Garlic Chilli Prawns: A Quick, Chinese-Style Dish with Fiery Flavour

Bring a touch of restaurant flair to your kitchen with these Garlic Chilli Prawns – a quick and flavour-packed dish inspired by classic Chinese stir-fries. Succulent prawns are tossed in a glossy sauce of garlic, ginger, and red chilli, finished with a hint of butter for richness. The result is a perfectly balanced plate — spicy, savoury, and irresistibly aromatic.

Method

1. Prepare the prawns.

Rinse the prawns and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Season with salt and pepper to taste (around ¼ teaspoon each), then toss with cornflour until evenly coated.

2. Sear to perfection.

Heat a large pan over high heat with 1–2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Cook the prawns for about 1 minute on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan — work in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove and set aside.

3. Build the aromatic base.

In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ginger, garlic, shallot, and red chilli. Sauté for around 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

4. Create the sauce.

Stir in the chilli garlic sauce, Shaoxing wine, fish sauce, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer gently. Add the butter and let it melt, creating a rich, glossy finish.

5. Combine.

Return the prawns to the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Heat briefly to combine the flavours, being careful not to overcook.

6. Garnish and serve.

Sprinkle over finely sliced spring onion, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Serving Ideas

These Garlic Chilli Prawns are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice, perfect for soaking up the spicy butter sauce.
• Stir-fried noodles or a simple cucumber salad for a lighter option.
• A crisp glass of Riesling or Chenin Blanc, both excellent matches for spice and garlic.

Artisan Haus Tip

For an elegant presentation, serve the prawns in a shallow stoneware bowl with a scattering of herbs and a wedge of lime for brightness. If entertaining, complement the dish with bowls of fluffy rice and chopsticks for an effortless, modern Asian-style spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

We absolutely love this Joseph Joseph Space Folding Handle Ceramic Non-stick Wok — it’s clever, compact, and beautifully designed. This award-winning wok saves space with its folding handle yet performs like a professional pan, ideal for high-heat cooking. If you love Asian-inspired dishes as much as we do, it’s a true kitchen essential.