Name: Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns - Spicy Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2-4 servings
Ingredients: 500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chilli flakes; 1/2 cup water; 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish; Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) are an absolute powerhouse of flavor, a dish that consistently steals the show whether it’s gracing a weeknight dinner table or making a vibrant appearance at a festive gathering. What is it about these succulent, fiery morsels that ignites such universal delight? It’s the perfect alchemy of sweet, savory, and spicy, a symphony orchestrated by the humble yet mighty ingredients. We adore them for their speed – they’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them a savior when time is short but you crave something spectacular. The star of the show, the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp), truly shines because of its incredible versatility. They’re fantastic served over fluffy jasmine rice, tossed with noodles, or even tucked into soft bao buns for an explosion of taste in every bite. This recipe unlocks that irresistible restaurant-quality zest right in your own kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure that will leave you utterly satisfied.

Ingredients:

500g / 1 lb raw prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh gin extractger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
3 tablespoons brown sugar (or white sugar as a substitute)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish
Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish (optional, for extra heat and color)

Preparation and Cooking the Prawns

Step 1: Preparing the Prawns and Aromatics

First things first, let’s get our star ingredient, the prawns, ready. Ensure they are fully peeled and deveined. This step is crucial for both texture and easy eating. If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent them from searing properly. Next, prepare your aromatics. Mince the garlic cloves as finely as you can – this allows their flavor to infuse the sauce beautifully. If you’re usingin extractresh ginger, grate or finegin extractchop it. The ginger adds a lovely fragrant warmth, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, feel free to omit it as indicated. Measure out your chilli flakes; this is where the heat comes from, so adjust to your preference.

Step 2: Heating the Oils and Sautéing Aromatics

Now, grab a large skillet or wok and place it over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), it’s time to introduce your aromatics. Add the mgin extracted garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. We just want to gently toast them to release their delicious aromas into the oil. Then, add the chilli flakes and stir for another 10-15 seconds. This helps bloom the chilli flakes, intensifying their flavor and heat.

Step 3: Building the Sauce Base

It’s time to create the mouthwatering sauce that will coat our prawns. Pour in the water. This might seem like a lot, but it’s essential for creating a good volume of sauce that coats everything evenly. Next, add the Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together well until the brown sugar has dissolved completely. The combination of Sriracha, soy sauce, and sugar creates a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet notes that are characteristic of many delicious Asian dishes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Cooking the Prawns

Now for the star of the show! Add the prepared prawns to the simmering sauce. Stir them gently to ensure each prawn is coated in the sauce. The prawns will cook very quickly, typically in just 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and their tails curl slightly. Avoid overcooking them, as this can make them tough and rubbery. Once the prawns are cooked through, stir in the toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and depth of flavor that is unmistakable and highly desirable in Asian-inspired dishes. Give it a good stir to distribute it evenly throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finishing and Garnishing

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness, more Sriracha for heat, or a touch more sugar for sweetness. Once you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to finish the dish. If the sauce isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, you can let it simmer for another minute or two, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be glossy and coat the prawns beautifully. To serve, transfer the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns to a serving dish. Garnish generously with finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and if you like an extra kick and vibrant color, add some finely sliced red chillies. This dish is wonderful served immediately with steamed rice to soak up all that incredible sauce.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavourful recipe for Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) that’s sure to impress! This dish is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate gathering, offering a delightful balance of spicy, savoury, and aromatic notes. The vibrant colours and tantalizing aroma will have everyone asking for seconds.

For serving, I love pairing these prawns with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of blanched greens like bok choy or broccoli adds a refreshing crunch and a healthy element. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving them as an appetizer with some crusty bread for dipping.

Feel free to get creative with variations! For a sweeter twist, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce. If you prefer more heat, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of chilli or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for added texture and flavour.

Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to cooking seafood. This recipe is quite forgiving. The key is not to overcook the prawns, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favourite music, and enjoy the process of creating these delightful Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp). I truly hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of prawns (shrimp) are best for this recipe?

You can use almost any type of prawn or shrimp for this recipe. Medium to large sized prawns, peeled and deveined, are ideal for easy eating and quick cooking. Fresh or frozen and thawed prawns will both work beautifully.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! To increase the spiciness of your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp), you can add more fresh chillies, increase the amount of chilli garlic sauce, or incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference.

How long does it take to cook the prawns?

The prawns cook very quickly! They typically only need 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly undercooked and let them finish cooking in the sauce.