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.
Ingredients:
500g large prawns
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornflour
2–3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chilli garlic sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
1 teaspoon fish sauce
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons butter
Finely sliced spring onion, for garnish
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.
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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.
Further Reading
For more Asian-inspired suppers and sharing dishes, try these flavour-packed recipes:
- Cosy Beef Chow Mein Noodle Bowl – beef mince, noodles and colourful vegetables tossed in a rich, savoury sauce.
- Leftover Chicken Fried Rice – turn leftover chicken into a satisfying supper with rice, egg and colourful vegetables.
- Hoisin Chicken Three Ways – sticky hoisin chicken served in nourishing quinoa bowls, crisp lettuce cups or soft bao buns.
- Thai Tofu Basil Stir-Fry – fragrant Thai basil, tofu and crunchy cashews, delicious served with jasmine rice.