The delicate, sweet flavor of the ruby grapefruit is hit with a dazzle of heat from Szechuan peppercorns, which are a delightful peppery spice used in Chinese cooking. You will find them in the spice rack at your local market; use them whole or grind them up.
Reprinted with permission from Citrus, by Valerie Aikman-Smith and Victoria Pearson, copyright © 2015, published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Photograph copyright © 2015 by Victoria Pearson
Szechuan Shrimp & Ruby Grapefruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, with tails on
- 6 ounces dried vermicelli rice noodles
- 1 large ruby grapefruit, peeled
- 1 cup torn mint leaves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Szechuan peppercorns
Instructions
- Bring a saucepan filled with water to a boil over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are opaque and cooked through. Drain and place in a large ceramic bowl.
- Place the noodles in a heatproof bowl and pour in boiling water to cover. Let stand for 10 minutes, until soft, then drain and rinse under cool running water. Add to the shrimp.
- Cut the grapefruit into segments and add them and any juices to the bowl with the shrimp and noodles. Add the mint leaves.
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. Pour over the salad, toss gently to coat evenly, and serve at once.