A Tasty and Nutritious Dish: Prawns with Vegetables Chinese Recipe
For those seeking a delicious and healthy meal, prawns with vegetables are an ideal choice. This Chinese recipe offers a perfect combination of tastiness and nutritional benefits. Prawns serve as an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
When selecting ingredients for this recipe, it's important to choose fresh and high-quality produce. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as green peppers, carrots, mushrooms, beansprouts, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. You can also add other seafood to the dish, such as squid or scallops, to make it even more flavourful.
To prepare this dish, you'll need to chop the vegetables into small pieces and cook them in a wok or frying pan. Once the vegetables are cooked, you can add the prawns and cook them until they turn pink. You can then add the chicken stock and cornflour mixture to thicken the sauce. The dish is ready to be served with rice or noodles.
Key Takeaways
- Prawns with vegetables is a delicious and healthy Chinese recipe that is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Fresh and high-quality produce is important when selecting ingredients for this recipe.
- You can add other seafood to the dish, such as squid or scallops, to make it even more flavourful.
Selecting Ingredients
When it comes to preparing a delicious Chinese prawn and vegetable dish, selecting the right ingredients is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best prawns and vegetables for your recipe.
Choosing the Best Prawns
When it comes to choosing prawns for your recipe, it's important to look for fresh, high-quality seafood. King prawns are a popular choice for Chinese dishes, as they have a firm texture and a sweet, delicate flavour. You can also use other types of prawns, such as tiger prawns or jumbo prawns, depending on your preference.
If you're buying fresh prawns, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a slightly translucent appearance. Avoid prawns that are slimy or have a strong fishy odour, as this can be a sign that they are not fresh.
Vegetable Varieties
When it comes to selecting vegetables for your Chinese prawn dish, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some popular choices include carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, spring onions, beansprouts, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, bok choy, cauliflower, and baby corn.
When selecting your vegetables, look for ones that are fresh and vibrant in colour. You can also mix and match different vegetables to create a colourful and flavourful dish. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the prawns and use tofu or other plant-based proteins instead.
As a suggestion, you can also consider using other types of seafood in your recipe, such as scallops or squid, to add variety and depth of flavour. Just make sure to choose seafood that is fresh and sustainable, and adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure that it is cooked properly.
Preparation Techniques
Cleaning and Prepping Prawns
Before you start cooking, it's important to clean and prep your prawns. Start by removing the heads and shells, but leave the tails on for presentation. If you're using fresh prawns, make sure to devein them by cutting a slit along the back and removing the dark vein inside. If you're using frozen prawns, make sure to defrost them thoroughly before cooking.
Vegetable Prep
For this Chinese prawn and vegetable recipe, you'll need to prepare a few different types of vegetables. Start by peeling and slicing a carrot into thin strips. Next, chop up a small onion into bite-sized pieces. You'll also need to mince some fresh ginger and garlic for added flavour.
If you want to add more seafood to your dish, consider using some scallops or squid. Make sure to clean and prep these seafood items just like you would with the prawns.
To make the prep process easier, consider using a food processor to chop up your vegetables. This will save you time and effort, and ensure that your vegetables are evenly sized for cooking.
Now that you've prepped your prawns and vegetables, you're ready to start cooking your Chinese prawn and vegetable dish. Follow the recipe carefully, and don't be afraid to make adjustments to suit your personal tastes. Enjoy!
Cooking Methods
Stir Frying Fundamentals
Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and it involves cooking ingredients in a wok with oil over high heat. The wok is the ideal tool for stir-frying because it distributes the heat evenly, and its sloping sides make it easy to toss the ingredients.
When stir-frying prawns and vegetables, it is important to use a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil, to prevent the oil from burning. Sesame oil can also be used to add flavour to the dish, but it should not be used as the primary cooking oil.
To stir-fry prawns and vegetables, heat the wok until it is smoking hot, add the oil, and then add the prawns. Cook the prawns until they turn pink, then remove them from the wok. Add more oil if necessary, and then add the vegetables, starting with the harder vegetables first, such as carrots and broccoli. Toss the vegetables until they are cooked but still crispy, and then add the prawns back into the wok. Toss everything together and serve.
Sauce and Seasoning
The sauce and seasoning are what give the dish its flavour. For a prawn and vegetable stir fry, a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar is commonly used. Light soy sauce is used for seasoning, while dark soy sauce is used for colour. Oyster sauce adds depth of flavour, while sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
To make the sauce, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a little bit of water. Add the sauce to the wok after the vegetables are cooked, and then toss everything together. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and if you like it spicy, add some white pepper or chilli flakes.
Seafood can also be used in this recipe, such as scallops or squid. Simply cook the seafood in the same way as the prawns, and add them to the wok with the vegetables.
With these stir-frying fundamentals and sauce and seasoning tips, you can create a delicious and healthy prawn and vegetable stir fry in no time.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
When serving prawns with vegetables Chinese recipe, there are several accompaniments that you can consider to make the dish more enjoyable. One of the most popular accompaniments is rice, which can be served plain or flavoured with spices and herbs. You can also consider serving the prawns with noodles or egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious chow mein sauce.
If you want to add some crunch to your meal, consider serving the prawns with vegetable stir fry. This will provide a contrast to the soft texture of the prawns and add some extra flavour to the dish. You can also add some seafood to your vegetable stir fry, such as scallops or squid, to make the dish even more delicious.
Presentation Tips
When presenting your prawns with vegetables Chinese recipe, there are several tips that you can follow to make the dish look more appetising. Firstly, you can arrange the prawns and vegetables in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, which will make the dish look more visually appealing.
You can also consider adding some garnish to the dish, such as chopped spring onions or coriander, to add some extra colour and flavour. Another presentation tip is to serve the dish in a large bowl, which will make it easier for people to help themselves and create a more communal dining experience.
If you are serving the prawns with rice, you can also consider using a rice mould to shape the rice into a decorative shape, such as a heart or star. This will add an extra touch of elegance to the dish and make it look more impressive.
Overall, prawns with vegetables Chinese recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetable stir fry, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own and enjoy it with your family and friends.
Recipe Variations and Tips
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to switch things up or don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily make some substitutions in this Chinese prawn and vegetable recipe. Instead of king prawns, you can use other types of seafood like shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat. Alternatively, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using firm tofu instead of prawns.
For the vegetables, feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge or pantry. You can add in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or even some baby corn. If you're looking for a more colourful dish, try using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers.
Making it Vegetarian
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the king prawns with firm tofu. You can also use a vegetarian stir fry sauce instead of chicken broth. Look for a sauce that contains soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and some sugar.
To make the sauce, mix together some shao xing wine, mirin, or dry sherry with some cornstarch. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you prefer.
If you want to add some extra flavour to your vegetarian version, try marinating the tofu in some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will give the tofu a savoury and slightly sweet taste that complements the vegetables and sauce perfectly.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. So don't be afraid to try out different ingredients and techniques until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies go best in a prawn stir-fry?
When it comes to prawn stir-fry, there are a variety of veggies that can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Some of the best veggies to use include carrots, peas, snow peas, cabbage, green pepper, baby chestnut mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. You can also add other veggies that you like to the stir-fry.
How can you make a simple and healthy prawn and veg stir-fry?
Making a simple and healthy prawn and veg stir-fry is easy. Start with a variety of fresh veggies, such as carrots, snow peas, and cabbage, and sauté them in a little bit of oil until they are tender. Then, add in some prawns and stir-fry until they are cooked through. Season the stir-fry with a little bit of salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
Is there a quick way to prepare a garlicky prawn dish with vegetables?
Yes, there is a quick way to prepare a garlicky prawn dish with vegetables. Simply sauté some garlic and veggies, such as green pepper and baby chestnut mushrooms, in a little bit of oil until they are tender. Then, add in some prawns and stir-fry until they are cooked through. Season the stir-fry with a little bit of salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
What's the secret to keeping prawns tender in a stir-fry?
The secret to keeping prawns tender in a stir-fry is to not overcook them. Prawns cook very quickly, so it's important to add them to the stir-fry towards the end of the cooking process. This will ensure that they stay tender and don't become tough and rubbery.
Can you suggest a prawn stir-fry recipe that includes noodles?
Sure, here's a simple prawn stir-fry recipe that includes noodles:
Ingredients:
- 200g egg noodles
- 200g prawns
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red pepper, julienned
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped spring onions to garnish
Method:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the packet instructions.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
- Add the garlic and onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the prawns and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked.
- Add the carrot and red pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Add the cooked egg noodles and soy sauce and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped spring onions.
What's a good method for making a chilli prawn dish with loads of veggies?
To make a chilli prawn dish with loads of veggies, start by sautéing some garlic and ginger in a little bit of oil. Then, add in your veggies, such as carrots, snow peas, and cabbage, and stir-fry until they are tender. Add in some prawns and stir-fry until they are cooked through. Finally, add in some chilli paste or flakes and stir-fry for another minute or so. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
As a suggestion, you can also use other types of seafood, such as squid or scallops, to make these dishes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.