Double Pepper Scallops On Asparagus

• 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (preferably Malabar or Tellicherry)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 pound large scallops
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili black bean sauce
• 1/2 cup red and yellow bell peppers, chopped
• 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch long pieces
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 T of water
• canola or peanut oil for cooking

1. Heat Sichuan peppercorns in a small pan over high heat. Shake the pan every 20 seconds or so to toast, about 2-3 minutes. Remove to a mortar and pestle and grind fine (see photo). Combine with black pepper, salt, and cornstarch.
2. Rinse scallops. If they came in a plastic container, return them to the container, otherwise place them in a new lidded container. Add the spice mixture. Gently shake to coat well. Return to fridge while preparing other ingredients.
3. In a small bowl, combine water, oyster sauce, and chili black bean sauce. Set aside.
4. Over high heat, heat a cast iron skillet (I prefer this to a wok because it's easier to evenly sear the scallops). When hot, add just enough oil to coat bottom of the pan. Add scallops and cook until golden on both sides, about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes per side. Remove to separate plate.
5. Add more oil to skillet. Again, just to coat the bottom. Add vegetable and cook until asparagus just begins to change color, about 1 minute. Add sauce and bring to a fierce boil. Cook just until asparagus is almost done, about 2 minutes, but check after 1 minute to gauge where they are. Quickly add the dissolved cornstarch and stir until sauce has thickened, another 15-20 seconds. Remove to serving plate and top with scallops. Serve immediately.

peppercorns, ground black pepper, kosher salt, cornstarch, scallops, water, oyster sauce, chili black bean sauce, red and, cornstarch, peanut oil

Taken from food52.com/recipes/4053-double-pepper-scallops-on-asparagus (may not work)