Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe (2024)

This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is savory, spicy, and fried to a crisp. It is the simplest of ingredients that make this dish truly special!

Ingredients you’ll need

Notes and substitutions

• Shrimp: Large shrimp are less likely to overcook and become tough or chewy. I used U/15 or under 15 pieces per pound, also called "colossal" or "extra-jumbo." Leave the shells on if you prefer a crispier texture, just make sure to devein them.
• Pepper: Use Sichuan or Szechuan peppercorns for a more authentic dish, or just use fresh cracked or ground black pepper.
• Chili Peppers: You can use jalapeño, serrano, long hot peppers, or Korean peppers (the smaller variety is hotter). Shish*to peppers will add crunch and color without being spicy. Remove their seeds and soak them in hot water to reduce the heat.

If you are making it for a large group, check out my recipe for Big Batch Salt and Pepper Shrimp made with shell-on shrimp.

How to make this recipe

If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them ahead of time. Rinse and dry them on paper towels.

Step 1: Season 1 pound of shrimp with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Lightly coat them with cornstarch, shaking off excess.

Step 3: Set your wok or skillet over high heat and add about an inch of oil. Dip a wooden chopstick or spoon handle into the oil to see if it's hot; if it's steadily bubbling, it's ready. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown for about a minute on each side.

Step 4: Don't overcrowd the pan, so they crisp up nicely without overcooking.

PRO TIP: For perfectly crisp shrimp, fry them briefly in very hot oil to ensure they crisp up without being overcooked.

Step 5: Drain the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Remove the remaining oil from the pan and wipe off any browned bits with a paper towel.

Step 6: Lower to medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté 1 teaspoon ginger and 4 garlic cloves for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Spread 2 to 4 peppers on the wok and let them blister for about a minute. Mix them up.

Step 8: Add the shrimp and 3 scallions. Toss them together.

See Also

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Step 9: Sprinkle some more salt and fresh ground pepper.

Salt and Pepper Shrimp can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.

Recipe FAQs

Explore other Chinese-inspired Filipino dishes

• Pancit: Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, like Pancit Canton and Pancit Bihon.
• Lumpia: Filipino-style spring rolls with a savory filling, served with a dipping sauce. Lumpiang Gulay and Lumpiang Sariwa are delicious variations.
• Siopao: Steamed buns filled with savory meats, typically pork or chicken. A variation known as Toasted Siopao is baked to achieve a golden, crusty exterior.
• Siomai: Steamed dumplings with pork or shrimp, served with soy sauce, calamansi, and chili garlic oil.
• Arroz Caldo: Thick chicken and rice porridge, made with glutinous rice and a ginger-infused broth.
• Mami: A wheat noodle soup with chicken or beef in a flavorful broth.
• Pork Asado: Similar to Pata Tim, this is a sweet and savory pork dish with soy sauce and star anise, cooked with shiitake mushrooms and napa cabbage.
• Chili Garlic Shrimp: Spicy and garlicky stir-fried shrimp.
• Salt and Pepper Squid: Fried tender pieces of squid lightly coated in starch, then seasoned with salt and freshly ground pepper, often with chilies and scallions.

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