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with rice flour or arrowroot powder for an equally crunchy coating.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Shrimp
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 6
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg