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This Vietnamese-inspired Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp (Tom Rang Muoi) is a flavorful and crispy dish where shrimp is coated in cornstarch and sautéed in peanut oil, then tossed with garlic, onions, ginger, and scallions. It’s seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper and salt, and garnished with jalapeno for a perfect balance of spice. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent weeknight meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb uncooked jumbo shrimp, in shell with heads attached
⅛ cup cornstarch (or more as needed)
3 tbsp peanut oil, divided
10 cloves garlic, pressed
¼ cup onion, minced
1 tbsp minced ginger
3 scallions, chopped
1 ½ tbsp minced jalapeno pepper
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

Prep the Shrimp:
- Cut off the long whiskers and sharp head point from the shrimp using kitchen shears. Roll the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring a light, even coat. Brush off any excess.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tbsp of peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until golden and red on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp peanut oil. Add the garlic, onion, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 1 minute.
Finish the Dish:
- Add the scallions, jalapenos, and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds to combine and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrients (Per serving, makes 4 servings)

Calories: 214 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 442mg
Potassium: 251mg

The Importance of Fresh, Quality Shrimp

The star of Tom Rang Muoi is, of course, the shrimp. Using fresh, uncooked jumbo shrimp makes all the difference in this dish. The shrimp are coated in a light layer of cornstarch before being sautéed, allowing them to crisp up on the outside while maintaining their juicy, tender interior. The high heat of the skillet ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, turning a beautiful golden color and releasing a delightful savory aroma.

The flavor of the shrimp is the backbone of this dish, so using high-quality shrimp with the shells still on adds both flavor and visual appeal. When the shrimp are sautéed with their shells, they infuse the dish with a more robust, savory flavor, giving the final dish depth and richness.

The Crispy Texture: Cornstarch-Coated Shrimp

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, the shrimp are coated in a thin layer of cornstarch before being cooked in peanut oil. The cornstarch coating helps the shrimp develop a golden, crunchy exterior, while the inside remains tender and moist. This method of preparing shrimp is widely used in Asian cooking, as it allows the shrimp to maintain their delicate flavor while providing the satisfying crunch that makes this dish so irresistible.

It’s important not to use too much cornstarch—just a light dusting will do the trick. After coating the shrimp, it’s essential to shake off any excess cornstarch, as this will help the shrimp fry evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

The Aromatic Vegetables and Seasonings

While the crispy shrimp take center stage in this dish, the vegetables and seasonings play a crucial supporting role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. The sautéed garlic, onions, and ginger create a rich, aromatic base for the shrimp, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Garlic: The star of many Asian dishes, garlic provides a pungent, savory flavor that works perfectly with the shrimp. As it cooks in the hot oil, garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and adds depth to the dish.
Onions: The onions add sweetness and texture to the dish. As they cook, they soften and caramelize slightly, balancing the heat of the jalapenos and complementing the richness of the shrimp.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty kick that elevates the flavors of the shrimp and vegetables. Its spiciness is more subtle than that of the jalapeno but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Scallions: Scallions (or green onions) add a mild onion flavor that gives the dish a fresh, light finish. They’re sautéed with the garlic, onions, and ginger and sprinkled over the dish just before serving to provide a pop of color and flavor.

The fresh jalapenos bring the perfect amount of heat to this dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can adjust the amount of jalapeno or even remove the seeds for a milder flavor. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, leave the seeds in and add more jalapeno to suit your preference.

Peanut Oil: A Flavorful Choice

Peanut oil is often used in Vietnamese and other Asian cuisine for its high smoke point and slightly nutty flavor. In this recipe, peanut oil is used to sauté the shrimp and vegetables, providing a delicate flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. The oil also helps achieve that signature crispy texture on the shrimp and allows for even cooking at high temperatures.

If you don’t have peanut oil on hand, you can substitute with another oil that can withstand high heat, such as canola oil or vegetable oil. However, the subtle flavor of peanut oil does add a distinct richness to the dish, which is why it’s the preferred choice.

The Balance of Salt and Pepper

The key to the authentic flavor of Tom Rang Muoi is the use of freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt. This combination is what brings the dish to life, enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp and vegetables without overpowering them. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the jalapenos, while the salt balances the richness of the shrimp and the sweetness of the vegetables.

You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more pepper if you like extra spice or a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors. The simplicity of this seasoning makes the dish approachable while still being incredibly flavorful.

A Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

One of the best things about Vietnamese-inspired Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp is how quickly it comes together. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. The dish is perfect for a busy weeknight, yet it’s impressive enough to serve when you’re entertaining guests.

Here’s why it’s such a great option for a weeknight meal:

Quick to Prepare: The shrimp cook quickly, and the vegetables take only a few minutes to sauté. The dish can be made in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful: The combination of fresh shrimp, crispy vegetables, and bold seasoning creates a dish that’s full of flavor and satisfying to eat.
Customizable: You can adjust the amount of spice and seasoning to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of spice, use less jalapeno or skip it entirely. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese-inspired Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to complete the meal:

With Steamed Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to absorb the flavorful sauce and add a comforting base.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
With a Light Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Crispy Weeknight Meal

Vietnamese-inspired Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp (Tom Rang Muoi) is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together crispy shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and bold seasonings in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of textures and vibrant flavors.

With its quick prep time and customizable spice levels, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion when you want a flavorful, comforting meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Vietnam right in your own kitchen!