Chili Garlic Prawns
Juicy prawns tossed in a fiery, garlicky sauce with a hint of sweetness. This Indo-Chinese classic is a perfect appetizer that comes together in under 30 minutes, full of bold and addictive flavors.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the prawns, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each prawn is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- c.In another small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Prawns
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok or large pan over high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the marinated prawns in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink, curl slightly, and are just cooked through.
- e.Remove the cooked prawns from the pan and set them on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- c.Add the chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies, and spring onion whites. Sauté on high heat for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the diced onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to medium, pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- c.Stir the cornstarch slurry once more, then pour it into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- d.Return the cooked prawns to the pan.
- e.Toss everything together for 30-60 seconds to coat the prawns and vegetables evenly in the sauce.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the prawns; they cook very quickly and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 2Stir-frying requires high heat. Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients for the best sizzle and flavor.
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking (mise en place), as the stir-frying process is very fast.
- 4For a deeper red color, you can add a teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder to the sauce.
- 5To ensure the prawns are cooked evenly and get a good sear, don't overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- 6For a saucier version, you can double the sauce ingredients and the cornstarch slurry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with 250g of paneer cubes or firm tofu. Marinate and shallow fry them just like the prawns before adding to the sauce.
ChickenChicken
Use 400g of bite-sized chicken pieces instead of prawns. Marinate and cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through before proceeding with the sauce.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Add other stir-fry friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, baby corn, or sliced mushrooms along with the onions and capsicum for extra nutrition and texture.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the finished dish for a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
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 muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Selenium
Prawns are rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system and thyroid function.
Flavorful Aromatics
The use of garlic and ginger not only adds incredible flavor but also offers potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of approximately 220g contains around 300-350 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil and sugar used.
