Description
Learn how to make a delicious Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 g) shrimp, shell-on, head-on (about 12 total)
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) white pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) fine sea salt, plus more as needed
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) cornstarch
- 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp (23 ml) finely chopped ginger
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 3 or 4 Thai chilies, chopped
- 1 medium green onion, green and white parts, chopped
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying and stir-frying
Instructions
- Remove the legs, sharp tip, and spiky rostrum from the shrimp to avoid any sharp parts when eating. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and combine with the white pepper, sugar, fine sea salt, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- In a wok or deep skillet, heat approximately 1 inch of vegetable oil to around 350°F. To test the heat, a wooden chopstick should sizzle gently when inserted. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining the shrimp.
- As the oil approaches the desired temperature, lightly drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over the shrimp and mix to cover them evenly, without worrying too much about perfect distribution. Fry the shrimp in 2 or 3 batches until they turn crispy and orange-pink. Drain the cooked shrimp on the paper towel-lined plate.
- After frying, allow the oil to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, pour it into a heat-resistant bowl or measuring cup to cool completely before either straining for reuse or disposing of it into a container.
- Thoroughly clean the wok and set it back on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and lower the heat to medium. Introduce the chopped ginger, garlic, chilies, and green onion, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Raise the heat back to medium-high and add the fried shrimp, stirring to thoroughly coat them with the aromatic mixture and heat them through for about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a serving dish, ensuring all the flavorful bits are included. If desired, sprinkle a little extra fine sea salt for enhanced flavor and serve promptly.
