If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch with minimum fuss, then look no further than Black Pepper Shrimp! This dish brings together juicy prawns with aromatic black pepper and a buttery garlic sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, and black pepper gives the prawns an irresistible taste.
- Quick to Make: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Elevates Any Meal: Whether served on its own or with rice, this dish instantly adds a touch of class.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust to your taste preferences or diet requirements.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this exceptional Black Pepper Shrimp is all about quality and simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich, savory profile of the dish.
- Tiger Prawns: Choose fresh and plump prawns for the best flavor and texture. Leaving the tails on gives a nice touch.
- Black Peppercorn: Coarsely cracked to release its bold, spicy essence that defines the dish.
- Butter: Provides a rich, indulgent base that complements the sharpness of the pepper.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant depth that melds perfectly with the prawns.
- Oyster Sauce: Brings a sweet-savory punch that enhances the overall taste.
- Chinese Rice Wine: A splash that adds subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Scallion: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and bite.
Variations
Feel free to personalize your Black Pepper Shrimp to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s incredibly versatile and just as delicious with a few tweaks.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick that heat lovers will appreciate.
- Health-Conscious: Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version, perfect for a heart-healthy meal.
- Herbaceous: Mix in fresh basil or cilantro for a refreshing herbal twist that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
How to Make Black Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Prawns
Begin by removing the shells from the tiger prawns, leaving the tails intact. This not only makes them easier to eat but also adds to the presentation with their elegant form.
Step 2: Crack the Pepper
Lightly pound the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle until coarsely cracked. If you don’t have a pestle, use the flat side of a knife to press and chop them coarsely.
Step 3: Sauté Quality Flavors
Heat the melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and black pepper until their aromas fill your kitchen, then add the prawns, stirring well to combine.
Step 4: Add Sauces and Finish
Incorporate the oyster sauce, followed by the wine and sugar. Stir-fry until the prawns are cooked through. Finally, add the scallions, mix well, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Shrimp
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your pan is hot enough to give the prawns a nice sear, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Balancing Act: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for the perfect balance of savory and spicy.
- Quick Stirring: Keep stirring to prevent overcooking the prawns, maintaining their juicy texture.
- Ingredient Quality: Using fresh black peppercorns and garlic makes all the difference in this dish’s flavor profile.
How to Serve Black Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of fresh lime juice to enhance the shrimp’s vibrant flavors and add a touch of visual elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad on the side. These mild accompaniments balance the dish’s robust flavors, creating a harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Black Pepper Shrimp in a large serving bowl with some edible flowers sprinkled on top for a colorful display that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within two days to ensure peak freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, do so before cooking. Freeze the marinated prawns and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a touch of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add the pre-cooked shrimp once the sauce has thickened and heat just until warmed through to avoid rubbery texture.
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What can I substitute for Chinese rice wine?
You can use dry sherry or white rice vinegar as an alternative for a similar taste profile if you don’t have Chinese rice wine on hand.
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How can I make it less spicy?
To tame the heat, reduce the amount of black pepper, or balance it with an extra teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey.
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Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers or snap peas for a pop of color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings culinary joy with minimal effort, Black Pepper Shrimp is the answer. Once you create this easy yet impressive dish, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and take a culinary adventure into a world of taste sensations—your taste buds will thank you!
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Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Black Pepper Shrimp is a flavorful and savory dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich sauce of black pepper, garlic, oyster sauce, rice wine, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly stir-fried to retain juiciness and served hot, this recipe offers a spicy, aromatic experience that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (350g) tiger prawns, shell-on, headless
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Remove the shells from the tiger prawns, keeping the tails intact for presentation. Crack the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle into coarse pieces, or crush them with the flat side of a knife for a similar effect.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat and pour in the melted butter. Add the minced garlic and the cracked black peppercorns, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the Shrimp: Place the prepared shrimp into the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the butter, garlic, and pepper mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink.
- Build the Sauce: Add the oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top, give everything a final toss, then transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- This dish can be garnished with additional scallions or a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or chopped chili peppers during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
