Authentic Chinese Prawn Recipes: Time-Saving Recipes for Easy Home Cooking

Whether you're looking for something spicy, sweet, or savoury, there's a prawn dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some classic authentic Chinese prawn recipes that you can easily make at home.

To start, it's important to understand the role that prawns play in Chinese cuisine. Prawns are a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, thanks to their sweet and delicate flavour. They're often used in stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes, and are typically paired with bold seasonings like garlic, ginger, and chilli. If you're looking to experiment with prawns in your own Chinese cooking, it's important to choose fresh, high-quality prawns that are free from any off-flavours or odours.

Now that you have a basic understanding of prawns in Chinese cuisine, let's take a closer look at some classic authentic Chinese prawn recipes that you can try at home. From spicy Szechuan prawns to savoury prawn stir-fries, there's a recipe for every taste and occasion. So grab your wok and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound Chinese cooking skills!

Key Takeaways

• Prawns are a staple ingredient in many authentic Chinese dishes, thanks to their sweet and delicate flavour.
• Fresh, high-quality prawns are essential for Chinese cooking.
• There are many classic authentic Chinese prawn recipes that you can easily make at home, from spicy Szechuan prawns to savoury prawn stir-fries.

Understanding Prawns in Chinese Cuisine

Prawns are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and are often used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups. They are a great source of protein and can be a delicious addition to any meal.

Prawn Varieties

There are many different varieties of prawns that are used in Chinese cuisine. Some of the most popular include:

• Tiger Prawns: These are large prawns that are often used in stir-fries and curries. They are known for their sweet taste and firm texture.

• King Prawns: These are another large variety of prawns that are often used in Chinese cooking. They have a slightly more delicate flavour than tiger prawns but are still firm and meaty.

• Raw Prawns: Raw prawns are often used in soups and stews, as they add a rich flavour and texture to the dish.

Preparation Essentials

When preparing prawns for Chinese dishes, there are a few essentials to keep in mind:

• Deveining: It is important to devein prawns before cooking them, as the vein can contain sand and other impurities. This is easily done by making a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and removing the vein.

• Seafood: If you want to add some extra flavour and protein to your Chinese prawn dish, consider adding some other types of seafood, such as squid or scallops. These can be cooked alongside the prawns for a delicious seafood medley.

Needless to say, prawns are a versatile and delicious ingredient in Chinese cuisine. By following these preparation tips and experimenting with different varieties of prawns and other seafood, you can create a wide range of authentic and tasty Chinese dishes.

Key Ingredients and Seasonings

When it comes to authentic Chinese prawn recipes, there are a few key ingredients and seasonings that are commonly used to create the unique flavours and textures that make these dishes so popular. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of these ingredients and how they can be used to create delicious prawn dishes.

Sauces and Oils

Sauces and oils are an important part of Chinese cuisine, and they play a key role in many prawn recipes. Some of the most commonly used sauces and oils include sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. These sauces can be used to add depth and complexity to prawn dishes, and they can also be used to create a rich, savoury flavour.

When it comes to oils, sesame oil is a popular choice for Chinese prawn recipes. It has a nutty flavour that pairs well with prawns, and it can also be used to add a rich, smoky flavour to dishes. Other oils that are commonly used in Chinese cooking include vegetable oil and peanut oil.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are another important part of Chinese cuisine, and they can be used to add flavour and depth to prawn dishes. Some of the most commonly used herbs and spices include garlic, ginger, white pepper, and black pepper. These ingredients can be used to add a spicy, pungent flavour to dishes, and they can also be used to add a subtle, aromatic flavour.

Cornstarch is another key ingredient in many Chinese prawn recipes. It is often used as a thickening agent, and it can also be used to create a crispy coating on prawns. Other seasonings that are commonly used in Chinese cooking include sugar, salt, shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and mirin.

When it comes to seafood, prawns are a popular choice for Chinese recipes. However, other types of seafood can also be used, such as squid, scallops, and mussels. If you're looking to add some variety to your prawn dishes, consider experimenting with different types of seafood to create unique and delicious flavour combinations.

Classic Authentic Recipes

If you're looking for classic authentic Chinese prawn recipes, you're in the right place. Here are three of the most popular prawn dishes that you can easily make at home.

Prawn Stir Fry

A prawn stir fry is a classic Chinese dish that is quick and easy to make. Start by heating some vegetable oil in a pan, then add some chopped onion and garlic. Once the onion is translucent, add your prawns and toss them in the pan until they are cooked through. Finally, add your sauce ingredients and coat the prawns in the sauce.

For a seafood twist, you can substitute the prawns with other seafood such as scallops, squid, or even crab meat.

Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is another classic Chinese dish that is full of flavour. Start by heating some vegetable oil in a pan, then add some chopped garlic and onion. Once the garlic is fragrant, add your prawns and toss them in the pan until they are cooked through. Finally, add some soy sauce and coat the prawns in the sauce.

For a twist, you can substitute the prawns with other seafood such as lobster, crab, or even mussels.

Kung Pao Shrimp

Kung Pao shrimp is a spicy Chinese dish that is perfect for those who love a bit of heat. Start by heating some vegetable oil in a pan, then add some chopped onion and garlic. Once the onion is translucent, add your prawns and toss them in the pan until they are cooked through. Finally, add your sauce ingredients and coat the prawns in the sauce.

For a twist, you can substitute the prawns with other seafood such as octopus, squid, or even clams.

Rice and Noodle Dishes

If you're looking for authentic Chinese prawn recipes, you can't go wrong with rice and noodle dishes. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to make. Here are two classic Chinese prawn dishes that you should try:

Prawn Fried Rice

Prawn fried rice is a popular Chinese dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. To make this dish, you will need cooked rice, prawns, eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce. You can use any type of rice you like, but jasmine rice is the most popular choice in Chinese cuisine.

To make prawn fried rice, start by cooking the rice and letting it cool. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and add the prawns. Cook the prawns until they turn pink and then add the vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to the side of the wok and add the eggs. Scramble the eggs and then mix them with the vegetables and prawns. Finally, add the rice and soy sauce and stir everything together.

You can also add other types of seafood to this dish, such as squid or scallops, to give it a more complex flavour.

King Prawn Chow Mein

King prawn chow mein is another classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. To make this dish, you will need egg noodles, king prawns, vegetables, and a quick chow mein sauce.

To make king prawn chow mein, start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and add the king prawns. Cook the prawns until they turn pink and then add the vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked egg noodles and the chow mein sauce. Stir everything together and serve.

You can also use cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles to make this dish low-carb and healthier. Additionally, you can use other types of seafood, such as lobster or crab, to give it a more luxurious flavour.

Accompaniments and Variations

Vegetable Pairings

Chinese prawn dishes are often served with a variety of vegetables to provide a balance of flavours and textures. Some popular vegetable pairings include carrots, peas, snow peas, and cabbage. These vegetables can be stir-fried alongside the prawns or served as a side dish.

If you want to add some extra nutrition and flavour to your dish, consider adding some leafy greens such as bok choy or spinach. These greens can be added to the stir-fry towards the end of the cooking process and wilted down to perfection.

Seafood can also be a great addition to your Chinese prawn dish. Consider adding some scallops or squid to your stir-fry for a delicious seafood medley.

Spicy Alternatives

If you're a fan of spicy food, there are plenty of ways to add some heat to your Chinese prawn dish. One popular option is to add some sriracha sauce to the stir-fry. This hot sauce is made from chilli peppers, garlic, and vinegar and adds a delicious kick to any dish.

Another option is to sprinkle some chilli flakes over the finished dish. This is a great way to add some heat without overpowering the other flavours in the dish.

If you want to try something a bit different, consider adding some Szechuan peppercorns to your stir-fry. These peppercorns have a unique flavour and provide a numbing sensation that pairs well with spicy dishes.

Remember to adjust the amount of spice to your personal taste and preferences. You don't want to make your dish too spicy and overpower the other flavours.

Overall, Chinese prawn dishes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a delicious and balanced meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a simple Chinese prawn stir fry?

Making a simple Chinese prawn stir fry is easy and quick. You can use fresh or frozen prawns and your favourite vegetables. Heat oil in a wok or frying pan and stir fry the prawns until they turn pink. Remove the prawns from the pan and add your vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the prawns back into the pan, stir fry everything together and add your choice of Chinese sauce. Serve with rice or noodles.

What's a good recipe for prawns with oyster sauce?

Prawns with oyster sauce is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make. Heat oil in a wok or frying pan and stir fry the prawns until they turn pink. Remove the prawns from the pan and add your vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the prawns back into the pan, stir fry everything together and add oyster sauce. Serve with rice or noodles.

Can you suggest an easy recipe for authentic Chinese prawns?

An easy recipe for authentic Chinese prawns is Kung Po King Prawn. You will need fresh or frozen prawns, vegetables, peanuts, and Kung Po sauce. Heat oil in a wok or frying pan and stir fry the prawns until they turn pink. Remove the prawns from the pan and add your vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the prawns back into the pan, stir fry everything together and add Kung Po sauce. Serve with rice.

What are some of the best king prawn dishes for a takeaway?

Some of the best king prawn dishes for a takeaway include Crispy Salt and Pepper Prawns, King Prawn Chow Mein, and Kung Pao Shrimp. These dishes are popular in Chinese takeaways and restaurants and are easy to make at home.

How do I bring out the best flavour in prawns for dinner?

To bring out the best flavour in prawns for dinner, marinate them in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the prawns with flavour and make them more tender. You can also add spices like chilli flakes or black pepper to enhance the flavour.

What's the healthiest method to cook prawns in a Chinese style?

The healthiest method to cook prawns in a Chinese style is by stir frying or steaming. These methods require less oil and preserve the natural taste of the prawns. Avoid deep frying or battering the prawns, as this adds unnecessary calories and fat. You can also try using seafood like scallops or squid in your Chinese prawn recipes for a healthier alternative.