Spicy Shrimp with Basil

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Ingredients

1. 1 teaspoon white peppercorns
2. 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro
4. 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
5. 1 or 2 fresh Thai or serrano chiles, minced
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
7. 1 teaspoon salt
8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
9. 1 pound medium or large shrimp, shelled and deveined
10. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11. 1 cup holy basil leaves, or 1/2 cup torn Italian basil leaves plus 1/2 cup torn mint leaves

1. In a small dry skillet, toast the peppercorns over moderate heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a mortar and coarsely crush. Add the garlic, cilantro, ginger, chiles, lime zest and salt and pound to a coarse paste.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the paste and stir-fry over high heat for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until opaque throughout, about 2 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce. Transfer to a bowl, add the basil and serve.