Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

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Crispy, salty, spicy, and irresistibly addictive—this Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp recipe is the kind of dish that turns a casual dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. Golden-brown shrimp are flash-fried to crunchy perfection and tossed in a sizzling stir-fry of garlic, jalapeños, scallions, and cracked black pepper. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a quick main with steamed rice, it always delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight. With a light cornstarch coating, each shrimp gets a delicate, crunchy crust without feeling heavy or greasy. The combination of freshly ground black pepper and sea salt is simple but powerful, letting the shrimp shine with just the right amount of punch.

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Why You’ll Love This Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• No batter required—just a light cornstarch dusting
• Crispy texture without deep-frying
• Spicy, aromatic, and loaded with garlic flavor
• Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Large or extra-large shrimp work best for this recipe. Go for peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on for presentation or tails off for easy eating. Fresh is great, but frozen (and thawed) shrimp will work just fine. Just be sure to pat them dry before coating so they get nice and crispy in the pan.

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Ingredients for the Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Shrimp – The star of the show. Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best bite and presentation.

Cornstarch – Lightly coats the shrimp to create a crisp, golden crust when seared.

Salt & Pepper – Use flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to give the dish its signature savory kick.

Garlic – Thinly sliced and pan-fried for that aromatic base that infuses every bite.

Jalapeños – Adds heat and color. You can adjust based on your spice preference.

Scallions – Brings a sharp freshness and mild oniony flavor to balance the richness.

Oil – Use a high-heat oil like avocado or vegetable oil for pan-frying the shrimp and garlic.

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How To Make the Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp texture. Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss them with cornstarch until fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Garlic and Jalapeño

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and jalapeño. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Toss with Aromatics

Discard any excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Return the fried garlic, jalapeño, and shrimp to the pan along with the sliced scallions. Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything for about 1 minute to coat evenly.

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How to Serve Crispy Shrimp with Salt and Pepper

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people as an appetizer or 2 as a main course. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or toss it over a light noodle salad. It’s also great alongside stir-fried vegetables or tucked into lettuce wraps with a squeeze of lime.

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How to Store Leftovers

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Coat the shrimp in cornstarch, lightly spray with oil, and air fry at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium heat from the jalapeños. You can adjust by using fewer slices or removing the seeds.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Can I swap cornstarch with flour?
You can, but cornstarch gives a much crispier finish. If using flour, choose rice flour or a 50/50 mix with all-purpose for better results.

What can I serve this with for dinner?
Steamed rice, garlic noodles, or a crisp Asian slaw make excellent pairings.

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Want More Seafood Ideas?

If you love this crispy shrimp, check out these flavorful recipes too:

• Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo
• Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad
• One Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild? Did you try it in the air fryer? I love hearing your twists on my recipes. Questions welcome—let’s cook smarter, together.

Explore more recipes like this on my Pinterest board at Life With Mira.

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