06/16/2026
Restaurant-style salt and pepper shrimp is something my dad makes for us all the time, and it’s SO good! Eating the shell is optional, but it’s fried crispy like a chip and is extra flavorful 😋
➡️ Recipe: Salt & Pepper Shrimp 🦐
1 1/2 lbs whole shrimp, shell on and deveined
1 cup cornstarch
3 tbsp shaoxing cooking w**e (substitute with white w**e or mirin. If not, just add more water)
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt & pepper seasoning—
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper
4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 Jalapeños, sliced
Frying oil, peanut oil preferred
1. Using scissors, trim and cut shrimp, taking off the whiskers (antenna), the horn at the top, and the legs. Also devein the shrimp with a toothpick through the shell by inserting the toothpick through the middle of the shell and pulling the intestinal track out. Wash, rinse and drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, shaoxing w**e, water, cooking oil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Gently mix in the shrimp and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together 2 parts sugar, 1 part kosher salt, and 1/2 part black pepper. Set aside.
4. In a large pot or wok, heat frying oil to 350F. Gently place the battered shrimp in the heated oil and fry for about 3-4 mins, or until the shrimp is crispy and cooked through. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Strain and prepare for seasoning.
5. In a large wok, heat a small splash of oil. Add garlic and jalapeños. Sauté for 1-2 min. Next, add all of the fried shrimp and season with 1 tablespoon of the salt and pepper seasoning. Add more if desired. Toss well, turn off the heat, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
