If you’re looking for a quick yet flavor-packed meal, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are your answer. Juicy prawns are seared to perfection and then tossed in a spicy, sweet, garlicky sauce that’s reminiscent of a gourmet Thai stir fry. Ready in just 12 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and delicious dinner. Serve these prawns with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the rich, sticky sauce, or opt for cauliflower rice to keep it light and low-carb. The garnishes of sesame seeds, green onions, and red chillies add a delightful crunch and elevate the visual appeal of the dish, making it perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) prawns/shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- 1 ½ tbsp vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 tsp sesame oil, toasted
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- ½ cup (125 ml) water
- 3 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, finely sliced
- Red chillies, finely sliced
Directions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the prawns and sear for about 45 seconds on each side until golden, then remove to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining prawns.
- Remove the skillet from the stove to cool slightly and reduce heat to medium. Add sesame oil.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes. Cook until the garlic turns golden.
- Add water, Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Return the prawns to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce reduces and clings to the prawns.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red chillies if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 12 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 3–4 servings
A Symphony of Sweet, Spicy, and Garlicky Perfection
When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few recipes rival the irresistible charm of Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. This dish, a medley of juicy prawns and a sticky, spicy sauce, is a shining example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. With its bold flavors and rapid cooking time, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among food enthusiasts.
A Culinary Inspiration
This recipe was inspired by the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, specifically a classic chili jam stir fry often found in modern Asian restaurants. While traditional chili jam stir fries can require a lengthy preparation process, this simplified version achieves similar flavors using a handful of pantry staples. The result is a sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and garlicky notes, coating the prawns in a rich glaze that’s both lip-smacking and satisfying.
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are not just about the sauce. The choice of prawns themselves plays a pivotal role. They must be fresh (or high-quality frozen alternatives) to provide the tender, juicy texture that makes this dish irresistible. The cooking process is designed to retain the prawns’ natural sweetness while enhancing their flavor with a caramelized sear.
The Beauty of Quick Cooking
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is its speed. With just 12 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. The trick lies in the simplicity of its preparation: chopping, searing, and simmering come together in a seamless process. The quick cooking time ensures that the prawns remain tender and juicy, never rubbery or overcooked.
This dish demonstrates the principle of balancing flavors, a hallmark of Asian cuisine. The spiciness from chili flakes and Sriracha is mellowed by the sweetness of brown sugar, while soy sauce and sesame oil add depth and umami. Garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with their aromatic warmth, creating layers of flavor that are complex yet approachable.
A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Pairing them with steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, allowing the rice to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. For a lighter, low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works beautifully, offering a similar texture without the extra calories.
The dish is also an excellent companion to a variety of sides. A crisp Asian slaw, tossed with sesame dressing, complements the richness of the prawns while adding a refreshing crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy provide a simple yet satisfying accompaniment. For those seeking a bit of fusion, these prawns can be served over noodles or even in lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld twist.
Perfect for Entertaining
While it’s quick enough for weeknights, this recipe is also an impressive choice for entertaining guests. The vibrant orange glaze of the prawns, contrasted with garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, and red chilies, creates a visually stunning presentation. Serve it on a large platter alongside a few complementary dishes, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable dinner party spread.
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns also cater to a variety of dietary preferences. They’re naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce, and they can be made less spicy for those with milder palates. This flexibility ensures the dish can be enjoyed by almost everyone at the table.
Cooking Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Prawns: Fresh prawns are ideal, but high-quality frozen prawns are a convenient alternative. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.
- Adjust the Spice Level: The recipe’s heat can be tailored to your taste by reducing the chili flakes or Sriracha. For a non-spicy version, substitute Sriracha with ketchup and a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Don’t Overcook: Prawns cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Perfectly cooked prawns form a “C” shape, while overcooked ones curl into a tight “O” and become rubbery.
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process even faster, measure and prepare all ingredients before you start. This ensures a smooth, stress-free experience in the kitchen.
Cultural and Nutritional Insights
This dish draws from the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, where bold flavors and quick cooking methods reign supreme. It embodies the essence of Thai street food, combining intense flavors with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
From a nutritional perspective, prawns are an excellent source of lean protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals like iodine and selenium. The addition of garlic and ginger not only enhances flavor but also brings health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
A Recipe for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner fix, a show-stopping dish for a gathering, or a flavorful introduction to Asian cooking, Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns deliver on all fronts. Their combination of bold flavors, easy preparation, and versatility makes them a staple worth adding to your recipe repertoire.
Conclusion:
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Each bite delivers a burst of sweet, spicy, and garlicky goodness, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of the prawns. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Pair it with your favorite sides, adjust the spice level to your liking, and savor the flavors of Southeast Asia right at home.
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Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns
- Total Time: 12 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a quick yet flavor-packed meal, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are your answer. Juicy prawns are seared to perfection and then tossed in a spicy, sweet, garlicky sauce that’s reminiscent of a gourmet Thai stir fry. Ready in just 12 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and delicious dinner. Serve these prawns with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the rich, sticky sauce, or opt for cauliflower rice to keep it light and low-carb. The garnishes of sesame seeds, green onions, and red chillies add a delightful crunch and elevate the visual appeal of the dish, making it perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
-
- 500g (1 lb) prawns/shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 tsp sesame oil, toasted
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
- 3 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, finely sliced
- Red chillies, finely sliced
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the prawns and sear for about 45 seconds on each side until golden, then remove to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining prawns.
- Remove the skillet from the stove to cool slightly and reduce heat to medium. Add sesame oil.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes. Cook until the garlic turns golden.
- Add water, Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Return the prawns to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce reduces and clings to the prawns.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red chillies if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
