Ingredients
4 large shallots, peeled
1 pound large shrimp
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
1/4 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell pepper
2 scallions, sliced diagonally 1/2 inch long
1 fresh serrano or 1/2 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon whole white peppercorns
3 sprigs cilantro, for garnish
Preparation
Thinly slice two shallots; set aside. Finely chop remaining two shallots. Using kitchen shears, cut through shrimp shells along back. Leaving shells on, use a small sharp knife to devein shrimp.
Carefully lift one side of shrimp shells; tuck about 1/2 teaspoon chopped shallot onto shrimp. Gently press shells back in place.
Combine cornstarch, paprika, salt, and cracked pepper. Add shrimp; toss to coat.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook just until opaque, about 2 minutes on each side. Scatter garlic and reserved sliced shallots over shrimp and cook, shaking pan often, 1 minute. Add sugar, fish sauce, 3 tablespoons water, bell pepper, scallions, serrano pepper, and peppercorns; toss to combine. Cook, shaking pan often, 1 minute. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro.
