Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Introduction

Salt and Pepper Shrimp is the ultimate dish for those who crave bold flavors and a satisfyingly crispy texture. With perfectly seasoned shrimp fried until golden and finished with a punchy blend of aromatics, this classic Chinese restaurant favorite is far easier to make at home than you might think. Its crowd-pleasing appeal and incredibly fast prep mean you can whip up an impressive seafood dish even on your busiest nights.

A Unique Twist on a Takeout Classic

This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe shines because of its simplicity and the addictive contrast between the succulent shrimp and crunchy, aromatic coating. Garlic, chiles, and scallions add brightness and heat, while the signature salt and pepper mix brings everything into harmonious balance. Served as an appetizer or the centerpiece of a meal, it’s guaranteed to capture attention and satisfy cravings for something a little different—and deliciously memorable.

Prep Like a Pro for Maximum Flavor

For the best results, use large, shell-on shrimp. The shells crisp up beautifully, and their flavor permeates the meat during cooking. Devein the shrimp and give them a quick pat dry before dredging in seasoned starch for maximum crunch.

Chopping aromatics is a breeze with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which ensures uniform pieces and saves time—especially when prepping garlic and scallions.

Effortless Frying—Pan, Air Fryer, or Skillet

This dish is typically deep-fried, but shallow frying in a quality nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch creates a crisp coating using less oil and easy cleanup. For a healthier twist, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey delivers exceptional crunch with minimal oil—making this a weeknight-friendly option that still packs tons of flavor.

Line up batches for frying on the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy transfer and to absorb excess oil without sticking.

Serving and Storage Tips for Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Serve the shrimp sizzling hot, straight from the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh scallion greens and an extra dash of pepper or crushed red chile for heat. Pair this with simply steamed rice, or toss into mixed greens for a light lunch (keep things tidy and portable with the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl). Any leftovers keep their flavor and texture when reheated in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Nutritional Information and Yields

This recipe yields 3–4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 220–260 calories, mostly from shrimp and a light coating of starch. With minimal oil and wholesome shellfish, it’s a dish that fits well into a balanced diet—delivering loads of flavor with relatively little fat.

Why You’ll Love Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Recap)

Salt and Pepper Shrimp doesn’t just stand out for its iconic taste and texture. Its quick prep, easy pantry ingredients, and customizable spice level make it a favorite for solo meals, family dinners, or entertaining friends. Every bite bursts with crunchy, savory, and aromatic goodness—proving that restaurant-worthy dishes are well within reach at home.

Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry your shrimp thoroughly. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, quickly chop the garlic, scallions, and chiles.
2. Mix the cornstarch, 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and optional Sichuan or white pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge shrimp so each piece is evenly coated.
3. To fry: Heat oil in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high until shimmering (350°F if using a thermometer). Fry shrimp in a single layer, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
4. For air frying: Mist dredged shrimp lightly with oil and arrange in a single layer on the basket of the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. Wipe out excess oil from the pan or use a clean one. Add a teaspoon of oil, then toss in garlic, chiles, and scallion whites. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic; return shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with remaining salt, scallion greens, and (optional) a pinch of sugar. Toss briefly and remove from heat.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra pepper, and enjoy!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

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Salt and Pepper Shrimp is an unforgettable dish, perfect for when you want big flavor, bold spice, and a crowd-pleasing crunch—right from your own kitchen.