Description
Salt and Pepper Shrimp is a crispy and flavorful Chinese appetizer featuring lightly battered deep-fried shrimp tossed with aromatic garlic, spicy chile peppers, and a savory salt and white pepper seasoning. This quick dish combines crunchy textures with aromatic heat, perfect as a tasty appetizer or served over steamed rice for a main course.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
Coating
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (divided as 1/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Other
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chile peppers, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Thoroughly dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step ensures the coating sticks well and yields a crispy texture.
- Coat the shrimp: Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with the cornstarch in a plate or tray. Add the shrimp and toss until each piece is lightly coated in the cornstarch mixture.
- Make the seasoning: Combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper in a small bowl to create the salt and pepper seasoning.
- Heat the oil: Pour 1/2 cup vegetable oil into a medium-sized pan to a depth of about 1/2 cm (1/4 inch). Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C), or test by dropping a pinch of cornstarch into the oil and observing rapid bubbling.
- Fry the shrimp: Using your fingers, pick up each shrimp by the tail, shake off excess cornstarch, and gently place in the hot oil in a single layer. Fry in batches if needed. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until shrimp are curled and pale golden. Remove cooked shrimp and drain on a wire rack set over a baking tray.
- Prepare the aromatics: Pour out excess oil from the pan, leaving approximately 2 teaspoons. Add minced garlic and sliced chile peppers to the pan. Stir briefly to release their fragrance.
- Toss shrimp with seasoning: Return the fried shrimp to the pan and sprinkle the salt and white pepper mixture over them. Toss everything to evenly coat the shrimp with the seasoning and aromatics.
- Serve: Transfer the seasoned shrimp to a serving plate and serve hot. Enjoy as an appetizer or over steamed rice for a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly for the best crispy coating.
- Adjust the amount of chile peppers depending on your spice tolerance.
- You can use a wire rack over a baking tray to help drain excess oil from the fried shrimp.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
- Cooking shrimp in batches ensures even frying without overcrowding the pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
