Name: Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon chilli flakes; 1/2 cup water; 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce; 2 teaspoons light soy sauce; 3 tablespoons 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 meal; they’re an explosion of vibrant flavors and textures that transport you straight to the bustling street food stalls of Southeast Asia. Who doesn’t adore the satisfying snap of perfectly cooked prawns, bathed in a sauce that’s both fiery and wonderfully aromatic? We’re talking about that irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, savory, and a hint of umami, all coming together in a symphony on your taste buds. What truly sets this dish apart is its remarkable versatility and the incredible depth of flavor achievable in such a short cooking time. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests with minimal fuss, yet satisfies your deepest cravings for something bold and exciting. Get ready to experience the magic of Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

500g (1 lb) raw prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2 teaspoons grated or finely chopped fresh gin extractger (optional)
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
3 tablespoons brown sugar (white sugar can be substituted)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish
Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish (optional, for extra heat)

Preparing the Prawns and Sauce

Step 1: Get Your Prawns Ready

The foundation of our delicious Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns lies in properly prepped seafood. Ensure your 500g (or 1 lb) of prawns or shrimp are fully peeled and, crucially, deveined. This step is essential for both a pleasant eating experience and to allow the sauce to permeate the prawns beautifully. If you’ve bought them frozen, make sure they are completely thawed beforgin extractou begin. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a small but mighty step that helps the prawns achieve a lovely sear rather than steaming in their own moisture. Set them aside while we prepare the vibrant sauce that will coat them.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

In a medium bowl, we’ll combine the elements that will create that irresistible sweet, spicy, and savoury sauce. Start by adding the 1/2 cup of water. To this, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce. Sriracha brings a fantastic garlicky heat and a touch of tang. Next, incorporate the 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce. Soy sauce provides that essential umami depth. Now, for the sweetness, add the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Brown sugar offers a richer, more complex sweetness than white sugar and helps to create a slightly sticky glaze. If you prefer, you can certainly use white sugar, but the brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that I find really elevates the dish. Whisk everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture is the heart of our flavour profile, so ensure it’s well combined before moving on.

Cooking the Prawns

Step 3: Searing the Aromatics

Now it’s time to bring the heat and fragrant elements into play. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, but not smoking, add the 3 cloves of very finely minced garlic and the 2 teaspoons of grated or finelgin extracthopped fresh ginger (if you’re using it). Stir these around constantly for about 30 seconds to a minute. You want to release their aromas and flavour into the oil, but be very careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic turns bitter. As soon as you smell their wonderful fragrance, which should be quite quick, it’s time for the next ingredient.

Step 4: Introducing the Heat and Sauce

Immediately after gin extracttéing the garlic and ginger, add the 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes to the hot oil. Stir them for just a few seconds to toast them slightly, which intensifies their flavour and heat. Be mindful of the fumes that might arise from the chilli flakes. Now, carefully pour in the prepared sauce mixture from Step 2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. This will take about 1 to 2 minutes. As the sauce heats up, the sugar will fully dissolve, and the flavours will start to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cooking the Prawns to Perfection

Once the sauce is simmering and slightly thickened, it’s time to add the dried prawns. Gently place the peeled and deveined prawns into the simmering sauce. Toss them gently to ensure each prawn is coated evenly. We’re going to cook the prawns for a very short time, typically 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked prawns become tough and rubbery, so it’s crucial not to let them cook for too long. As they cook, the sauce will thicken further, creating a glossy glaze that clings to the prawns. Just before removing them from the heat, drizzle in the 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavour that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. Give everything a final toss to distribute the sesame oil evenly.

Finishing and Serving

Step 6: The Final Touches and Presentation

With the prawns cooked and beautifully coated in the chilli garlic glaze, it’s time for the finishing touches that make these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns truly shine. Transfer the cooked prawns and the luscious sauce to a serving platter. Now, for the garnishes. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. These add a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavour that complements the prawns perfectly. Next, scatter the finely sliced green onions over the top. Their fresh, slightly sharp flavour cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a vibrant pop of colour. If you’re a fan of extra spice and visual appeal, you can also add the finely sliced red chillies at this stage. These are purely for decoration and an extra kick of heat, so adjust according to your preference. These prawns are best served immediately while they are hot and the sauce is still glossy. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, served with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a spectacular appetizer. The combination of sweet, spicy, garlicky, and savoury notes is incredibly addictive and will leave you wanting more.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavourful recipe for Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) that is sure to impress. This dish is a delightful balance of spicy, savoury, and a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant appetizer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the chilli and garlic to your personal preference. For a spicier kick, add an extra dried chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of fresh chilli. We love serving our Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce beautifully. They also make a fantastic addition to noodle dishes or as a standalone starter with a squeeze of lime. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets for an even more complete meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen prawns, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This step is crucial to avoid a watery sauce and to achieve that lovely sear on the prawns.

What can I serve with Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) if I don’t have rice?

This dish is incredibly adaptable! Besides rice, it pairs wonderfully with stir-fried noodles, quinoa, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, you can omit the fresh red chillies entirely or use a milder variety. Removing the seeds and membranes from the chillies before chopping will also significantly lower the spice level. Additionally, you can decrease the amount of chilli garlic sauce used.