Chilli Prawns Gravy
Juicy, crispy fried prawns tossed in a spicy, savory, and slightly tangy gravy with crunchy onions and bell peppers. A classic Indo-Chinese favorite that's perfect with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned prawns, 2 tbsp cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and salt.
- c.Add the egg white (if using) and mix thoroughly until each prawn is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Prawns
- b.Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of batter sizzles immediately.
- c.Carefully place the marinated prawns into the hot oil one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried prawns and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.In a separate, clean wok, heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil over high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion, bell pepper, and spring onion whites. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crunchy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and 0.5 tsp black pepper to the wok. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of water (or broth) and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp of cornflour with 3 tbsp of water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- e.While continuously stirring the gravy, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Gently add the fried prawns to the thickened gravy. Toss carefully to coat the prawns evenly without breaking their crispy coating.
- c.Simmer for just 1 minute to allow the prawns to absorb the flavors.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately with steamed rice, vegetable fried rice, or Hakka noodles.
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, as they will become tough and rubbery. Fry them just until they turn golden and curl up.
- 2For the best texture, keep the vegetables crunchy. Stir-fry them on high heat for a short time.
- 3Ensure all your vegetables and sauces are prepped and ready before you start stir-frying, as the process is very quick.
- 4For an extra layer of flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for the gravy.
- 5The gravy thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water to adjust the consistency before serving.
- 6To save time, use pre-cleaned and deveined prawns.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dry Chilli Prawns
For a dry appetizer version, reduce the water to 1/4 cup and use only 1 tsp of cornflour for the slurry. Toss the prawns in the thick sauce to coat.
Vegetarian/Vegan OptionVegetarian/Vegan Option
Replace prawns with 400g of cubed paneer, firm tofu, or mushrooms. For a vegan version, use tofu or mushrooms and omit the egg white.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli florets, baby corn, or sliced carrots for added crunch and nutrition. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
Schezwan PrawnsSchezwan Prawns
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce along with the other sauces for a different, spicier, and more pungent flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Prawns are a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
The use of fresh ginger, garlic, and bell peppers provides a good dose of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Boosts Metabolism
The capsaicin found in green chilies and red chili sauce can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
It's a restaurant-style dish that is high in flavor but also calories due to the fried prawns. To make it healthier, you can pan-sear or air-fry the prawns instead of deep-frying them. It is a good source of protein.