Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect quick dinner that delivers huge flavor, look no further than Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. Imagine juicy, tender prawns sizzling in a garlicky, gingery sauce that’s just the right balance of spicy, sweet, and savory—all ready in 20 minutes! This dish is an absolute showstopper whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything on this list is easy to find, but plays an irreplaceable part in building layers of bold flavor, vivid color, and the perfect succulent bite. Let’s go through what you’ll need and why each ingredient is the secret to these irresistible prawns.
- Prawns (1½ lbs, large, peeled & deveined, tails on): The heart of the dish—use the freshest prawns you can find for the sweetest, juiciest flavor.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): A neutral oil that delivers a high-heat sear without overpowering the delicate prawns.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Essential for that deep, punchy aroma that fills your kitchen and makes mouths water.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, minced): Adds subtle heat and an earthy freshness that’s absolutely signature to Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): The salt and umami backbone of your sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): For a glossy, complex richness that makes the dish restaurant-worthy.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Just a splash brightens everything up with a gentle tang.
- Chili sauce (1 tbsp, like sambal oelek): Heat and color! Dial it up or down to your liking.
- Brown sugar (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): A drizzle for nutty aroma right at the finish.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh crunch and a pop of green.
- Fresh red chili (1, thinly sliced, optional): For extra color and a little extra fire if you like it spicy.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for irresistible crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns
Step 1: Mix Your Sauce
Start off by making the magic that ties this dish together: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Give it a quick taste—this is your chance to adjust the spice or sweetness to suit your mood!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not browned—this step sets the stage for that signature aroma of Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns straight into the pan and spread them out for even cooking. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they curl up and turn that gorgeous pink. The key is to avoid overcooking—they should stay juicy and tender.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Finish
Pour your prepared sauce over the prawns. Stir well so every prawn gets beautifully coated. Let everything bubble together for another 1–2 minutes—the sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the prawns perfectly. Remove from heat and prepare for garnishing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Now the fun part! Top everything with sliced green onions, that optional red chili for a vivid kick, and a generous shower of toasted sesame seeds. Serve these beauties piping hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns
Garnishes
Go big on garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh green onions keeps things bright and fresh, while those toasted sesame seeds give a lovely nutty crunch. If you want a bit more heat—and a pop of color—don’t skip a few slices of fresh red chili scattered over the top.
Side Dishes
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are fabulous over fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of that spicy-sweet sauce. They’re also excellent atop silky rice noodles or even tossed into stir-fried veggies. Add a side of steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your prawns family-style in a big shallow bowl, topped with plenty of sauce for sharing. For a dinner party, spoon them onto Asian-style spoons or lettuce cups as spicy little canapés. Or, for a fun weeknight, pile them into lettuce wraps with extra veggies for a hands-on meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While it’s best eaten fresh, you can freeze these prawns in a pinch. Let everything cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to one month—just remember that reheated prawns can be a bit less juicy, but the flavors still shine!
Reheating
Reheat your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the prawns tender and not rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. This helps them sear better and prevents excess water from diluting that gorgeous sauce.
How spicy are these prawns?
The spice level is totally adjustable—use more or less chili sauce based on your taste, or leave out the fresh red chili on top for milder palates.
What’s the difference between prawns and shrimp in this recipe?
You can use either! Both work perfectly in Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns; just look for large, firm ones for the best bite and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute firm tofu for the prawns and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce. The method and punchy flavors remain just as delicious.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing the sauce in advance is a great time-saver and allows the flavors to meld. Just keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the bold, craveable flavors packed into Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. With its quick prep, big payoff, and endless serving possibilities, this dish is a true keeper. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight (or special occasion) dinner!
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Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. Succulent prawns are cooked in a savory and spicy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Prawns:
- 1 ½ pounds large prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as sambal oelek)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds. Add the prawns, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Pour the sauce over the prawns, stir to coat, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, chili slices, and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust chili sauce to your spice preference.
- This dish also works well with chicken or tofu as a variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
