Name: Spicy Chilli Garlic Prawns - Quick & Flavorful Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced; 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped; 1 tsp chilli flakes; 1/2 cup (125 ml) water; 3 tbsp Sriracha sauce; 2 tsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish; Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) are more than just a dish; they’re a vibrant explosion of flavor and aroma that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling street food stalls of Southeast Asia. This isn’t your average weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary adventure that promises a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and a tantalizing kick of heat. What is it about these succulent prawns, bathed in a glistening, aromatic sauce, that makes them so utterly irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of ingredients – plump, juicy prawns seared to perfection and then tossed in a fragrant medley of fresh garlic, fiery chilies, a touch of soy sauce for depth, and a whisper of sweetness to round it all out. The incredible ease with which you can whip up these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) is another huge draw, making it a go-to for both impressing guests and treating yourself to something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2 tsp fresh gin extractger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tbsp Sriracha sauce
2 tsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
3 tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar as a substitute)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish
Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation and Searing the Prawns

This step is all about getting a beautiful sear on your prawns, which locks in their natural juices and adds a lovely texture. Beforgin extractou begin cooking, ensure your prawns are fully peeled and deveined. If you bought them frozen, make sure they’ve been thawed completely and patted dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to achieve a good sear; excess moisture will steam the prawns instead of searing them.

Heat the 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. This high heat is key to quickly searing the prawns.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the prepared prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan, leading to steamed, rather than seared, prawns.
Cook the prawns for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. They should curl up slightly. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as they will cook further in the sauce. Once seared, immediately remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.

Crafting the Fiery Sauce

Now comes the exciting part – building the flavourful sauce that will coat your delicious prawns. This sauce balances sweet, savoury, and spicy notes for a truly addictive dish.

In the same skillet (there’s no need to wash it, the little bits of prawn stuck to the bottom add flavour!), reduce the heat to medium. If there’s excessive oil, you can carefully pour some off, leaving about a tablespoon.
Add the 3 finely minced garlic cloves and the grated or finelgin extracthopped fresh ginger (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
Stir in the 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes. Let them toast in the residual oil for another 30 seconds to release their flavour and a touch of heat. This brief toasting really amplifies their intensity.
Pour in the 1/2 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Whisk everything together until the sugar has digin extractlved and the sauce begins to simmer. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the sauce to thickegin extractlightly.

Bringing It All Together

The final stage is where the magic happens, combining the perfectly seared prawns with the vibrant sauce.

Return the seared prawns to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Gently toss them to coat each prawn evenly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the prawns are heated through and fully cooked. They should be plump and juicy. Be careful not to overcook them now, or they can become tough.
Drizzle in the 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty depth and aroma that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. Stir it through the sauce and prawns for about 30 seconds.

Garnishing and Serving

Presentation matters, and a few simple garnishes elevate this dish from delicious to stunning. The fresh toppings provide a wonderful contrast in texture and a burst of fresh flavour.

Once the prawns are coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Transfer the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns to a serving dish. Garnish generously with the finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sliced red chillies (if you like a little extra heat and colour). The vibrant green of the onions and the red of the chillies make for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a straightforward and incredibly flavourful recipe for Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)! This dish is a fantastic weeknight meal that comes together in a flash, delivering a delightful balance of spicy, garlicky, and savoury notes. The tender prawns soak up all the delicious sauce, making every bite an explosion of taste. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s truly satisfying and incredibly rewarding to make at home. Don’t be afraid to adjust the chilli levels to your preference!

For serving suggestions, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) are wonderful served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to catch all that incredible sauce. A side of steamed bok choy or your favourite crisp greens would complement the richness perfectly. For variations, consider adding some thinly sliced red bell peppers or snow peas for extra colour and crunch. You could also stir in some toasted sesame seeds just before serving for an added nutty flavour and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this recipe with other seafood?

A: Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for prawns (shrimp), you could certainly substitute them with other quick-cooking seafood like scallops or calamari. Just be mindful of their cooking times, as they can vary slightly from prawns.

Q: How can I make the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) spicier or milder?

A: To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of dried chilli flakes or fresh chillies used. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chilli flakes and consider using less garlic or a milder chilli paste. You can also balance the heat with a touch more honey or sugar.