Name: Spicy Chilli Garlic Prawns-Quick & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 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 grated or finely chopped fresh ginger; 1 tsp chilli flakes; 1/2 cup (125 ml) water; 3 tbsp Sriracha sauce; 2 tsp light or all-purpose 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 meal; they’re a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that instantly transports you to the bustling street food markets of Southeast Asia. This dish is beloved for its incredible versatility, pairing beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, crisp noodles, or even a fresh, crunchy salad. What truly makes Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) so special is the perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, salty, and umami notes. The succulent prawns are bathed in a punchy sauce, a symphony of fiery chili, pungent garlic, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, all brought together with a subtle tang. It’s a quick-cooking marvel, meaning you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Get ready to dive into a truly unforgettable culinary experience with this sensational recipe.

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 grated or finely chopped fresh gin extractger (optional)
1 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tbsp Sriracha sauce
2 tsp light or all-purpose soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar (can be substituted with white sugar)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish
Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, for garnish (optional, for extra heat and colour)

Preparation

Sautéing Aromatics

Begin by preparing your aromatics. Finely mince the 3 cloves of garlic. If yougin extract using fresh ginger, grate it or chop it as finely as possible. This ensures that the flavours are released quickly and evenly during the cooking process. For the chilli flakes, have them ready to go. Remember, the amount of chilli flakes can be adjusted based on how spicy you like your food. If you prefer a milder dish, start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more later if desired.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Add the mgin extracted garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and negatively impact the flavour of your dish. The goal here is to gently sauté them to release their delicious aromagin extract/li>

Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, add the chilli flakes to the skillet. Stir them in for another 15-20 seconds, allowing the heat of the oil to bloom the chilli’s flavour and aroma. This step is crucial for infusing the oil with a gentle heat that will permeate the sauce. Again, keep stirring to prevent burning.

Creating the Sauce and Cooking Prawns

Pour in the 1/2 cup of water to deglaze the pan and create a base for our sauce. Immediately add the Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. This simmering process helps to meld the flavours together, creating a rich and balanced sauce. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the sweetness or spiciness if needed. You can add a little more sugar for sweetness or more chilli flakes for heat.
Add the peeled and deveined prawns (shrimp) to the simmering sauce in a single layer, if possible. This ensures they cook evenly. Stir gently to coat all the prawns with the sauce. Cook the prawns for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque and are just cooked through. Prawns cook very quickly, so it’s important not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. You’ll notice them curling up as they cook.
Once the prawns are cooked, drizzle in the toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavour that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. Give everything a final gentle toss to distribute the sesame oil throughout the prawns and sauce.

Finishing and Serving

Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after adding the sesame oil. This stops the cooking process and preserves the freshness of the prawns and the vibrant flavours of the sauce.
Transfer the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns to a serving platter. Garnish generously with the finely sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced red chillies (if you like extra heat and visual appeal). The fresh green onions provide a lovely crisp texture and a mild oniony bite that complements the rich sauce. The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch. Serve hot and enjoy this flavourful and quick dish!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a beautifully simple yet incredibly flavourful dish of Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) ready to impress! This recipe is a testament to how a few key ingredients can create a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and exciting. The vibrant combination of spicy chilli, aromatic garlic, and succulent prawns is truly addictive, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining.

I love serving Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic with some stir-fried bok choy or noodles for a complete Asian-inspired meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment! For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of brown sugar can be added to the sauce. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the amount of chilli flakes. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sesame seeds for extra crunch or a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a zesty kick.

I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this delightful Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp). It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become a favourite in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels; excess moisture can make the sauce watery and prevent the prawns from searing nicely.

What kind of chilli can I use?

The recipe calls for chilli flakes, which are readily available. For a fresh kick, you can finely chop one or two fresh red chillies (like bird’s eye chillies) along with the garlic. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

How can I make this dish spicier or milder?

To make it spicier, increase the amount of chilli flakes or add more fresh chilli. For a milder version, use fewer chilli flakes or omit them entirely, focusing on the garlic and other aromatics.