1-First Step: Prepare the salt and pepper mixture. Dry roast 2 parts whole peppercorns over medium-low heat for 15 minutes until they smell fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder. Next, dry roast 1 part sea salt in the same pot over medium heat until it turns slightly yellow, and mix it with the ground pepper for a flavorful blend.

2-Second Step: Rinse 1 pound of large shrimp and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy finish when frying, so take your time here to ensure the shrimp are ready for coating.

3-Third Step: Dredge the shrimp in 3 tablespoons of potato starch or cornstarch. This creates a light, crunchy layer that locks in the shrimp’s juices and adds texture; shake off any excess for even cooking.

4-Fourth Step: Heat 1/3 cup of oil in a small cast iron skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for about 30 seconds until they turn golden, then drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with the salt and pepper mixture to taste.

5-Fifth Step: In a separate wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and fry the 6 cloves of finely chopped garlic until it’s just golden; this should take about a minute, so watch closely to avoid burning.

6-Sixth Step: Drain the fried garlic on paper towels, then remove excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add 1 thinly sliced long hot green or red pepper, turn off the heat, and stir-fry everything together for 1 minute to blend the flavors.

7-Seventh Step: Add the fried shrimp back into the wok and gently toss for 10 seconds, sprinkling more salt and pepper mixture on top for extra zest. For dietary tweaks, use tofu instead of shrimp if going vegan, or reduce oil for a lower-calorie version.

8-Final Step: Serve the salt and pepper shrimp right away with steamed rice or a cool beverage to complement the spices. The total prep time is around 30 minutes, with cooking at 15 minutes, making it a quick hit for family meals or entertaining. If you’re curious about other easy recipes, try our strawberry crinkle cookies for a sweet side. This dish’s adaptability shines, letting you adjust based on what you have on hand.