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Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp is a dish that perfectly encapsulates the allure of seafood in the culinary world. Known for its delightful crunch and robust flavors, this dish has gained immense popularity across various dining establishments, from upscale seafood restaurants to humble street food stalls. The simplicity of its ingredients belies the complexity of flavors and textures that this dish offers, making it a favorite among seafood lovers and casual diners alike.

Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp

Discover the irresistible Salt and Pepper Crispy Shrimp, a dish that captures the essence of seafood with its delightful crunch and bold flavors. This quick and easy recipe features shrimp marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of cornstarch and flour, then fried to golden perfection. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Elevate your meals with this simple yet satisfying seafood favorite.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shrimp, coating them well. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.

      Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or large pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F or 175°C).

        Coat the Shrimp: Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator. Working in batches, take the shrimp from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.

          Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pan). Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

            Serve: Transfer the crispy shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings