Asian Chili Prawns is a appetizer where fried shrimp are tossed in a spicy, hot and tangy chili sauce.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 · 2 to 3
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Indo Chinese

Ingredients

  • 250 grams (8 to 12 large) deveined prawns ((9 ounces shrimp))
  • 1½ tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt)
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon corn flour ((corn starch))
  • 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 1½ tablespoon oil (to fry)
  • 1 tablespoon olive (or sesame oil for sauce)
  • ½ cup capsicum (cubed bell peppers)
  • ¼ cup spring onions ((greens & whites separated or ½ cup cubed onions layers separated))
  • 1 tablespoon (4 medium) garlic (coves chopped)
  • 1 to 2 green chili (slit)
  • 1½ tablespoon Asian Chili sauce ((Sweet and hot))
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoon soya sauce ((low salt))
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoon rice vinegar ((or apple cider vinegar))
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (mixed with 2 tbsps water or 1 tbsp chili paste (optional))
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (crushed)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Method

Preparation

  1. Devein and clean the prawns well. Stir together salt, sugar and water in a bowl. Add the shrimp and let rest for 20 mins while you prepare the rest.
  2. Drain the water completely from the prawns. Mix together corn flour, all purpose flour and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle all over the prawns. Let rest for 10 mins so the dry flour absorbs the excess moisture.
  3. Heat oil in a pan until hot enough. Place the prawns one by one in the hot oil and let cook until they begin to swirl. Using a tong, turn them to the other side and cook until they swirl to C shape, turn crisp and cooked through. It only takes about 3 to 4 mins as they are brined. Remove to a plate.

How to make Chilli Prawns

  1. Clean up the pan with a paper towel and add more oil. Saute garlic until fragrant. Add chilies, capsicum, onion cubes or spring onions whites and salt.
  2. Saute on a high flame just for one to 2 mins until the bell peppers are half cooked yet retain their crunch.
  3. Add chilli sauce, chilli paste, soya sauce, vinegar, sugar, pepper and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil and let cook until bubbling. Taste test to adjust sauces as per your preference.
  4. Switch off the stove and add the fried prawns. Toss well and garnish with green onions.
  5. Serve chilli prawns immediately to enjoy the crust.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.