Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Salt and Pepper Shrimp are easy enough for a weeknight meal and fancy enough for a dinner party! The shrimp are tender and flavorful inside with a crisp salt and pepper crust. Lightly adapted from this Tom Douglas recipe.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon white peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns also called Szechuan peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or other high heat oil
- 1 pound medium shell-on shrimp recipe note #1
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 small cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon seeded and minced serrano chili pepper or jalapeño
- cilantro leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Toast peppercorns in a small, dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and popping, shaking often and taking care not to let them burn. Transfer to a small bowl. Coarsely grind in a spice mill and then combine with kosher salt. Set aside.
- Peel and devein shrimp. Place in strainer and rinse; drain well and pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place in bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over; toss to coat.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing occasionally to cook evenly. Add garlic, minced chili pepper and peppercorn / salt mixture and toss until shrimp is coated and spices are fragrant. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Video
Notes
- Large shrimp will also work, but I find that medium shrimp often have better flavor and a firmer texture.
- I love to serve these over a frilly but sturdy lettuce like frisée. And if you're making these in early spring, they're wonderful over fresh pea tendrils.
Nutrition
Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 1172mg | Potassium: 90mg | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 2.4mg
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