Best 5 Szechuan Pepper Recipes

SZECHUAN PEPPER-SALT PRAWNS

Steps:

• To make pepper-salt: In a small saute pan over medium heat, toast the Sichuan and white peppercorns, shaking the pan, for about 3 minutes.
• Do not let them burn.
• They may smoke and pop like popcorn; this is OK.
• Remove the pan from the heat; set aside to cool slightly.
• In a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the peppercorns.
• Transfer to a bowl and combine with the salt.
• Set aside.
• To make shrimp: In a wok or large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot but not smoking.
• Working quickly, in a bowl, toss the shrimp in the cornstarch and remove the excess cornstarch by shaking the coated shrimp in a sieve or strainer.
• Add the shrimp to the wok and cook, tossing a few times to cook through on both sides, for 2 to 3 minutes.
• With a large spatula or other implement, hold the shrimp in place, tip the wok and very carefully pour off and discard the excess oil.
• Add the garlic, chili pepper and pepper-salt mixture.
• Return the wok to the heat and toss the shrimp with the spice mixture until the spices release their fragrance and coat the shrimp, about 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat.
• A step ahead: The pepper-salt can be made a week or more ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature.

TOM'S SZECHUAN PEPPER AND SALT PRAWNS

Steps:

• Prepare pepper-salt: In a small saute pan over medium heat, toast Szechuan and white peppercorns for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan. They will smoke and pop like popcorn, but don't let them burn. Let cool, then coarsely grind the pepper in a spice mill, and combine with salt in a small bowl; set aside.
• Place cornstarch in a medium bowl. Heat peanut oil in a wok or large saute pan over high heat until it is just short of smoking. Toss prawns in the cornstarch, and remove excess by shaking coated prawns in a sieve. Add prawns to the wok, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing a few times to cook through on both sides. With a large spatula, hold the prawns in place, tip the wok, and pour off and discard the excess oil. Add garlic, minced chile, and pepper-salt mixture. Return the wok to the heat, and toss prawns with the spices until spices release their fragrance and coat the shells, about 1 minute.

SZECHUAN SALT-PEPPER

Steps:

• Combine salt and peppercorns in heavy small skillet over low heat. Cook until aromatic and salt begins to color, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Grind in mortar with pestle or in spice grinder. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Store in airtight container.)

TINGLY SZECHUAN PEPPER BEEF NOODLES

Steps:

• Preparation Bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the noodles and cook until al dente. Drain. While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat the oil, three turns of the pan, over high heat until smoking. Pat the ground beef dry with a paper towel, then crumble it into the hot oil. Add the onion, chili pepper, garlic, ginger, Szechuan pepper and five-spice powder to the beef. Stir fry until the onion is slightly softened, 2 minutes. Add the noodles to the beef mixture. Stir in the Tamari (or liquid amino). Remove from the heat and toss with the lettuce and scallions. Serve with the chili oil (or Sriracha). - See more at: http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=5157#sthash.lxdYbFKt.dpuf

BROAD BEANS (FAVA BEANS) STIR-FRIED WITH SZECHUAN PEPPER

Steps:

• Cook broad beans in simmering salted water for 4 minutes.
• Drain, reserving a ladleful of cooking water.
• Refresh the beans under cold running water and drain again.
• Gently shell beans.
• Heat oil in a wok over high heat, add beans and toss for 1 minute.
• Add szechuan pepper, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, vinegar and bean paste, tossing well.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of the bean cooking water and cook for 2 minutes, tossing over high heat.
• The beans should be tender and lightly coated with the sauce.
• Serve scattered with sesame seeds.