Name: Spicy Chilli Garlic Prawns - Quick & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced; 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped; 1 tsp chilli flakes; 1/2 cup (125 ml) water; 3 tbsp Sriracha; 2 tsp light soy sauce; 3 tbsp 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 showstopper, a dish that manages to be both incredibly simple to prepare and explosively flavorful. If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that will impress your taste buds without requiring hours in the kitchen, you’ve found your culinary soulmate. What is it about these vibrant, succulent prawns bathed in a glossy, spicy, and garlicky sauce that makes us all swoon? Perhaps it’s the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and a delightful kick of heat, or the way the plump prawns absorb every drop of that irresistible glaze. This isn’t just another prawn recipe; it’s an experience. The aromatic blend of fresh garlic and fiery chilies, combined with the tender, perfectly cooked prawns, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is truly addictive. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these sensational Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

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

Prepare the Prawns

The first step to creating these flavour-packed Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns is to ensure your prawns are prepped and ready to go. You’ll want about 500 grams, which is roughly one pound, of raw prawns. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. If you’re using frozen prawns, thaw them completely according to package directions. For best results, pat the prawns thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step that helps them sear nicely rather than steaming in their own moisture, leading to a better texture and flavour.

Sauté the Aromatics

Now, let’s build the flavour base for our delicious prawns. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. Once the oil is hot, add the very finely minced garlic cloves. Stir them constantly for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste. If you’rgin extractsing ginger, add the grated orgin extractnely chopped ginger along with the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic foundation is key to the depth of flavour in this dish. Next, add the chilli flakes to the pan. Stir them into the oil and aromatics for another 30 seconds. This brief toasting of the chilli flakes releases their oils and heat, intensifying their flavour without making them bitter.

Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the water, Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This simple sauce is a perfect balance of spicy, savoury, and sweet. The Sriracha provides a pleasant heat and vinegary tang, the soy sauce adds a salty umami depth, and the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a lovely glaze. Having this sauce mixed and ready to pour into the pan will make the cooking process much smoother and prevent the prawns from overcooking.

Cook the Prawns and Sauce

Add the prepared prawns to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir-fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important not to overcook the prawns at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the sauce. Once the prawns are mostly cooked, pour the prepared sauce mixture over them. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it bubble and thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will reduce and coat the prawns beautifully. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and depth of flavour that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.

Finish and Garnish

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and coated the prawns, it’s time to finish off your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent the prawns from becoming tough. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly. Transfer the prawns and sauce to a serving dish. For a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavour and texture, generously garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions, and thinly sliced red chillies. The fresh crunch of the green onions, the nutty pop of the sesame seeds, and the extra little kick from the fresh red chillies make this dish truly complete. You can serve these delicious prawns immediately as a main course with steamed rice, or as an appetizer to share. Enjoy the explosion of flavours!

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your guide to creating delicious Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) is complete. We hope you enjoyed exploring this vibrant and flavourful dish. This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests. The combination of spicy chilli, aromatic garlic, and succulent prawns is truly irresistible.

For serving, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) are fantastic alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. You could also pair them with a crisp, fresh salad or some stir-fried noodles for a more complete meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you prefer it spicier, add an extra pinch of chilli flakes or a fresh chopped chilli. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can balance the heat beautifully. And if you’re not a fan of prawns, this flavour profile works wonderfully with chicken or tofu.

We encourage you to try making these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) and discover how easy and rewarding it is. Let the wonderful aromas fill your kitchen and enjoy the delightful taste! Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp):

Q1: Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen prawns, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the dish from becoming watery.

Q2: What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Can I use garlic powder?

While fresh garlic provides the most intense flavour, you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic called for in the recipe. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavour.