Is Chilli Prawns healthy?

Chilli Prawns can be part of a balanced diet in moderation. Prawns are a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, this version is deep-fried and uses sauces high in sodium and sugar, making it a more indulgent dish. For a healthier alternative, consider pan-frying or air-frying the prawns.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or rice flour. Also, ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is typically gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The prawns will lose their crispiness upon refrigeration. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in a microwave until warmed through. Do not refreeze.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, you can omit the green chillies entirely and use a milder red chilli sauce or reduce its quantity. You can also increase the amount of tomato ketchup slightly to add more sweetness.

Home / Recipes / indo_chinese / Chilli Prawns

indo_chineseMediumnon vegetariandairy freenut freehigh protein

Chilli Prawns

RATING

4.6/5(162)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Juicy, batter-fried prawns tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce with crisp bell peppers and onions. A classic Indo-Chinese starter that's always a crowd-pleaser and ready in under 30 minutes.

PREP

15m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 CUP

442 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 4 STEPS

1
Marinate the Prawns
- In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned prawns, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure each prawn is well-coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
2
Prepare Batter and Fry Prawns
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and egg.
- Gradually add about 3 tbsp of water, whisking continuously, to form a smooth, thick batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
- Dip each marinated prawn into the batter, coating it completely, and carefully place it in the hot oil.
- Fry in batches of 6-8 for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the fried prawns with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
3
Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat sesame oil in a clean wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cubed onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still have a crisp bite.
4
Create the Sauce and Finish
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, and sugar to the wok. Stir well to combine everything.
- Give the cornflour slurry a quick stir (as it settles) and pour it into the sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Immediately add the fried prawns to the wok. Toss gently but quickly to coat all the prawns evenly in the sauce.
- Cook for just 30-60 seconds more, then turn off the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve hot.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For extra crispy prawns, double-fry them. Fry once until light golden, remove and let cool for 5 minutes, then fry again in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
2
Do not overcook the prawns during frying or in the sauce, as they will become tough and rubbery.
3
Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces measured before you start cooking. The stir-frying process is very fast.
4
Toss the fried prawns in the sauce just before serving to ensure they remain as crispy as possible.
5
Adjust the amount of red chilli sauce and green chillies to control the spice level to your preference.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Protein Swap

Replace prawns with boneless chicken pieces (Chilli Chicken), paneer cubes (Chilli Paneer), or firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Gravy Version

For a saucier, gravy-style dish, increase the cornflour slurry to 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1/4 cup water. Also, add 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth along with the sauces in Step 4.

Healthier Option

Instead of deep-frying, you can pan-fry the battered prawns in a few tablespoons of oil until golden or cook them in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Rich in Lean Protein

Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.

heart

Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Prawns contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.

immune_system

Provides Essential Vitamins

Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, while garlic and ginger offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single serving of this Chilli Prawns recipe contains approximately 350-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of sauces used.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

fusion·5 min·347 cal

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Chilli Prawns

For 4 servings

Marinate the Prawns

Prepare Batter and Fry Prawns

Stir-fry Aromatics and Vegetables

Create the Sauce and Finish