Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe (Filipino-Chinese Style)
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe delivers ultra-crispy, flavorful shrimp with the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Unlike battered versions, our method uses a light cornstarch coating that creates an irresistible crisp texture while letting the natural sweetness of shrimp shine through. Finished with fresh chilies, bell peppers, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, pulutan, or main course!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Restaurant-quality crispiness – No soggy shrimp here! ✔ Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes ✔ Versatile – Great as finger food, with rice, or beer match ✔ Customizable heat – Adjust chili amount to your preference
Pro Tips for the Best Results
🔥 Extra crispy? Double-fry the shrimp (first at 325°F, then 375°F). 🌶 Spicier? Add sliced siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili). 🍋 Brighten flavors? Serve with calamansi or lemon wedges. 🍚 As a meal? Pair with garlic fried rice and a side of sweet chili sauce.
Serving Suggestions
🍻 Perfect pulutan – Great with iced beer or cocktails. 🥢 Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks for easy sharing. 🍽 Main dish – With steamed rice and stir-fried veggies.
Storage & Reheating Tips
❄️ Best eaten fresh – Shrimp loses crispiness when stored. 🔥 Reheating? Use an air fryer (3 mins at 375°F) to revive crispness.
"This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe is dangerously addictive—crispy, spicy, and packed with umami flavor in every bite!"
Perfect for: • Game night snacks • Drinking sessions (pulutan) • Quick weeknight dinners • Party appetizers
This Salt and Pepper Shrimp recipe delivers ultra-crispy, flavorful shrimp with the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Unlike battered versions, our method uses a light cornstarch coating that creates an irresistible crisp texture while letting the natural sweetness of shrimp shine through. Finished with fresh chilies, bell peppers, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, pulutan, or main course!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
500g medium/large shrimp
½cup cup cornstarch
¼tsp salt
¼tsp ground black pepper
½tsp garlic powder
MSG or seasoning granules (optional)
For the Stir-Fry:
2long green chilies, sliced diagonally (siling haba)
½ red bell pepper, sliced
1stalk spring onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
cooking oil (for frying & sautéing)
For Seasoning/Plating:
salt to taste
1tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
1
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and seasoning granules (if using).
2
Add cornstarch and mix until shrimp are evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare Vegetables
3
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high. Sauté chilies and bell pepper for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add spring onion, toss for 30 seconds, then set aside.
Fry the Shrimp
4
In the same pan, heat ¼ inch deep of oil over medium-high. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve
5
Arrange shrimp on a plate, sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with blanch vegetables. Serve and enjoy!