Roasted Sichuan Pepper Salt Recipes

ROASTED SICHUAN PEPPER-SALT

Steps:

• Mix together the peppercorns and the salt in a small bowl. Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until the mixture is fragrant and smoking and the salt begins to turn golden, five to eight minutes. Be very careful not to let the mixture burn.
• Remove from the heat and let cool. Then grind the pepper-salt until fine and sieve to remove any large pieces. Store in an airtight container.

SICHUAN PEPPER-SALT ROAST CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.
• Finely grind peppercorns with salt in grinder.
• Pat chicken dry, then rub with olive oil and 2 teaspoons pepper-salt (reserve remainder). Transfer to a rack set over a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup water into bottom of pan and roast chicken until skin is golden and crisp and a thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh (do not touch bone) registers 170°F, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
• Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest 10 minutes. Serve chicken with remaining pepper-salt on the side.

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.)

KUNG PAO SHRIMP

Steps:

• Mix the shrimp, Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the shrimp are evenly coated. Let stand while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Stir the sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, Sichuan pepper and remaining teaspoon cornstarch in a separate bowl. Dice the bell pepper and thinly slice the garlic. Have all your ingredients ready next to the stove.
• Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for 15 seconds. Add the peanuts and stir until browned in spots, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the bell pepper and garlic, and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring, until the pepper is bright and the garlic starts to become translucent, about 30 seconds. Add the chiles and stir well, then add the shrimp with its marinade. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are curled and just opaque, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the scallions and stir until glossy, about 15 seconds, then add the sauce. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 1 minute. If any of the starchy sauce has stuck to the bottom of the pan, add a splash of water and scrape up any browned bits. Taste and add more Sichuan pepper if you'd like. Immediately transfer to a dish and serve hot.