Recipe: Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This simple Chinese-style fried shrimp dish makes a delicious party appetizer. Definitely make a double batch for a hungry crowd!

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 ½ tsp finely ground black pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp 5-spice powder
• ¼ tsp hot pepper flakes
• Pinch sugar
• 1 lb jumbo tiger shrimp, peeled, deveined with tail on
• ½ cup canola oil, for frying
• Flaked sea salt, to taste
• 1 fresh red finger chile, thinly sliced (optional)
• Cilantro leaves, for garnishing (optional)

Preparation

In a large bowl, stir together cornstarch, 2 tsp black pepper, kosher salt, 5-spice powder, hot pepper flakes and sugar. Pat shrimp dry with paper towel. Toss in cornstarch mixture until well coated.

Heat oil in wok or large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in 2 batches, until they start to curl, turn pink and are cooked through, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and remaining pepper.

Garnish with chiles and cilantro if using.

Notes:

Serve with a squeeze of lime or lemon if desired.

Serve as a dinner main over salad, steamed rice or stir-fried noodles.