Introduction
Discover a delicious and simple recipe featuring succulent prawns, a flavorful sauce, and the perfect balance of spices. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Paired with rice or a low-carb alternative, it promises to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola)
1 tsp sesame oil, toasted
3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped (can be omitted)
1 tsp chilli flakes
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tbsp Sriracha
2 tsp soy sauce, light or all-purpose
3 tbsp brown sugar (sub with white)
Garnish (optional): Sesame seeds, green onions finely sliced, red chillies finely sliced or chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 3-4
To prepare this dish, start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear half the prawns for about 45 seconds per side until golden, then set them aside. Repeat with the remaining prawns. After searing, lower the heat and add toasted sesame oil, followed by minced garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes until fragrant. Then, mix in water, Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar, allowing the sauce to simmer until it thickens. Finally, return the prawns to the skillet, coating them in the sauce, and garnish before serving with your choice of rice or salad.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Oil
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or canola) in a large skillet over high heat.
Sear the Prawns
Add half of the raw, peeled, and deveined prawns to the skillet. Sear them for about 45 seconds on each side until they are golden. Remove the prawns into a bowl and repeat the process with the remaining prawns.
Cool the Skillet
Remove the skillet from the stove to let it cool down slightly. Then, reduce the heat to medium.
Heat the Sesame Oil
Return the skillet to the stove and heat 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
Add Garlic, Ginger, and Chilli Flakes
Add 3 finely minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of grated or finely chopped ginger (if using), and 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes to the skillet. Cook until the garlic turns golden.
Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 1/2 cup (125 ml) of water, followed by 3 tablespoons of Sriracha, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir the mixture.
Simmer the Sauce
Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes or until it thickens to a thin syrup consistency.
Reheat the Prawns
Return the seared prawns to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the sauce and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the prawns well.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions, and chopped red chillies, if desired. Serve with rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or for a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
Notes
Spiciness
Adjust the spiciness to your taste by modifying the amount of chilli flakes, not the Sriracha, as the sauce requires the vinegar for flavor.
Non-Spicy Version
For a non-spicy version, skip both the chilli flakes and Sriracha. Instead, add 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (or cider vinegar), and 1 tablespoon of either Shaoxing wine or Mirin. Reduce the sugar by 0.5 tablespoons, or alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of low-sodium chicken broth.
Prawns/Shrimp
If using frozen prawns, ensure they are completely thawed and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess water. The prawns might appear cooked if they are of the pink variety, but they are raw.
Toasted Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil is brown and has a stronger flavor than untoasted sesame oil, which is yellow. If you can’t find toasted in your region, using untoasted will work but may impart a milder taste.
Chilli Flakes
Chilli flakes (also known as red pepper flakes) can be substituted with minced chili or chili paste. However, do not sauté the minced chili with garlic, as it may cause spitting. Instead, add it alongside the water.
Sriracha
Sriracha is a flavorful Asian chili sauce, commonly found in supermarkets. You can substitute it with another hot or chili sauce with a similar consistency. For thin sauces like Frank’s, consider mixing equal parts with ketchup and adjusting after tasting.
Cooking Prawns
To check if the prawns are properly cooked, they should bend into a “C” shape. Overcooked prawns will curl into a tight “O” shape and will have a rubbery texture, which is undesirable.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values are based on a serving of 3, although this recipe can serve up to 4.
Cook techniques
High Heat Searing
Sear the prawns in a hot skillet, allowing each side to cook for approximately 45 seconds until they are golden brown. This technique enhances the flavor and adds a nice texture.
Simmering Sauce
After sautéing aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, add the remaining sauce ingredients and let them simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrup-like consistency. This process melds flavors together.
Tossing
Once the prawns are added back into the skillet, toss them in the sauce to ensure even coating. This method helps the prawns absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnishing
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, fresh chili, and sliced green onions for added flavor and a burst of color.
FAQ
How can I cut down the spiciness?
To reduce the heat, adjust the amount of chili flakes used while keeping the Sriracha for its flavor profile. Alternatively, skip both and replace them with a combination of ketchup and vinegar.
What type of prawns should I use?
Raw prawns, whether fresh or thawed frozen, can be used. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best results.
How do I know when the prawns are cooked?
Perfectly cooked prawns will form a “C” shape, while overcooked prawns curl into a tight “O,” resulting in a rubbery texture.
Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
Yes, you can substitute Sriracha with another hot sauce of a similar consistency. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you wish the dish to be.
What’s a good side to serve with this dish?
Serving the prawns with rice helps soak up the sauce. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice. A side salad can also complement the meal nicely.
Conclusion
This prawn recipe delivers a delightful, spicy flavor that is sure to please seafood lovers. The combination of Sriracha, garlic, and sesame oil creates a delicious glaze that perfectly coats the prawns, making it an ideal dish to serve with rice or cauliflower rice. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Swap prawns with chicken breast, using the same sauce ingredients.
Coconut Curry Prawns
Replace Sriracha with coconut milk and add curry powder for a different flavor profile.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers to the sauce for a sweet and tangy version.
Vegetable Stir-fry
Omit the prawns and toss in assorted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots with the sauce.
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Use salmon fillets with a honey-soy sauce variation replacing the sugar with honey for a different seafood choice.
Garlic Butter Scallops
Swap prawns with scallops and use butter for a rich flavor combined with garlic and herbs.
Szechuan Noodles with Prawns
Add cooked noodles to the dish along with prawns and mix thoroughly in the sauce for a hearty meal.
