shrimp with salt

How to Make Salt-Baked Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Salt-baked shrimp is a beloved dish, celebrated for its crispy texture, savory flavor, and simple preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making it at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on for presentation)

- 1 cup coarse sea salt

- 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns

- 1 star anise

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 2 bay leaves

- 3 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

- 1 tbsp ginger, julienned

- 1 tbsp cooking wine

- 1 tsp white pepper

- Vegetable oil for brushing

Steps:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp and pat dry. In a bowl, mix shrimp with cooking wine, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Make the Salt Bed: Heat a wok or deep pan over medium-low heat. Add coarse salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Bake the Shrimp: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread half the salt mixture in a heatproof dish. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on top. Cover with the remaining salt mixture.

4. Cook and Serve: Drizzle with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until shrimp are pink and firm. Carefully crack open the salt crust; discard spices. Transfer shrimp to a plate, garnish with ginger and garlic, and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Tips: For extra flavor, brush shrimp with a mixture of egg yolk and sesame oil before baking. Coarse salt is key to creating a crispy crust without making the shrimp too salty. Enjoy this delightful dish as an appetizer or main course!