Hey there, food lovers! If you're craving bold flavors and a dish that comes together in a flash, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) are your new go-to. Juicy shrimp tossed in a sweet, spicy, garlicky sauce deliver restaurant-quality taste right at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even as an appetizing crowd-pleaser during gatherings. Ready for something delicious and easy? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick & Easy: Ready from prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes with a tender texture.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a main, appetizer, or side dish.
- Healthy Choice: Low in fat and high in protein, plus you can control the spice level!
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan is all you need for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) raw prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced (or 1 tablespoon chili flakes for extra heat)
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Prawns
Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chili, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns to the pan in a single layer. Sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
Step 5: Coat in Sauce
Pour the sauce over prawns and toss quickly to coat evenly. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and stir for an additional 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Total time: 18 minutes
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the prawns — once they turn pink and curl, they're ready!
- You can adjust the amount of chili to suit your preferred spice level.
- If using frozen prawns, thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute prawns with firm tofu cubes for a meat-free alternative.
- Crispy Version: Lightly dust prawns with cornstarch before frying for extra crunch.
- Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end for a citrusy kick.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary. Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may become rubbery.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables or garlic noodles.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Preheat your skillet or wok before adding the oil to get a perfect sear on the prawns.
- Use jumbo prawns for a juicier bite and stunning presentation.
- Mince the garlic and ginger as finely as possible for maximum infusion into the oil.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen prawns?
- Yes! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
- How spicy is this dish?
- It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily tone it down by using less chili or omit seeds.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish tastes best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and aromatics in advance to save time.
Ingredients
- 500 g raw prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 red chillies, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Instructions
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1Pat the prawns dry and set aside. Prepare all the vegetables and sauce ingredients.
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2Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chillies and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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3Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
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4Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Stir-fry the prawns for another 2-3 minutes until coated in the sauce and cooked through.
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5Drizzle with sesame oil, toss through chopped spring onions, and remove from heat.
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6Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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