Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish, *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*! It’s one of those magical recipes that’s so simple yet bursting with flavor. Seriously, it takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when I just want something delicious without a lot of fuss. The combination of fresh shrimp, fragrant garlic, and zingy ginger makes every bite a little party in your mouth! Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients, which means less time shopping and more time enjoying this tasty meal. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (make sure to get them nice and clean!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste if you like it a bit saltier!)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is the way to go for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (this helps give that gorgeous sear)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier when it comes to garlic!)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (for that zingy kick that complements the shrimp perfectly)
- 2 green onions, chopped (these add freshness and a pop of color)
How to Prepare *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, let’s get our shrimp ready! Rinse them under cold water, making sure to remove any grit or residue. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel—this is super important because it helps the shrimp sear nicely in the pan. Nobody wants a soggy shrimp, right?
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Now, grab a bowl and toss your shrimp in there. Sprinkle on the salt and black pepper, and mix it all up until the shrimp are evenly coated. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste—if you love a bit more kick, go for it!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next, let’s heat things up! In a large pan, pour in the vegetable oil and turn the heat to medium-high. This is where the magic happens. You want that oil nice and hot to create the perfect sear on your shrimp. Give it a minute or so; you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers!
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once your oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Oh boy, this is where it starts to smell amazing! Sauté them for about a minute, just until they become fragrant—don’t let them burn! We want that lovely aroma without the bitterness.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Time to add the shrimp! Carefully place them into the pan and stir gently to ensure they cook evenly. Let them sizzle away for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful pink color. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Step 6: Add Green Onions
As soon as your shrimp are looking fabulous, toss in the chopped green onions. Give everything a quick stir and let it cook for another minute. The green onions will soften just a little and brighten up the dish!
Step 7: Serve
And voilà! Your *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* is ready to shine! Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some noodles for a complete meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Rich flavors from the garlic and ginger that complement the shrimp beautifully.
- Versatile dish—enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even as an appetizer!
- Low in calories but high in protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking for a personalized touch.
- Great for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up some *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*, here are my top tips for ensuring it turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor! If you can, try to buy them from a local market or seafood counter.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those shrimp some breathing room! Cooking in batches if necessary will help achieve that gorgeous sear instead of steaming them.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone has different taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to tweak the salt and pepper. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as you go!
- Keep an Eye on Cook Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Make sure to watch them closely; you want them just cooked through and not rubbery. They should be pink and opaque when done.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or fresh cilantro on top before serving. It adds a nice crunch and freshness!
- Experiment with Spice: If you like a kick, don’t hesitate to add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you toss in the green onions. It’ll bring a whole new dimension to the dish!
With these tips, you’ll be a *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
As you’re diving into this delicious *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*, it’s nice to have a rough idea of what you’re fueling your body with. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s what you can generally expect in one serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
This dish is low in calories but packed with protein, making it a fantastic choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be a lifesaver. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. I usually place them in the refrigerator overnight, but if you’re short on time, you can run them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re thawed, make sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture when cooking. This way, you’ll still get that lovely sear and flavor!
What can I substitute for green onions?
If you don’t have green onions on hand, don’t worry! You can easily swap them out for a few other options. Chopped chives or shallots work great and bring a similar flavor. Alternatively, you could use diced celery or even some finely chopped bell peppers for a nice crunch. Just keep in mind that these will change the flavor profile a bit, but they’ll still keep your dish fresh and tasty!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Oh, you bet! If you’re a fan of heat, there are several ways to spice up your *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*. One of my favorites is to sprinkle in some chili flakes when you toss in the green onions. You can also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Just start with a little and taste as you go—it’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* is ready to dazzle, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is so versatile that it can easily shine as the star of your meal. I love to serve it over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or steamed white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors from the shrimp, and it’s just a match made in heaven!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try pairing it with noodles—think stir-fried egg noodles or even rice noodles for a delightful twist. Toss in some veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition!
For a refreshing side, a simple cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing can add a nice crunch and balance out the flavors. The coolness of the cucumbers against the savory shrimp is absolutely delightful!
And don’t forget about beverages! A chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling, pairs beautifully with the shrimp. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or a homemade ginger ale makes for a refreshing complement. Trust me, you’ll want to enjoy every bite and sip of this delicious meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! *Salt and Pepper Shrimp* tastes just as good the next day, so here’s how to store and reheat it properly to keep those flavors intact.
First, let your shrimp cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to enjoy them within that time frame for the best taste!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet to bring back that lovely sizzle. Just add a splash of oil to the pan and warm it over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and stir gently until they’re heated through—this should only take about 3-5 minutes. The key here is to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery if reheated for too long.
If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave. Just place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. But honestly, the skillet method is my favorite for keeping that texture just right!
So, whether you’re diving into leftovers or making a fresh batch, enjoy every tasty bite of your *Salt and Pepper Shrimp*! You won’t regret it!
Print
Salt and Pepper Shrimp: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in green onions and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- For extra flavor, add chili flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Salt and Pepper Shrimp