Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe

There’s something about crispy, spicy shrimp that instantly transforms a regular weeknight into a mini flavor fiesta—and I’m all here for it. Let’s dive into this savory delight that packs a punch in every bite!

I love the vibrant flavors of Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp, or Tom Chien Muoi Tieu. This dish highlights tender, juicy shrimp coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, accented with the perfect balance of freshly ground black pepper and salt.

My favorite part? The fragrant aroma of minced garlic and thinly sliced chili peppers sizzling in hot oil, garnished with the fresh touch of green onions and a squeeze of lime.

The shrimp not only packs a punch of flavor but also offers a good source of protein, making it a delightful and nutritious dish to whip up.

Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, contains essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, used in moderation, essential for electrolyte balance.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and pungency, contains piperine which has potential health benefits.
• Cornstarch: Gluten-free thickening agent, creates a crispy coating when frying.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth, has compounds with potential immune-boosting effects.
• Chili Peppers: Provides heat, rich in capsaicin, which may promote metabolism.
• Green Onions: Contribute mild onion flavor, source of vitamins A and C.
• Lime Wedges: Add freshness and zing, high in vitamin C.

Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 fresh chili peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring even coating.

3. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the shrimp.

4. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn pink and develop a crispy coating, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.

5. Carefully remove all the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons, and return it to medium heat.

6. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.

7. Add the sugar and stir to mix.

8. Return the fried shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the garlic, chili, and sugar mixture to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to heat through.

9. Add the chopped green onions and stir briefly to combine.

10. Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with cilantro if desired, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp before eating.

Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Bowl (for marinating shrimp)
2. Bowl (for cornstarch mixture)
3. Paper towels
4. Deep skillet or wok
5. Slotted spoon
6. Tongs (optional, for handling shrimp)
7. Knife (for mincing garlic and slicing chili peppers)
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring spoons
10. Stirring spoon or spatula

FAQ

• What type of shrimp is best for this recipe? It’s best to use large shrimp that are shelled and deveined for the ideal texture and ease of preparation.
• Can I use a different kind of oil for frying? Yes, you can substitute vegetable or canola oil with other high smoke point oils like peanut or sunflower oil.
• Is it necessary to use cornstarch? Cornstarch helps create a crispy coating on the shrimp, giving the dish its signature texture.
• Can I adjust the spiciness level? Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the number of chili peppers to adjust the heat to your liking.
• What can I use as a substitute for cilantro? If you don’t like cilantro, you can garnish with parsley or omit it entirely.
• How should leftovers be stored? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet to maintain crispness.
• What can I serve alongside this dish? This dish pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.

Simple Salt Pepper Shrimp Tom Chien Muoi Tieu Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For salt, you can substitute with sea salt or kosher salt in equal amounts.
• Instead of freshly ground black pepper, you could use white pepper or Sichuan pepper for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, substitute with potato starch or rice flour in equal measure.
• For chili peppers, substitute with red pepper flakes or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
• If you’re out of green onions, chives or shallots can be used as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly Ensure the shrimp are very dry before marinating and coating them. Excess moisture can prevent the cornstarch from adhering properly and will lead to less crispy shrimp.

2. Cornstarch Coating For an extra crispy coating, consider double dredging the shrimp. First, dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, let them rest for a few minutes, then dredge them a second time before frying.

3. Oil Temperature Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ideally around 350°F (175°C), to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and develop a crispy texture without becoming greasy.

4. Spice Level Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies, or use fewer peppers.

5. Zest the Lime Before slicing the lime, consider zesting it and adding a pinch of lime zest to the skillet when tossing the shrimp with the garlic and chilies for an added citrus aroma and flavor.