Salt and pepper shrimp feature a light and crunchy coating with a savory flavor profile using ingredients that complement the salt and pepper combination. Serve it over rice or as an appetizer for parties!
In a large bowl, season shrimp with paprika and garlic salt, tossing to coat well.
Add cornstarch and cornmeal, tossing shrimp to coat completely.
Add enough vegetable oil to a wok to come about 2-inches up the sides. Heat vegetable oil over medium high heat until hot, but not smoking.
Add minced garlic to the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes, to get it nicely browned and crisp. Using a mesh food strainer, lift the fried garlic from the oil and set garlic aside.
Add shrimp, one at a time being careful not to crowd, to the hot oil. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes and remove with a mesh food strainer or slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Remove all but a tablespoon of oil, being careful to leave the brown bits in the pan as well.
To the hot wok, add slivered ginger and stir. Add half of the red pepper flakes and stir again.
Turn off the heat.
Add shrimp back to the pan. Sprinkle shrimp with remaining red pepper flakes and the black pepper, sea salt, green onions, and reserved fried garlic. Toss to combine and serve.
Notes
If you are using frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw before beginning.
Depending on your preference, you can use black peppercorns, white peppercorns, and even Sichuan peppercorns for this dish. Sichuan peppercorns will add a kick of spice, while white and black peppercorns are deemed milder.
Choose an oil with a high smoke point. We use vegetable oil, but sesame, avocado, peanut and canola oil work as well.
You can purchase jumbo shrimp that have already been peeled, deveined, and have had the tails removed. If you have frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw before beginning.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350F oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. To keep them nice and crispy, you can reheat them on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. You can also reheat them in the air fryer.