Oven\-cooked Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp: A Delicious Feast with Minimalist Cooking

Oven-cooked Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp: A Delicious Feast with Minimalist Cooking

In today's fast-paced world, how can you create delicious dishes in the simplest way? This oven-cooked Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp recipe is the perfect answer. It not only preserves the original flavor of the seafood, but also significantly simplifies the tedious process of traditional frying by cooking in the oven, making it both delicious and healthy.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

500g fresh mantis shrimp

Half a purple onion

2 tablespoons (about 30ml) cooking wine

2 tablespoons (about 30ml) light soy sauce

1 teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 scallions

Olive oil to taste

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the Mantis Shrimp

Rinse the fresh mantis shrimp thoroughly with clean water and drain. Use scissors to remove the antennae and sharp spines for safer and more convenient eating. Place the prepared mantis shrimp in a large bowl. Add cooking wine, light soy sauce, and sea salt, and gently toss to combine. Marinate for 15 minutes to fully absorb the flavor.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and slice the purple onion into 0.5cm rings. This will support the mantis shrimp during grilling and release their sweetness. Wash and chop the chives. Set aside. Take a baking sheet and evenly coat the bottom with a thin layer of olive oil. 3. Plating Tips

Spread the sliced onion rings evenly on the baking sheet, forming "nests." Place the marinated mantis shrimp on the onion rings, spacing them appropriately to ensure even circulation of hot air. This prevents the shrimp from sticking and allows the sweet onion flavor to penetrate the shrimp.

4. Grill in sections

Preheat the oven to 220°C (4D hot air setting recommended). First, bake the mantis shrimp for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and lightly coat the shrimp with oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Continue baking for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and bake for a final 5 minutes. This staged baking method ensures a crispy shell and tender meat.

Professional Cooking Tips

Buying Tips:

Choose lively mantis shrimp with a shiny, bluish-gray body.

The whiter the swimmer feet on the shrimp's abdomen, the fresher it is.

It's recommended to buy mantis shrimp of uniform size to ensure consistent baking time.

Flavor Variations:

If you prefer a spicy flavor, add chili powder or Sichuan peppercorns.

A squeeze of lemon juice can add a refreshing flavor.

Substituting minced garlic for onion offers a different flavor.

Equipment Alternatives:

If you don't have a 4D hot air oven, use the double-bake mode.

You can also make this in an air fryer, setting the temperature to 200°C.

The baking time should be adjusted according to the wattage of your appliance.

The key feature of this oven-baked salt and pepper mantis shrimp recipe is its minimalism: minimal seasoning, minimal steps, and minimal cleanup. Compared to traditional deep-frying, oven cooking not only reduces fumes and fat intake, making it healthier and more delicious. The roasting process perfectly locks in the freshness of the mantis shrimp, creating a crispy shell while preserving the juicy, tender flesh. The roasting enhances the sweetness of the onions, complementing the savory flavor of the seafood.

This salt and pepper mantis shrimp dish is a perfect choice for both everyday family meals and drinks at gatherings with friends. It preserves the authentic flavor of seafood while enhancing its deliciousness through simple cooking techniques. Next time you're craving seafood but find the hassle unprepared, try this recipe. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this minimalist yet refined dining experience.