Hello food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and vibrant recipe — Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns! If you’re looking for a way to elevate your seafood game, this salt and pepper prawn dish is perfect. It’s packed with flavor and offers just the right balance of spices to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s get started on making this delightful and easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Introduction
Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine. Known for their crispy texture and bold flavors, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. The unique blend of Sichuan peppercorn and dried chilies brings out a savory heat that complements the sweetness of the prawns. Not only is this recipe quick and easy to prepare, but it also uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just craving a savory seafood delight, these Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns will become a family favorite!
Did You Know?
The use of Sichuan peppercorn in this dish not only adds heat but also a unique numbing sensation, enhancing the complexity of flavors.
Ingredients for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
Main Ingredients:
- 500 g prawns – peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic – roughly chopped
- 1 fresh chili – cut into chunks
- 3 to 4 dried chilies – cut into chunks
- 2 stalks spring onion – sliced
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 6 tbsp corn starch or potato starch
- Cooking oil
Marinade:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Few dashes of white pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Chinese cooking wine
Substitution Tips:
- For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari.
- To reduce heat, omit chili powder or reduce the amount of dried chilies.
- For a vegan twist, use tofu instead of prawns and follow the same steps.
How to Make Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns – Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Sichuan Pepper Salt
Toast the Sichuan peppercorn over low heat in a small pan without any oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Be cautious not to burn them. Once done, remove and crush into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix with sea salt to create your Sichuan pepper salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinating the Prawns
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade — egg, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, chili powder, and Chinese cooking wine. Add the prawns and mix well to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the Aromatics
In a large wok, heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and dried chilies, sautéing until fragrant (approximately 1 minute). Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Coating the Prawns
While the aromatics cook, take the marinated prawns and toss them in corn starch, ensuring each prawn is well coated. This will help achieve the signature crispy texture.
Step 5: Frying the Prawns
Heat a pot of oil over medium heat until hot. Fry the prawns in small batches for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
Once all the prawns are fried, return them to the wok. Add the spring onions and fresh chilies, sprinkling more of the Sichuan pepper salt. Toss everything over high heat until well combined. Serve hot!
Helpful Tips for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
- Fresh Prawns Are Key: Using fresh prawns ensures a juicy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the prawns in small batches to avoid them sticking together.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of dried chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
- Use a Wok: A wok distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for stir-frying and achieving that perfect crisp.
- Cornstarch vs. Potato Starch: Both work well, but potato starch will yield a slightly crispier texture.
- Crush the Peppercorns Finely: For the best flavor, use a mortar and pestle to crush the peppercorns finely.
Serving Suggestions for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
Serve these prawns alongside steamed white rice, garlic noodles, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the heat. For drinks, consider pairing with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only flavorful but also offers nutritional benefits such as high protein content from prawns and antioxidants from garlic and chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 15%
Storage and Leftovers for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven at 180°C for 10 minutes to retain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the prawns soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns
Q1: Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have Sichuan peppercorns?
A good substitute is regular black peppercorn with a pinch of ground coriander for a similar flavor profile.
Q3: How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of dried chilies and omit the chili powder in the marinade.
Q4: Can I use this recipe with other seafood?
Absolutely! This method works great with squid, scallops, or even firm white fish.
Related Recipes for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Lovers
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine
: This recipe offers a delicious twist for pasta lovers looking to add a bit of heat.
- Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp
: A creamy, aromatic shrimp dish with a hint of lemongrass and ginger — perfect for lovers of Asian flavors.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns recipe. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s bound to impress! Let me know in the comments if you try it out or have your own twist on this classic. Happy cooking!
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Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Dish
Description
Hello food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and vibrant recipe — Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns! If you’re looking for a way to elevate your seafood game, this salt and pepper prawn dish is perfect. It’s packed with flavor and offers just the right balance of spices to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s get started on making this delightful and easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 500 g prawns – peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic – roughly chopped
- 1 fresh chili – cut into chunks
- 3 to 4 dried chilies – cut into chunks
- 2 stalks spring onion – sliced
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 6 tbsp corn starch or potato starch
- Cooking oil
Marinade:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Few dashes of white pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Chinese cooking wine
Substitution Tips:
- For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari.
- To reduce heat, omit chili powder or reduce the amount of dried chilies.
- For a vegan twist, use tofu instead of prawns and follow the same steps.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Sichuan Pepper Salt
Toast the Sichuan peppercorn over low heat in a small pan without any oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Be cautious not to burn them. Once done, remove and crush into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix with sea salt to create your Sichuan pepper salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinating the Prawns
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade — egg, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, chili powder, and Chinese cooking wine. Add the prawns and mix well to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the Aromatics
In a large wok, heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and dried chilies, sautéing until fragrant (approximately 1 minute). Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Coating the Prawns
While the aromatics cook, take the marinated prawns and toss them in corn starch, ensuring each prawn is well coated. This will help achieve the signature crispy texture.
Step 5: Frying the Prawns
Heat a pot of oil over medium heat until hot. Fry the prawns in small batches for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
Once all the prawns are fried, return them to the wok. Add the spring onions and fresh chilies, sprinkling more of the Sichuan pepper salt. Toss everything over high heat until well combined. Serve hot!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Fresh Prawns Are Key: Using fresh prawns ensures a juicy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the prawns in small batches to avoid them sticking together.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of dried chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
