Summer Cold Spicy-Sour Hot Pot (Sour Spicy Shrimp)

Steps

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1. 1
   Trim the shrimp whiskers and cut along the back to remove the intestinal tract and stomach sac.
   ▶ ≈2:18
2. 2
   Bring a pot of water to a boil with a splash of white vinegar, blanch the shrimp until cooked, then drain and set aside (the vinegar helps keep the shrimp firm and springy).
   ▶ ≈2:48
3. 3
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped scallions, minced ginger, minced garlic, chili powder, chopped red chili, and white sesame seeds.
   ▶ ≈3:14
4. 4
   Heat sesame oil and cooking oil in a pan until smoking, then pour it over the aromatics in the bowl in three additions to release their fragrance. Let it sit to develop flavor.
   ▶ ≈4:48
5. 5
   Stir in soy sauce, Sichuan pepper oil, white vinegar (or lemon juice), water, white pepper, and salt to taste, mixing well to form the sauce.
   ▶ ≈6:10
6. 6
   Add ice cubes to chill the sauce, then add the blanched shrimp and let them soak for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
   ▶ ≈7:44
7. 7
   Top with cilantro to taste and serve. You can also add clams, squid, pork belly, beef, cauliflower, or other ingredients into the sauce to soak up the flavor as you go.
   ▶ ≈8:24