The crispy crunch of perfectly fried prawns, seasoned with the bold kick of salt and pepper, dances on your palate like a culinary waltz. The golden-brown exterior gives way to succulent, tender meat that bursts with flavor, making each bite an enticing adventure for your taste buds.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of Friday night takeout, where we’d huddle around the table with plates piled high and laughter echoing through the house. One dish always stole the show—Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns. It became a rite of passage for me to try and replicate that beloved flavor at home, and let’s just say there were some crispy disasters along the way. But when I finally nailed it? You better believe I was doing my best celebratory dance in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns is not only easy to prepare but also boasts a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. With its stunning golden appearance, it’s sure to impress at any dinner party or casual gathering. Plus, you can easily customize it with different spices or side dishes to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients for Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:
- Fresh Prawns Opt for large, firm prawns with shells intact for maximum juiciness and flavor. Ensure they are deveined and cleaned properly.
- Rice Flour This ingredient creates an irresistibly crispy coating; choose fine rice flour for best results—it’s lighter than regular flour.
- Cornstarch Essential for that extra crunch! Use cornstarch in combination with rice flour to achieve the perfect texture.
- Black Pepper Freshly cracked black pepper gives depth and heat; don’t skip this step if you enjoy a little kick!
- Salt A generous pinch enhances all flavors; sea salt works great for its flaky texture.
- Spring Onions Use fresh spring onions for garnish; their bright flavor adds freshness and color to the dish.
- Cilantro Fresh cilantro brings an aromatic finish; chop finely and sprinkle just before serving.
- Lemon Juice A splash of lemon juice elevates the dish; opt for freshly squeezed juice for the best brightness.
How to Make Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by rinsing 1 pound of fresh prawns under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Remove any residual moisture as this will ensure they fry up crispier.
Step 2: Create the Coating Mix
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour and ½ cup of cornstarch. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Prawns
Add the dried prawns into the bowl with your coating mix. Toss them gently until every prawn is well-coated in that glorious mixture.
Step 4: Heat Your Oil
In a deep frying pan or wok, pour in enough oil (about 2-3 inches deep) to submerge half of your prawns when frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). To test if it’s ready, drop in a small bit of batter; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Fry Those Prawns
Carefully add half of your coated prawns into the hot oil in batches (don’t overcrowd!). Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once all prawns are fried, transfer them onto a serving platter. Drizzle with lemon juice and top with finely chopped spring onions and cilantro. Serve immediately while they’re still hot and crispy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro before diving in! Enjoy those amazing textures while they last because trust me—these Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns won’t hang around long!
Mastering the Secrets of Cooking
To achieve perfect Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns, begin by marinating the prawns for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances flavor. Then, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to get that delightful crunch.
Make Your Recipe Unique
Want to spice things up? Swap out regular prawns for succulent shrimp or even chicken for a different twist. You could also try fresh herbs like cilantro instead of green onions for an extra zing.
Smart Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For that signature crunch, keep the prawns separate from any sauces until you’re ready to serve them.
The Chef’s Golden Tips
- Always use fresh prawns; frozen ones can lead to a soggier texture when cooked.
- Pat the prawns dry with paper towels before frying, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
- Control your frying temperature; too low and they’ll absorb oil, too high and they’ll burn.
One memorable evening, I served these Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns at my friend’s birthday party. Everyone was raving about them—let’s just say they disappeared faster than cake!
Conclusion for Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
In conclusion, this Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns recipe brings a delightful crunch and bursting flavors to your dining table. The harmonious blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and the crispy texture makes it an irresistible dish. Perfect for sharing or as a star attraction at dinner parties, these prawns promise a memorable experience. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and try making this mouthwatering dish today! You’ll enjoy every bite of this vibrant culinary adventure.
Print
Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns offer a delightful combination of texture and flavor with their golden-brown crust and tender, juicy meat. This easy recipe brings the excitement of takeout right to your kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The bold seasoning elevates each bite, creating a dish that’s both impressive and customizable. Enjoy these prawns as a mouthwatering appetizer or a standout main course that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh prawns, deveined and cleaned
- 1 cup rice flour, fine
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- spring onions, for garnish
- cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
- lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Rinse 1 pound of fresh prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour and ½ cup of cornstarch.
- Add 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl.
- Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the dried prawns into the bowl with your coating mix.
- Toss the prawns gently until every prawn is well-coated in the mixture.
- In a deep frying pan or wok, pour in enough oil to submerge half of your prawns when frying.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
- Drop in a small bit of batter to test if the oil is ready; if it sizzles right away, it is good to go.
- Carefully add half of your coated prawns to the hot oil.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftover crispy salt and pepper prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid stacking them and place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
Reheating: To reheat the prawns and retain their crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can re-fry them in hot oil for a couple of minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Serving: Serve the crispy prawns immediately after cooking for the best texture. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and sliced spring onions, and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice for added freshness. Pair with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Chef’s Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the prawns in a mixture of soy sauce and minced garlic for 15-30 minutes before coating them. This will infuse the prawns with a delicious umami taste that complements the crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frittieren
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0
FAQs
How do I ensure my Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, make sure to coat the prawns thoroughly with cornstarch before frying. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough—around 350°F (175°C)—to create that perfect golden-brown crust. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy prawns.
Can I substitute prawns with another seafood option?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on prawns, you can easily substitute them with other seafood like shrimp or calamari. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may cook faster or slower than prawns.
What can I serve with Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns?
These delicious prawns pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside steamed rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a well-rounded meal. For a light touch, a simple cucumber salad drizzled with vinegar complements the flavors beautifully.
How do I store leftover Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To retain their crispiness when reheating, place them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Leave a Comment