Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Perfect Every Time in Just 10 Minutes): If you’ve ever had perfectly cooked shrimp that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor- you know how incredible it can be. And if you’ve ever had overcooked shrimp… you know how disappointing it is.

This salt and pepper shrimp is my foolproof, lightning-fast way to get perfect shrimp every single time—no rubbery texture, no fishy flavor, just juicy, savory bites with a simple, bold seasoning.

Ready in under 10 minutes, this is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again when you need something quick, easy, and seriously delicious.

Salt and pepper shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, cracked black pepper, red chili slices, and seasoning on a white plate.

A plate of salt and pepper shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, black pepper, and sliced red chili peppers sits on a white dish with a green rim.

Close-up of salt and pepper shrimp, cooked to perfection and garnished with chopped green onions and a slice of red chili pepper.

Salt and pepper shrimp garnished with chopped green onions, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, and sliced red chili peppers on a white plate with a green rim.

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

What is Salt and Pepper Shrimp?

Salt and pepper shrimp is a simple dish inspired by Cantonese cooking, where shrimp are cooked quickly over high heat and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes chili peppers. Traditional versions are often lightly coated and fried for a crispy texture, then tossed with seasonings.

Why This Recipe Works

Cooks in under 10 minutes
Foolproof method (no overcooking)
Light, fresh flavor (not greasy)
Works for tacos, rice bowls, or meal prep

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Perfect shrimp comes down to a few simple techniques – and once you know them, you’ll never end up with rubbery shrimp again.

Use high heat for quick cooking
Cook just 1–2 minutes per side
Look for a loose “C” shape (tight “O” = overcooked)
Pat shrimp dry before cooking
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Remove from heat as soon as opaque

The secret is all in fast cooking + careful timing.

Salt and Pepper Shrimp Ingredients

Shrimp – The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and provide a tender, juicy texture with a naturally sweet, delicate flavor
Salt – Enhances and amplifies all the other flavors while bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp
Black pepper – Adds a warm, slightly sharp bite that gives the dish its signature “salt and pepper” flavor
Garlic – Brings bold, savory depth and aromatic richness, especially when cooked briefly in hot oil
Chili peppers (jalapeño or similar) – Add heat and a fresh, slightly grassy spice that balances the richness of the shrimp
Oil – Helps cook the shrimp quickly and evenly while allowing the garlic and chili to release their flavor
Cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp, helping them develop a delicate crunch while staying juicy inside

How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp Step by Step

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:

Raw shrimp coated with white cornstarch in a large white mixing bowl on a white surface, perfect for making salt and pepper shrimp.

Dredge

Optional for crispy: pat shrimp dry and toss in cornstarch and some salt and pepper.

Raw shrimp for salt and pepper shrimp coated with seasoning and flour in a white bowl, being mixed with a teal spatula.

Cornstarch & Season

Toss in cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

Salt and pepper shrimp being cooked in a black frying pan with melted butter on a white background.

Pan Fry

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Raw salt and pepper shrimp, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes sizzle in a black skillet with melted butter.

Season

Add garlic, scallions, and chili, cook briefly until fragrant.

A plate of salt and pepper shrimp garnished with chopped green onions and sliced red chili peppers, set on a patterned surface beside a blue and white striped cloth.

Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

The Secret to Big Flavor

This recipe proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make incredible shrimp.

Cooking over high heat builds flavor quickly, while garlic and chili add depth and heat. Salt and pepper enhance everything, creating bold, savory shrimp with minimal effort.

Adjust the Heat Level

Mild: reduce or remove chili
Medium: use jalapeños without seeds
Spicy: keep seeds or add more chili
Extra spicy: add chili flakes or hot sauce

What to Serve with Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Steamed rice or fried rice
Noodles or lo mein
Tacoswith slaw and lime
Roasted vegetables
Grain bowlsor salads

Make It Crispy (Optional)

For a restaurant-style crispy version:

Toss shrimp in cornstarch before cooking
Use slightly more oil
Cook until lightly crisp before adding garlic and chili

How to Get Perfect Shrimp Every Time

Use large or jumbo shrimp
Thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking
Pat shrimp dry for better sear
Serve immediately for best texture

Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe FAQs

They should be pink, opaque, and lightly curled in a “C” shape.

Yes – just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Yes, coat shrimp lightly in cornstarch before cooking.

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

This salt and pepper shrimp is fast, flavorful, and foolproof—the perfect recipe for busy nights when you still want something seriously delicious!

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Plate of cooked salt and pepper shrimp garnished with sliced red chili peppers and chopped green onions, labeled "Salt & Pepper Shrimp," with website Ajpal designs.com at the bottom.