This hot and spicy shrimp is ready in just 15 minutes! Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Your guests will love the bold flavors of this hot and spicy shrimp. It’s great as an appetizer or as part of the main dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Raw shrimp: Fully defrost the shrimp if it’s frozen and remove the shells and devein if not already done. The tails can be left on or removed – the choice is up to you.
- Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil on hand, any oil with a high smoke point will do. Safflower and peanut oils are good choices.
- Kosher salt: Regular fine salt has a saltier flavor than kosher salt. If you’re using regular salt, just use a pinch.
- Spices: Bold spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder inject the shrimp with big flavors.
- Parsley: This fresh herb adds a pop of color. If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand it can be replaced with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or left out altogether.
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Hot And Spicy Shrimp
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the shrimp and add the spices.
- Cook the shrimp until it is cooked through and opaque. If using extra-large shrimp, place them in the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Smaller shrimp can be stir-fried for about 5 minutes until cooked through.
Tips and Tricks
- Depending on the size of the shrimp, the cooking time may have to be adjusted.
- If using extra-large shrimp, make sure to cook them in a single layer for about 2-3 minutes per side. Smaller shrimp can be stir-fried for about 5 minutes until cooked.
Are These Shrimp Very Spicy?
Hot and spicy shrimp has a deliciously bold flavor and a kick of spiciness. You can decrease (or increase) the amount of cayenne pepper used to suit your taste.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
No. Raw shrimp is recommended for this dish because pre-cooked shrimp can be too soft. If you use pre-cooked shrimp, pat it dry with paper towels and reduce the cooking time.
Should I Marinate The Shrimp Before Cooking?
No. The shrimp in this dish is well seasoned and doesn’t require marinating.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp
Leftovers should be placed into an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. The shrimp can also be reheated in the microwave in 15-second increments. Watch it carefully as it’s easy to overcook shrimp.
Variations
- Hot and spicy shrimp is a versatile dish that you can make your own. Instead of olive oil, ghee can be used instead.
- For more flavor, add a good pinch of cumin powder.
- Replace the garlic powder with a few cloves of fresh minced garlic.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Shrimp
This shrimp can be served alongside steamed rice or noodles as part of the main dish. Add a fresh green veggie like broccoli for a complete meal. It can also be added to fettuccine alfredo for a change of pace. Try it on a fresh green salad, on tacos, or serve it as an appetizer at your next get-together.
What’s The Difference Between Hunan Shrimp And Szechuan Shrimp?
Hunan shrimp is known for its fiery hot flavor. Szechuan shrimp is prepared with a sweetener like honey or brown sugar to temper the heat.
Hot and Spicy Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Toss in the shrimp and add the spices.
- Cook the shrimp, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until it is cooked through and opaque. If using extra-large shrimp, place them in the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Smaller shrimp can be stir-fried for about 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice or noodles.
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