Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp Recipe (with Video)

1. Prep shrimp: rinse then cut off the pointy end on top of the heads and snip the long antennae. Optionally, trim the legs (I like to keep these for extra crunch). With scissors, cut the shell down the middle of its back and remove the intestine. Using a small knife, butterfly the shrimp open.
2. Marinade shrimp in soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Prep seasoning: 2 parts salt, 1 part toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns, and 1 part white pepper.
4. Prep aromatics: mince garlic and ginger. Thinly slice scallions and separate into white and green parts. Slice or dice red bell pepper/chili and jalapeño.
5. Coat shrimp in cornstarch.
6. Fill up pot with 1 inch of oil, heat up to 375F. Fry shrimp for 40-60 sec depending on shrimp size. Fry in small batches and don’t overcrowd the pot. Cool on wire rack.
7. Strain and save the fry oil.
8. Cook garlic, ginger, scallion whites, jalapeño, and bell pepper/chili in 1/2 tbsp of leftover oil for 2-3 min or until fragrant.
9. In large bowl, toss shrimp, aromatics, and salt & pepper seasoning to taste (I use about 1/4 tsp). Garnish with scallion greens and enjoy!