Follow these steps to create Sichuan Salt & Pepper Shrimp that will leave everyone craving more:

1. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Coating: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, Sichuan peppercorns, black pepper, salt, and red chili flakes. Stir until well blended.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Toss the cleaned shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess coating.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined dish to drain excess oil.
7. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Combine and Toss: Add the fried shrimp back into the skillet along with chopped green onions. Toss everything together gently.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili flakes if necessary to reach your desired heat level.
10. Serve: Dish out the shrimp onto a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy!

With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a dish that’s not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors.