Salt and Pepper Shrimp (China)

Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp makes an excellent appetizer or main course. The deep-fried shrimp shells turn a wonderful orange color, while the spicy seasoning adds extra flavor. Leaving the shells on protects the shrimp meat inside, so that it tastes very tender.

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp (about 25 shrimp), head removed, deveined, but not shelled
• 2 to 3 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch, as needed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black, white, or Szechuan peppercorns
• 4 cups oil for deep-frying

Instructions

1. Soak the shrimp in warm, lightly salted water for 5 minutes. Rinse in cold water, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly coat the shrimp with the tapioca starch or cornstarch.
2. In a small bowl, mix the salt with the freshly ground peppercorns and set aside.
3. Heat the oil to 360 degrees F in a deep fat fryer, heavy saucepan with deep sides or a second wok (it is easiest not to deep fry and stir fry the shrimp in the same wok). Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, 4 to 5 at a time, and deep-fry until they turn bright orange (about 40 seconds). Make sure the temperature does not fall below 350 degrees F.
4. Carefully remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Continue deep frying the remainder of the shrimp.
5. Heat a wok over medium heat. Add the salt and pepper mixture and the deep-fried shrimp. Stir-fry briefly to coat the shrimp in the mixture (20 to 30 seconds).
6. Serve hot.

Yield: 4 servings

Notes

Although this is a Cantonese dish, it is sometimes made by using 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons Szechuan Salt and Pepper Mix instead of the sea salt and ground pepper called for in the recipe.

Nutrition

Per serving: Calories 340, 2g Carbohydrates, 23g Protein, 24g Fat, 2g Saturated Fat, 173mg Cholesterol, trace Fibre, 639mg Sodium, 215mg Potassium
An excellent source of thiamine and vitamin B12. A good source of calcium.