Garlic Prawns
Juicy, plump prawns tossed in a fiery and fragrant garlic sauce. This Indo-Chinese classic is the perfect appetizer, ready in under 30 minutes, and bursting with savory flavor.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and dried prawns with 2 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, salt, and the optional egg white.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each prawn is evenly coated in a light batter.
- d.Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow Fry the Prawns
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated prawns in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown, crispy, and are just cooked through.
- e.Remove the fried prawns with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sauce Base
- b.Carefully pour out the excess oil from the wok, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons.
- c.Place the wok back on high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crisp bite.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the wok, stirring continuously.
- d.Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- e.Return the fried prawns to the wok. Gently toss everything together to coat the prawns evenly in the glossy sauce.
- f.Turn off the heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
- g.Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use fresh, high-quality prawns. If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted completely dry.
- 2Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel before marinating. This is crucial for helping the coating stick and achieving a crispy texture.
- 3Do not overcook the prawns, as they will become tough and rubbery. They cook in just a few minutes.
- 4Use high heat when stir-frying the vegetables to get that characteristic 'wok hei' or smoky flavor and keep them crisp.
- 5Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies to suit your personal spice preference.
- 6For the most potent flavor, use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead of store-bought paste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gravy Version
To make a gravy version, double the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, sugar) and increase the cornflour slurry to 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Replace prawns with 400g of paneer cubes, firm tofu, or whole mushrooms. For a vegan option, simply omit the egg white from the marinade.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Instead of shallow frying, pan-sear the marinated prawns with minimal oil or cook them in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, while being relatively low in calories.
Rich in Selenium
Prawns are a great source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid and immune system function.
Immunity-Boosting Properties
The generous amount of garlic and ginger in this dish provides allicin and gingerol, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Garlic Prawns (approximately 225g) contains around 350-400 calories. The final count depends on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.