Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp (Ground Szechuan Peppercorns)

Name: Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp (Ground Szechuan Peppercorns)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Asian-Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lb. shrimp in the shell; 1 tsp. ground Szechuan pepper; 2 tsp. sea salt; 2 Tbs. vegetable oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Lemon wedges for serving

Mildly hot, Szechuan pepper contributes subtle notes of citrus and woodsy spice to these stir-fried shrimp. Szechuan peppercorns are actually dried berries from the prickly ash tree and are not related to black pepper. The shrimp make perfect appetizers for a family-style gathering or a big party.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

2 lb. shrimp in the shell
1 tsp. ground Szechuan pepper
2 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

In a bowl, stir together the shrimp, 1/2 tsp. of the ground Szechuan pepper and 1 tsp. of the salt. Set aside.

Heat a wok over high heat and pour in the oil. Add the garlic, the remaining 1/2 tsp. ground Szechuan pepper and 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Serves 6 to 8.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Cooking for Friends, by Alison Attenborough and Jamie Kimm (Oxmoor House, 2008).