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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Published: May 16, 2021 · Modified: Sep 17, 2021 by Julia · This post may contain affiliate links · 25 Comments

    Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Salt and pepper shrimp (椒盐虾) is a crowd favorite Cantonese dish for those who love anything salty and crunchy (like well-done fries or potato chips)! The salt and pepper mixture is great on a number of proteins such as salt and pepper squid, salt and pepper tofu, and salt and pepper pork ribs.

    The great thing about salt and pepper dishes is that there's one tried and true formula. Lightly batter the protein with a starch, such as potato starch, cornstarch or tapioca starch. Fry in shallow oil, and then sprinkle over the salt and pepper mixture. The recipe is relatively simple but the dish looks incredibly impressive!

    overhead shot of salt and pepper shrimp in plate

    Ingredients for salt and pepper shrimp

    • Whole peppercorns
    • Salt
    • Shaowing wine
    • Vegetable oil or any neutral oil for frying
    • Whole shrimp (deveined) - I always have frozen shrimp and it doesn't affect the quality. Feel free to use fresh shrimp, too. I prefer using the whole shrimp because the head is always the tastiest part for me! However, you are free to remove the heads if that's what you're comfortable with.
    • Garlic
    • Green chili pepper - Feel free to sub with red chili pepper if that's what you have on hand. You are also free to use both as aromatics.

    Instructions

    1. Toast the whole peppercorns and salt in a pan on low heat. Keep close watch and stir every now and then. You'll know the mixture is ready when the salt starts to darken (the color will change from white to yellow) and the peppercorn will start to release a smoky aroma. overhead shot of grinded whole peppercorn and salt
    2. Remove from heat and move to a pestle and mortar. Grind well! If you don't have a pestle or mortar, you can use a coffee grinder or put the mixture in a plastic bag and lightly beat with a rolling pin. You could try a food processor, but the salt and peppercorns might be too small for the blades.
    3. Wash and devein your shrimp. The black vein runs down the back of the shrimp. Use a fork to puncture the shell and pull out this "vein" which is technically its digestive tract. Pat dry.
    4. Add Shaoxing wine and then toss the shrimp with cornstarch.
    5. Heat up a neutral oil in a pan. Place shrimp in one layer on the pan and ensure that the shrimps are not touching one another.shrimp fried in a pan with cornstarch
    6. Fry shrimp for 30-40 seconds on each side or until shrimp is fully orange. Remove from heat and set aside on a paper towel to drain some of the oil.
    7. Use the leftover oil and fry the minced garlic until golden brown. Toss the shrimp back in with the garlic for 10 seconds. Turn off heat.
    8. Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture over the shrimp and toss so shrimp is well-coated. You can add the mixture to taste, but I would recommend around 1 tsp.
    9. Add in the minced green chili peppers. Toss and serve!
    chopsticks picking up salt and pepper shrimp

    FAQ

    What can I use to grind the whole peppercorn and salt?

    A pestle and mortar works best! However, if you don't have one, you can place the toasted mixture into a plastic bag (such as a Ziploc bag) and beat lightly with a rolling pin.

    Should I use frozen or fresh shrimp?

    You can use either! I always have frozen shrimp on hand so I make sure to defrost before I make this dish. Fresh shrimp works just as well.

    How do I prep my shrimp?

    There is a "vein" that runs down the back of the shrimp which is actually its digestive tract. To be fair, there have been times that I've prepared a shrimp dish without removing these. I don't believe they present any health concerns, but I know many prefer to devein the shrimp.

    Use a pair of kitchen scissors or a fork to lightly puncture the shell of the shrimp along the "spine". You'll see a dark vein-- use a thin, sharp tip to pull the vein out.

    What type of peppercorn should I use?

    There are variation of this dish. Some people like to use Sichuan peppercorns which will make this dish a lot spicier, so for those who want a real kick, you can use the Sichuan variety. However, I use the common black peppercorn. The differences shouldn't change the dish too much!

    Can I add other aromatics?

    Yes! You can use red chili pepper or use both green and red to add more color. You can also chop up some green onion (scallions) to add to the dish at the very end.

    What are other shrimp recipes?

    Shrimp is an amazing protein for those who are looking to reduce their red meat consumption! Try this 10 minute shrimp and egg stir fry or get a little hands on and wrap these shrimp dumplings.

    overhead shot of salt and pepper shrimp in plate
    Print Pin
    5 from 21 votes

    Salt and Pepper Shrimp

    This salt and pepper shrimp recipe is deliciously crispy, slightly spicy, and smoky for the perfect crunchy dish.
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Chinese
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 4
    Author Julia

    Ingredients

    Salt and Pepper Mix

    • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorn
    • ½ tablespoon salt

    Rest of Dish

    • 450 g whole shrimp (deveined)
    • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (sub with dry sherry or rice wine)
    • 3 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 green chili pepper
    • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil

    Instructions

    • Toast whole peppercorn and salt in a pan over low heat. Stir from time to time. Take off heat when the salt starts to darken and you can smell the fragrance of the peppercorn.
    • Remove from heat and let cool for a minute. Grind in a pestle and mortar.
    • If you're using whole shrimp, devein and wash shrimp. Put shrimp dry and place in a bowl.
    • Add Shaoxing wine to shrimp and then toss shrimp with cornstarch.
    • Heat oil in a pan. Lay shrimp in pan in one layer so they are not touching each other. Fry for 30-40 seconds on each side. Remove from heat and place on a paper towel.
    • Place pan back on heat and fry garlic until golden brown. Toss shrimp back in and stir-fry for 10 more seconds.
    • Turn off heat and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper mix or to taste. Add in minced green chili pepper.
    salt and pepper shrimp for pinterest

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah says

      May 16, 2021 at 11:46 pm

      5 stars
      This shrimp was SO GOOD!!

      Reply
    2. Andréa Janssen says

      May 17, 2021 at 12:41 am

      5 stars
      An easy recipe full of flavor! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    3. Anna says

      May 17, 2021 at 2:25 am

      5 stars
      One of my all-time favourites, simple salt and pepper shrimp! It's so delicious and easy to make, and always a winner with a crowd!

      Reply
    4. Nora says

      May 17, 2021 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Faby says

      May 17, 2021 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      Perfect, quick, and easy for a weeknight meal. Most of the time, I eat whole shrimps because I agree that the head is so good!

      Reply
    6. HEATHER PERINE says

      May 18, 2021 at 3:18 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious dinner recipe! Love the bold flavors...will definitely make again!

      Reply
    7. Natalie says

      May 18, 2021 at 5:36 am

      5 stars
      I'm going to make this tomorrow for lunch. I have all the ingredients, and this looks absolutely amazing. I love the flavors. I can't wait to give it a try! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Julia says

        May 18, 2021 at 3:40 pm

        Yum! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Colleen says

      May 18, 2021 at 6:52 am

      5 stars
      We love this recipe and will be making it again. Delicious and simple. Thank you!

      Reply
    9. Kristina says

      May 18, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this! I air fryed the shrimp once it was coated in the seasoning for 6 minutes and it was delicious.

      Reply
      • Julia says

        May 20, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Ooh, that's a great way to fry without all the extra oil. Love that suggestion!

        Reply
    10. Alexandra says

      May 18, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious recipe for shrimp - they are full of flavour and absolutely mouthwatering. I love a recipe that produces such fantastic results but doesn't have a super long list of ingredients. Will make again for sure!

      Reply
    11. Kyleigh says

      May 18, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      This was super easy to make and absolutely delicious!!

      Reply
    12. Jamie says

      May 19, 2021 at 12:55 am

      5 stars
      This looks so mouthwatering! Definitely making for dinner!

      Reply
    13. Oscar says

      May 19, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! My family loved it. Definitely going to be on rotation in my house.

      Reply
    14. Sangita says

      May 19, 2021 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious recipe

      Reply
    15. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      May 19, 2021 at 10:55 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks so deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right this minute!

      Reply
    16. Elizabeth says

      May 20, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      This shrimp is SO flavorful and easy to make! We loved it! Will definitely be making again!

      Reply
    17. Amy Liu Dong says

      May 21, 2021 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      Seeing this dish makes my mouth watering. I love it, and I am so excited to make this today.

      Reply
    18. Marisa F. Stewart says

      May 22, 2021 at 5:23 am

      5 stars
      This is exactly the way shrimp should be cooked. Simply. I made it your way with the addition of the pepper. So good and the shrimp had the natural sweet taste with the texture of a little lobster. Excellent.

      Reply
    19. Jenny says

      May 23, 2021 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      The shrimp came out really great! Your recipe is easy and fuss-free; the whole meal was terrific. Thanks so much for the recipe; we will definitely make them again.

      Reply
    20. Jacqueline Debono says

      May 23, 2021 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      This is a super way to cook shrimp, fast, simple and yet full of flavour. My hubby loved it so will be making this salt and pepper shrimp again very soon!

      Reply
    21. Moop Brown says

      May 23, 2021 at 9:57 am

      This shrimp looks seasoned so well and has my mouth watering. I also really appreciate how straightforward and easy to make this recipe is.

      Reply
    22. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      May 23, 2021 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      These are incredible and so easy! This is a must-make and a perfect example of a recipe where you do not need a million ingredients to make pure deliciousness! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    23. Loreto and Nicoletta says

      May 23, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      I love this dish. The shrimp look crispy and so well seasoned. I just want to grab ob and bite in. My mouth is honestly watering. I an surely going to try this. The only question is what protein? Mmmmmmm wings!😋🥰👍👌❤ Thanks for sharing!❤🤗

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm J! I'm a marketer by day, food photographer and recipe-tester by any other time available. The Floured Camera was born from my need to make quick, delicious, and (sometimes) healthy dishes for when I'm craving my favorite Asian childhood dishes!

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