Prawn Delight in Salt Crust

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) large prawns, deveined and shells intact 500g (1.1 lb) large prawns, deveined and shells intact
• 2 kg (4.4 lb) coarse sea salt 2 kg (4.4 lb) coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a dry pan, toast the Sichuan peppercorns and black peppercorns over medium heat until fragrant. Grind them into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the prawns, minced garlic, grated ginger, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the prawns are evenly coated with the marinade.
4. 4.
   Spread a layer of coarse sea salt on a baking tray to create a bed for the prawns.
5. 5.
   Place the marinated prawns on top of the salt bed, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
6. 6.
   Cover the prawns completely with the remaining coarse sea salt, pressing gently to create a crust.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and the salt crust is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove the prawns from the salt crust and brush off any excess salt.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prawns — Ensure that the prawns are fresh and deveined. Keeping the shells intact adds flavor and protects the delicate flesh during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, marinate the prawns for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with minced garlic, or a tangy lime and ginger sauce.
• Serve the prawns with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make sure to brush off excess salt from the prawns before serving to avoid an overly salty taste.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Prawn Delight in Salt Crust as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Prawn Delight in Salt Crust on a large platter, allowing the golden salt crust to be the centerpiece. Arrange the prawns in an attractive pattern and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.