Dry Garlic Prawns
Succulent prawns tossed in a fiery, garlicky sauce with crisp bell peppers and onions. This Indo-Chinese appetizer is a flavor explosion, perfect for parties or as a quick weeknight side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns (15 minutes)
- b.Pat the prawns completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a mixing bowl, combine the dry prawns with 6 tsp (2 tbsp) of cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper powder.
- d.Toss well until each prawn is evenly coated.
- e.Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Prawns (5 minutes)
- b.Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated prawns in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink, curl up, and the coating is light golden and crisp.
- e.Remove the cooked prawns with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables (5 minutes)
- b.In the same wok with the remaining oil, add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, slit green chillies, and spring onion whites.
- c.Sauté on high heat for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still retain a crisp bite.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create Sauce & Finish (5 minutes)
- b.Lower the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper to the wok. Stir well to combine.
- c.In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- d.Pour the slurry into the wok, stirring continuously. Cook for about 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- e.Immediately return the fried prawns to the wok.
- f.Gently toss everything together for about 1 minute, ensuring the prawns are fully coated in the delicious sauce.
- g.Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately.
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 overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- 2Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before stir-frying the vegetables to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 3Patting the prawns dry before marinating is a key step for achieving a crispy exterior.
- 4For a deeper, more complex flavor, use a combination of 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce.
- 5Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili sauce to match your preferred level of spiciness.
- 6This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after preparation, to maintain the crispness of the prawns and vegetables.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the prawns with 250g of paneer cubes or 200g of mushrooms. Follow the same marination and frying process.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1 tsp of Szechuan sauce or a pinch of red chili flakes along with the other sauces for an extra kick.
HealthierHealthier
Instead of shallow-frying, lightly pan-sear or grill the marinated prawns with minimal oil before tossing them with the sauce and vegetables.
With GravyWith Gravy
To make a gravy version, double the sauce ingredients and increase the cornflour slurry to 2 tsp cornflour mixed with 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Immunity Boosting Properties
The generous use of garlic and ginger not only provides incredible flavor but also offers immune-boosting benefits. Both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Source of Key Minerals
Prawns provide important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and phosphorus, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Dry Garlic Prawns (approximately 225g) contains around 350-400 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific sauces used.