Savor the Spice: Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe

So, let me tell you about this absolutely scrumptious dish I love to whip up—Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns. The way the garlic sizzles in the pan and the heat from the chilies fills the kitchen… it’s just amazing! The prawns get this vibrant color and tender texture, and honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together really quickly. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s packed with flavor and takes just about 15 minutes to make? Seriously, it’s like a delicious hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super quick—perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something tasty.
• The combination of garlic and chili creates this addictive aroma that makes your mouth water.
• It’s versatile—serve it as an appetizer or a main dish alongside rice or noodles.
• This recipe is loaded with flavor while being light on the wallet—score!

My family fights over the last few prawns, and trust me, it gets intense!

What You’ll Need

• Prawns: 500 grams, peeled and deveined—get the good ones, fresh is best!
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced to unleash their full garlicky goodness.
• Red chili: 1, chopped (but adjust this if you’re not feeling too spicy).
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons—this adds depth and umami to the dish.
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon—just a drop for that nutty flavor.
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, to help sauté everything all together beautifully.
• Green onions: 2, chopped for a fresh garnish.
• Cilantro: for garnish if you’re into that sort of thing—totally optional!
• Salt: just a pinch, to taste.

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Started

First things first, you want to clean those prawns—make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water, then give them a gentle pat dry with some paper towels. Next, in a mixing bowl, toss in the minced garlic, chopped red chili, and then the soy sauce. Stir it all up—oh, the aroma already! Now, add those prawns to the bowl and mix everything together to coat them evenly. Let that marinate for at least 30 minutes if you can wait… trust me, the longer, the better! 🕒

While those prawns are soaking in all that flavor, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your vegetable oil and let it get nice and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s shimmering. Now, toss in the garlic and chili flakes—be careful not to burn it—just stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add your marinated prawns right there in the skillet. Now, let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side… until they turn this gorgeous pink. Take them off the heat, sprinkle some fresh cilantro and those green onions over them, and maybe a squeeze of lime, too! Serve right away while they’re hot and fresh!

Good to Know

• If you’re looking for a milder dish, feel free to leave out the chili or use less.
• Pair it with steamed rice or a crunchy cucumber salad for that perfect combo!

Serving Ideas

• Serve these prawns over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce—it’s heavenly!

Top Tricks

• Use high heat to quickly cook the prawns—this keeps them juicy and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yep, frozen prawns work just fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you get started… nobody likes icy prawns!

What can I substitute for prawns?

Oh, definitely! You can swap in shrimp or even scallops if you like. Chicken could work, but it’ll have a different vibe. You do you!

How spicy is this dish?

The spicy level is really up to you! Just adjust the amount of chili you use—keep it mild or crank it up!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Best fresh, but you can prep the marinade ahead of time. Just cook the prawns before serving for the best flavor!

What side dishes pair well with chili garlic prawns?

Steamed rice is a classic, but you could also do noodles or a fresh salad for some crunch. It all just goes so well together!

Conclusion

Honestly, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are a flavor explosion on your plate. They come together so effortlessly, yet they feel special enough for when you have guests over. It’s really a win-win with the spicy, aromatic goodness that dances on your taste buds. You’ll definitely want to add this to your go-to recipe list!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

• Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables: Pair those prawns with stir-fried noodles and veggies for a quick, colorful meal.
• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve over rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce—it makes a difference!
• Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad can really balance the heat… plus it adds a nice crunch!
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Start off your meal with some crispy spring rolls—they’re like a perfect little appetizer!
• Asian-inspired Quinoa Bowl: Quinoa with some greens and avocado topped with prawns makes for a hearty meal.
• Garlic Fried Rice: Serve with garlic fried rice for a flavor-packed combo that feels indulgent.
• Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: Pair your meal with green tea to cleanse the palate—it’ll balance everything out beautifully.