| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 9g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 40g | 1.2g |
From the bustling fish markets of Seattle to the vibrant sushi bars in Japan, my life has revolved around seafood and exquisite flavors. One of the recipes that merges my dual heritage perfectly is the tantalizing Sichuan Pepper Prawns. Combining the boldness of Sichuan peppercorns with the freshness of succulent North Pacific prawns, it’s a dish that has garnered a special place in my heart. The splash of colors from red and green bell peppers, along with cubed mangoes, makes this dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Embracing Dual Heritages Through Food
Sichuan Pepper Prawns are a celebration of my Pacific Northwest upbringing, where prawns are aplenty and fresh. At the same time, it’s a salute to my Japanese heritage, which advocates simplicity, attention to detail, and balance in every dish. My use of Sichuan peppercorns is my nod to Japanese appreciation for spice, while including mangos adds that touch of sweetness lending for a balanced taste. Layered with ingredients including ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, the recipe offers a delightful blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami flavors in a harmonious symphony that hits just the right taste buds.
The Health Benefits
Aside from being delectable, Sichuan Pepper Prawns also bring a host of health benefits. Prawns are a great source of high-quality protein and offer a rich supply of vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve heart health. Garlic and ginger boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory properties. Bell peppers are filled with vitamins A, C, and E which are essential for good skin and healthy eyesight. As for the mangoes, the superfruit is laden with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Food doesn’t have to be just tasty. It’s about nourishment, pleasure, and the love of cooking. I was fortunate to learn this early on; thus, my cooking philosophy leans towards recipes that are as nourishing and health-boosting as they are flavorful. The health benefits of prawns paired with an array of nutrient-dense ingredients ensures this recipe delivers.
The Sichuan Pepper Prawns can be paired with a beautiful jasmine rice or a crisp white wine to complete the meal. Similar dishes include Ginger and Spring Onion Lobster or the vibrant Sichuan Chilli Beef, but the uniqueness of Sichuan Pepper Prawns makes it a dish you can make repeatedly without tiring of it.
I invite you to try this recipe out and feel the love of seafood, the warmth of spices, and the magic of cooking as I do whenever I prepare Sichuan Pepper Prawns.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of Sichuan peppercorns
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of ginger, minced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 cup of water
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- ½ cup of spring onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup of mangoes, cubed
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start by heating a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the Sichuan peppercorns and toast them until they become fragrant. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once they’re toasted, grind them using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle and set them aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in the same wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté them until they become fragrant. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the cleaned prawns to the pan and stir to combine them with the ginger and garlic. Cook the prawns until they turn pink, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step Four
While the prawns are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground Sichuan peppercorns, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. Once the prawns are cooked, pour this mixture over them and stir to combine.
Step Five
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced spring onions, sliced jalapeno pepper (if you’re using it), cubed mangoes, and salt to taste to the pan. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
Step Six
Cook the mixture for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the prawns are cooked through.
Step Seven
Once everything is cooked, serve the Sichuan Pepper Prawns hot, with steamed rice or noodles on the side if you like. Enjoy your meal!
