Prawn Schezwan Dry
Crispy fried prawns tossed in a fiery, tangy Schezwan sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is bursting with bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns (15 minutes)
- b.Pat the cleaned and deveined prawns completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns with ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp light soy sauce, white pepper powder, and 0.25 tsp salt.
- d.Mix well to coat the prawns evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Coat and Fry the Prawns (8-10 minutes)
- b.To the marinated prawns, add the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix until each prawn is thoroughly coated in a thick batter.
- c.Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
- d.Carefully slide the coated prawns into the hot oil one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- e.Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried prawns and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Schezwan Sauce Base (5 minutes)
- b.Carefully discard most of the oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp. Alternatively, use a fresh wok with 2 tbsp of sesame oil over high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they are fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not soft.
- e.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the Schezwan sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir everything together for about 1 minute until the sauce is well combined and heated through.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toss and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Immediately add the crispy fried prawns to the wok with the sauce.
- c.Increase the heat to high and toss everything quickly for 30-60 seconds, ensuring the prawns are evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the prawns.
What to keep in mind.
6 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 until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1 minute just before tossing in the sauce.
- 2Ensure your wok is smoking hot before you start stir-frying the vegetables to achieve the authentic 'wok hei' (smoky flavor).
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 4Do not let the prawns sit in the sauce for too long before serving, as they will lose their crispiness.
- 5Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce and green chillies to control the spice level to your liking.
- 6A splash of toasted sesame oil at the very end can enhance the nutty aroma of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with boneless chicken cubes, fish fillets, or paneer. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Replace prawns with cauliflower florets (gobi), mushrooms, or baby corn for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Make it a GravyMake it a Gravy
To make a gravy version, dissolve 1 tbsp of cornflour in 1/2 cup of water or vegetable stock and add it to the sauce in step 3. Simmer until it thickens before adding the prawns.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other stir-fry friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or baby corn along with the onions and capsicum.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Source of Antioxidants
The dish contains garlic, ginger, and bell peppers, which are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.
Metabolism Booster
The capsaicin in green chillies and compounds in the Schezwan sauce can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Prawn Schezwan Dry contains approximately 320-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.