Schezwan Prawns
Crispy, juicy fried prawns tossed in a fiery, garlicky Schezwan sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is bursting with bold flavors and comes together in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns & Prepare Batter
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned prawns, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly to coat each prawn. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- c.While the prawns marinate, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornflour and all-purpose flour. Gradually add 1/2 cup of water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a consistency similar to a thin pancake batter. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Prawns
- b.Heat the vegetable oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
- c.Dip each marinated prawn into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the battered prawns into the hot oil, one by one.
- d.Fry in small batches of 6-8 to avoid overcrowding and lowering the oil temperature. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried prawns and drain them on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Schezwan Sauce Base
- b.In a separate large wok or pan, heat the sesame oil over high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onions and bell peppers. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still have a crisp bite.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt to the wok. Stir well and let it bubble for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- c.Add the crispy fried prawns to the sauce. Gently toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each prawn is evenly coated.
- d.Turn off the heat, add the chopped spring onion greens, and give it a final toss.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Transfer the Schezwan Prawns to a serving platter. Serve hot as an appetizer or a side dish with fried rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure prawns are completely dry before marinating to help the batter adhere better.
- 2Do not overcook the prawns during frying, as they will cook a little more when tossed in the sauce.
- 3For an extra crispy coating, double-fry the prawns. Fry once for 2-3 minutes, remove, and then fry again for 1 minute just before tossing in the sauce.
- 4Have all your ingredients for the stir-fry (chopped veggies, sauces) ready before you start, as the process is very fast.
- 5Toss the prawns in the sauce just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 6Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce and green chilies to match your preferred spice level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with 400g of paneer cubes or cauliflower florets. Follow the same batter and frying process.
ChickenChicken
Use 500g of boneless, bite-sized chicken pieces instead of prawns. Ensure the chicken is cooked through during the frying stage.
Gravy VersionGravy Version
To make a gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce in Step 4 and cook until it thickens before adding the prawns.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Instead of deep-frying, coat the prawns in the batter and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns are rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Rich in Minerals
Prawns provide important minerals like selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function.
Contains Antioxidants
The garlic, ginger, and bell peppers used in the sauce are good sources of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Schezwan Prawns (approximately 1 cup or 275g) contains around 450-550 calories, primarily due to the deep-frying process. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed.