– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– ½ cup cornstarch
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
Creating Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the coating mixture, making sure they are evenly covered.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain the Shrimp: Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper, and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
8. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shrimp immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.