These Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns offer an irresistible combination of heat and flavor. The prawns are perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, with a burst of spicy heat from the chilies and a rich garlic undertone. The addition of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of honey balances the heat with savory and slightly sweet notes.
This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor. Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice or pairing it with a side of veggies, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that can easily become a favorite weeknight dinner. The cilantro garnish and a squeeze of lime juice add a refreshing touch to the bold flavors, making this a dish you’ll come back to time and again.
Full Recipe:
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500g prawns, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
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1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Add garlic, ginger, and red chilies to the pan, sautéing for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
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Add prawns to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
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Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and honey (if using), cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the prawns are well-coated with the sauce.
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Drizzle sesame oil over the prawns and mix to combine.
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Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh coriander on top.
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Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 2-3 servings
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are a fantastic and quick dish, offering a bold combination of flavors that will satisfy any seafood lover. The prawns are seared and then coated in a sticky, spicy, and garlicky sauce that’s reminiscent of a homemade chili jam, but with far less effort. It’s a dish that packs a punch and will make you feel like you’ve just dined at a modern Thai restaurant. Best of all, it can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those looking for a quick yet flavorful meal.
A Quick and Flavorful Dish
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the powerful impact of its flavors. While many prawn dishes are delicate and mild, the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns take things up a notch. It all starts with fresh prawns, which are seared in a hot pan to get a nice golden color and cooked just right. Overcooking prawns can lead to rubbery, unpleasant texture, but this recipe ensures that they stay juicy and tender.
The sauce, made from a mixture of soy sauce, chili flakes, sriracha, sesame oil, and brown sugar, coats the prawns in a delightful sticky glaze. The sweetness from the sugar balances the heat from the chilies and the tang from the soy sauce, creating a sauce that is both spicy and sweet. The addition of ginger and garlic brings in an aromatic depth, making each bite even more irresistible.
Why Frozen Prawns Work Just Fine
For years, the debate between fresh and frozen prawns raged on. Fresh prawns were considered superior, with many believing frozen prawns just couldn’t match up. However, over the years, frozen prawns have improved significantly. Modern freezing techniques preserve the freshness and flavor, and in fact, using frozen prawns can save you both time and money without sacrificing quality. In this recipe, frozen prawns are a perfect choice because they’re easy to store and thaw quickly, making this dish even more accessible.
The frozen prawns need to be thawed properly—simply run them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that they’ll sear well and won’t steam in the pan, maintaining their texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Prawns
One of the most crucial aspects of cooking prawns is to avoid overcooking them. Overcooked prawns will curl tightly into an “O” shape and become rubbery and tough. Perfectly cooked prawns, on the other hand, form a “C” shape, indicating that they’ve been seared just right. A quick sear on each side, about 45 seconds per side, ensures that the prawns cook evenly without turning dry.
Another tip is to always cook prawns in batches. If you crowd the pan, they will steam rather than sear, which results in less flavor and a less appealing texture. By cooking them in batches, you ensure each prawn gets a good sear and retains its juicy texture.
What to Serve with Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns
While the prawns themselves are a delicious treat, pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal. The sticky sauce that coats the prawns is perfect for soaking up with some steamed rice. For a low-carb option, you can swap out the rice for cauliflower rice, which is lighter but still absorbs the sauce beautifully.
To balance out the richness of the prawns, consider adding some greens. Asian-style salads, such as cucumber salad with sesame dressing or a simple Asian slaw, complement the dish nicely. The freshness of the greens offers a delightful contrast to the heat of the prawns, creating a well-rounded meal.
For a truly authentic touch, try serving with some steamed Asian greens, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli, sautéed in oyster sauce. This combination of seafood and greens makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s also full of vibrant colors and textures.
Variations on the Dish
While the original recipe is already packed with flavor, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen. You can tweak the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes and sriracha used in the sauce. For those who prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of heat or omit the chili flakes altogether.
If you’re looking to experiment further, try adding a bit of ketchup and rice vinegar in place of the sriracha for a less spicy and more tangy flavor profile. You could also switch up the seafood—shrimp works beautifully in this recipe, but you could try using scallops, fish, or even chicken for a different take on the dish.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns is the kind of dish that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply looking to treat yourself to something delicious, this dish fits the bill. The balance of spice, sweetness, and savory elements makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides.
Additionally, the recipe is simple enough to be made on a weeknight after a long day, but impressive enough to serve to guests. The vibrant colors of the prawns, coupled with the rich, sticky sauce, make it visually stunning as well. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this dish is sure to impress.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe
In conclusion, Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns is a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys bold, vibrant flavors. The combination of perfectly cooked prawns and a spicy-sweet sauce makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this quick and easy recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness, and the best part is that you can have it ready in under 15 minutes.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, and the versatility of the recipe means you can adjust it to suit your taste. From a weeknight dinner to a special occasion, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns will never disappoint. Give it a try, and prepare to be hooked!