Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Yield: 6 (hors d'oeuvre) servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp in their shells (25)
• 6 cups vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan pepper
• Deep-fat thermometer

Instructions

1. Cut each shrimp shell lengthwise along back with scissors, leaving last segment intact, then devein shrimp, leaving shell in place. Cut off feathery legs and sharp pointed section of shell above soft tail fins. Rinse shrimp and dry thoroughly.
2. Heat oil in a wok or deep heavy pot over high heat until it registers 400 degrees F on deep fat thermometer. Deep fry shrimp in 4 batches until shells bubble and shrimp are bright pink, 45 to 60 seconds (they will be slightly undercooked), returning oil to 400 degrees F between batches.
3. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
4. Carefully pour oil into a heatproof bowl (to cool before discarding), then wipe wok clean with paper towels.
5. Stir together salt, pepper, and five-spice powder.
6. Heat wok or a heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then add deep-fried shrimp and spice mix and stir fry for 10 seconds.

Attribution

Gourmet magazine - June 2001