Chilli Prawns Dry
Crispy fried prawns tossed in a fiery, tangy sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. This Indo-Chinese classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect as a starter or a side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns (15 minutes)
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned prawns with ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp of the soy sauce, 0.5 tsp of the black pepper powder, salt, all-purpose flour, 6 tsp (2 tbsp) of the cornflour, and the egg white.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each prawn is evenly coated in the batter.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Prawns (5-7 minutes)
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F).
- c.Carefully add the marinated prawns one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches for best results.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes)
- b.In a separate large wok or pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil on high heat.
- c.Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- e.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish (3 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- c.Pour the slurry into the wok and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- d.Immediately add the fried prawns to the wok. Toss everything together quickly but gently to coat the prawns evenly in the sauce.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve hot for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy prawns, you can double-fry them. Fry once for 2 minutes, remove, and then fry again for 1 minute just before tossing in the sauce.
- 2Ensure all your ingredients for the stir-fry (chopped veggies, sauces) are prepped and ready before you start, as the cooking process is very fast.
- 3Do not overcook the prawns. They cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 4To maintain the crunch of the vegetables, stir-fry them on high heat for a short duration.
- 5Serve immediately. The crispy coating on the prawns will soften if left to sit in the sauce for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with boneless chicken cubes, fish fillets, or paneer for a vegetarian option. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Gravy VersionGravy Version
To make Chilli Prawns with gravy, increase the cornflour slurry (2 tbsp cornflour in 1/2 cup water) and add 1 cup of vegetable or chicken stock to the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Adjust the amount of red chilli sauce and green chillies to suit your preference. For a milder version, use a sweet chilli sauce or reduce the quantity.
Add NutsAdd Nuts
For extra crunch and flavor, add a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts along with the prawns at the final step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Prawns provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This dish includes bell peppers and onions, which are good sources of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Prawns themselves offer minerals like selenium, zinc, and iodine.
Metabolism Booster
The capsaicin in green chillies and red chilli sauce can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chilli Prawns Dry contains approximately 350-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.
