Cantonese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and unique ingredients, and one dish that stands out in this culinary landscape is the salt and pepper mantis shrimp. With its distinctive taste and delightful texture, this dish is a true crowdpleaser, often enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike across the Canton region. Here’s a closer look at this exquisite dish and how to prepare it.
Ingredients
To create a delicious plate of Cantonese salt and pepper mantis shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:
1 lb (450g) mantis shrimp (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup allpurpose flour
23 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
23 cloves of garlic (minced)
12 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
12 red chilies (sliced, optional for heat)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation
1. Cleaning the Mantis Shrimp: If using fresh mantis shrimp, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. To prepare them for cooking, you can either leave the shells on for a more authentic presentation or remove the shell and head, keeping just the tail if desired. Drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Coating the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and allpurpose flour. Dredge each mantis shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are wellcoated. This will help achieve a crispy texture once fried.
3. Frying the Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over mediumhigh heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated mantis shrimp to the oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 23 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Flavoring: In a separate pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic and sliced red chilies until fragrant. Then, incorporate the fried mantis shrimp into the pan and sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavor coats all the shrimp evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the salt and pepper mantis shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside lemon wedges to add a zesty touch to each bite.
Enjoying the Dish
Cantonese salt and pepper mantis shrimp is best enjoyed hot, straight from the stove. The crispy exterior paired with the tender meat inside creates a delightful contrast, while the aromatic spices elevate the dish to a new level. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or as part of a larger feast, inviting friends and family to taste and savor its bold flavors.
Each bite is a reminder of the rich culinary traditions that characterize Cantonese cooking, and the use of fresh, highquality ingredients is key to the dish’s delightful experience. Embrace the art of Cantonese cooking by trying your hand at this savory shrimp dish, and indulge in a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.