Salt & Pepper Shrimp
These juicy and perfectly seasoned shrimp are coated in a magical cornstarch crust, deep-fried to crispy perfection, then tossed with vibrant, charred onions and fiery jalapeños. Finished with a blend of savory salt and pepper, every bite delivers that irresistible takeout taste you crave, right in your own kitchen. "BAEBAAAY, it's fire!" and we couldn't agree more.
Yield: about 2-3 servings as a main, 4-6 a snack
Prep Time: about 25-30 minutes
Cook Time: about 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
1.5 lbs shrimp 13/15 count, peeled, deveined, no shell or tail
½+¼ tsp garlic powder, divided
½+¼ tsp salt, divided
1 + ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
⅛ to ¼ tsp MSG, optional but highly recommended
½ cup cornstarch for first coat + 2 Tbsp right before frying
1 small white or yellow onion, sliced
2 green onions, chopped
2 jalapeños, sliced thin, keep seeds for heat!
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Directions
Prep the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and MSG. Set that off to the side, this is the crown jewel seasoning for the whole dish at the end.
Prep the Shrimp: Throw your cleaned shrimp in a mixing bowl. Add ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper, then toss to coat. Add ½ cup cornstarch, toss again until all the shrimp are well-covered. Let that sit for 15 minutes so the starch bonds and creates that crispy finish. Right before frying, hit them with 2 more tablespoons of cornstarch and toss again.
Time to Fry: Heat up about 2 quarts of oil in a deep pot and bring it to 375°F-400°F. Fry the shrimp in 2 batches so you don’t overcrowd the oil. Cook each batch for about 4 minutes. They should be crispy and that bright orange pink. Drain them in a colander or on a wire rack.
Wok It Up: In a large skillet or wok, add 2 tablespoons of that hot frying oil. Toss in your onions, green onions, and jalapeños. Cook over high heat and don’t stir for the first minute so they can get that char. Stir and sauté for about 3 minutes total. Kill the heat, toss in your fried shrimp, hit it with that salt & pepper seasoning, and mix everything up until well-coated.
Plate it hot with a bowl of jasmine rice, or eat it as-is for a bold snack
