Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp

A crispy Chinese-inspired dish featuring large shrimp coated in a seasoned cornstarch mixture, fried until golden, and tossed with aromatic Sichuan peppercorns, fresh chile, and cilantro.

4 servings
25 min

Ingredients

  • pound shell-on large shrimp
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 whole Fresno chile
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Using kitchen shears, cut along the backs of shrimp through shells and just deep enough to expose veins; remove veins. Pat shrimp dry. Whisk cornstarch, black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoons salt in a large bowl; add shrimp and toss to coat.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Working in 2 batches, fry shrimp until golden, crisp, and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to paper towels and let drain, then toss in a medium bowl with Sichuan peppercorns and remaining 3/4 teaspoons salt. Add chile and cilantro to bowl and toss to combine.

    15 min