If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and quick, satisfying cooking, let me introduce you to the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe. This vibrant, spicy, and garlicky prawn stir-fry blends just the right amount of heat with the irresistible aroma of garlic and ginger, all perfectly balanced with honey and soy sauce. It’s a fantastic meal that’s as impressive to serve as it is simple to make, delivering an authentic taste that’ll wow your taste buds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key for this recipe. Each element plays an important role, bringing a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish truly shine.
- 1 pound large prawns or shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy seafood flavor and a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to create a light crispiness on the prawns when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral base for stir-frying with a high smoke point, ensuring perfect cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable fragrant and pungent punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced): Adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings depth and savory umami that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the taste with a rich, slightly sweet, and salty complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the richer elements.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Offers a touch of natural sweetness that mellows the spice.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma and flavor that’s quintessentially Asian.
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to heat preference): Adds that lively heat that makes this recipe pop.
- 2 green onions (sliced): For a fresh, crisp finish and vibrant color contrast.
- Sesame seeds and lime wedges for garnish (optional): Elevate presentation and add extra texture and brightness.
How to Make Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Prawns
Start off by patting the prawns dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely. Toss them in a bowl with the cornstarch, coating each one lightly. This little step makes a huge difference in achieving that perfect exterior texture.
Step 2: Cook the Prawns
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lay the prawns down in a single layer and let them sizzle for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly crisp on the outside. Once cooked, remove the prawns and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if the pan seems dry. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds. This releases their irresistible fragrances, setting the foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add sesame oil and chili flakes next, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and glossy—that’s where all the magic happens.
Step 5: Combine Prawns with Sauce
Return the prawns to the pan and toss well so they get fully coated with the vibrant sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm everything through and marry the flavors perfectly. It’s that quick and satisfying.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the prawns. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is optional but highly recommended for a bright, zesty lift that beautifully cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes transform this dish from great to unforgettable. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, while a handful of sliced green onions offers fresh color and a gentle bite. Don’t forget a few lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating for a perfect balance.
Side Dishes
This Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice to soak up all those delicious sauces. Noodles tossed with a touch of sesame oil and scallions are another fantastic option, or you can serve it alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables for a lighter, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve these prawns on a bed of fragrant coconut rice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a tropical twist. Alternatively, plate them neatly over a vibrant salad of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and crunchy cucumbers, drizzled lightly with a lime-chili dressing. These ideas add exciting textures and layers that keep the dish fresh and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the prawns should stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the delicate texture of the prawns, which can become rubbery when thawed. However, if you must freeze, place cooked prawns and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns and sauce in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly, which can make the prawns tough and unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent the prawns from crisping up nicely, so drying is key.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice depends entirely on your preference. The recipe calls for 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili flakes, so you can adjust that up or down. For a milder version, use less or omit the chili flakes altogether. For extra heat, add fresh chili or chili sauce.
Can I substitute shrimp instead of prawns?
Yes, shrimp works perfectly in this recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter for smaller shrimp, so keep an eye on them as they cook to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and use a gluten-free oyster sauce. This way, you’ll keep all the amazing flavors without the gluten.
What can I serve with Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe if I’m avoiding rice?
Try serving with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a crisp vegetable stir-fry for a low-carb alternative. These options complement the bold flavors while keeping the meal wholesome.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and garlicky goodness time and time again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with this irresistible recipe!
Print
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns is a quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe featuring succulent prawns tossed in a spicy, garlicky sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and heat. This dish is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a delicious weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large prawns or shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Coating
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Garnish
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, promoting a better sear. Toss them with cornstarch in a bowl until they are lightly and evenly coated; this helps achieve a light crisp texture when cooked.
- Cook the prawns: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the prawns in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until the prawns turn pink and start to develop a light crisp exterior. Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Reduce the heat to medium, and if needed, add a little more oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant but not burnt, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and all the flavors meld together.
- Combine prawns and sauce: Return the cooked prawns to the skillet, tossing them thoroughly in the sauce to ensure they are well coated. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until everything is heated through and glossy, indicating the sauce has clung well to the prawns.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the prawns for a burst of freshness and texture. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve the dish over steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free oyster sauce.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Ensure prawns are not overcooked to maintain their tender texture.
