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
Scale
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.
