Black pepper prawns are a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia. This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavour, which is created by using black pepper as the main seasoning. If you love seafood and want to try something new, then this recipe is definitely worth a try.
To make black pepper prawns, you will need a few key ingredients, including prawns, garlic, black pepper, oyster sauce, and sugar. You can also add other ingredients like spring onions, soy sauce, and butter to enhance the flavour of the dish. Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start cooking the prawns using a stir-fry method.
Black pepper prawns are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. You can serve them as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer or side dish. The dish is also perfect for special occasions and dinner parties. With its bold and spicy flavour, it is sure to impress your guests.
Key Takeaways
- Black pepper prawns are a popular seafood dish known for their bold and spicy flavour.
- The key ingredients for this dish include prawns, garlic, black pepper, oyster sauce, and sugar.
- Black pepper prawns can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer or side dish, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
When it comes to making the perfect black pepper prawn dish, there are a few key ingredients that you simply cannot do without. In this section, we'll take a closer look at these ingredients and discuss some potential substitutions you can make if you don't have them on hand.
Selecting the Best Prawns
When it comes to selecting prawns for your black pepper prawn dish, you want to choose the freshest and best quality prawns you can find. Look for tiger prawns, which are known for their sweet and succulent flavour. If you can't find tiger prawns, you can use any other type of prawn you like, but keep in mind that the flavour may be slightly different.
Black Pepper: The Star Spice
Of course, the star of the show in any black pepper prawn dish is the black pepper itself. You'll want to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavour. If you don't have a pepper grinder, you can use pre-ground black pepper, but keep in mind that the flavour won't be quite as intense.
Other key ingredients in this dish include garlic, onion, butter, vegetable oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. These ingredients all work together to create a flavourful and satisfying dish that's high in protein and fat, but relatively low in carbs and sodium. If you're looking for an iron-rich dish, this is a great option thanks to the prawns.
Cooking Method and Serving Suggestions
Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique
Cooking black pepper prawns is a quick and easy recipe that requires mastering the stir-fry technique. To start, you will need to prepare all the ingredients, including the prawns, capsicum, onion, garlic, and black pepper sauce.
Heat up your wok over high heat, add some oil, and swirl it around to coat the wok evenly. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the prawns and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
Next, add the capsicum and onion, and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened. Pour in the black pepper sauce and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce thickens and coats the prawns and vegetables evenly.
Accompaniments and Pairings
Black pepper prawns are best served with steamed rice or noodles. To cook the perfect steamed rice, rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then add it to a pot with the appropriate amount of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook for about 18-20 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.
If you prefer noodles, you can use any type of Asian noodles, such as soba, udon, or egg noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water.
To serve, place the black pepper prawns on a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with some chopped spring onions or coriander. You can also serve them as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to prepare black pepper prawns at home?
The simplest way to prepare black pepper prawns at home is to marinate the prawns with salt, white pepper, corn starch, and water. Mix it well and set it aside. In a small bowl combine the salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Dredge the marinated prawns in the corn starch and gently toss the excess flour out before frying.
How can I make black pepper prawns with an Indian twist?
To make black pepper prawns with an Indian twist, you can add some Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the black pepper sauce. You can also use ghee instead of butter to give it an Indian flavour.
Is there a quick method for cooking black pepper prawns?
Yes, there is a quick method for cooking black pepper prawns. You can cook the prawns in a wok or a frying pan over high heat. Add the black pepper sauce and stir-fry for a few minutes until the prawns are cooked through.
Can you share a traditional Chinese recipe for black pepper prawns?
A traditional Chinese recipe for black pepper prawns involves stir-frying the prawns with garlic, ginger, and green onions. Then add the black pepper sauce and stir-fry for a few more minutes until the prawns are cooked through.
What's the secret to authentic Singapore-style black pepper prawns?
The secret to authentic Singapore-style black pepper prawns is in the sauce. The sauce should be made with freshly ground black pepper, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sugar. The prawns should be cooked until they are just done, and the sauce should be thick and flavourful.
What are the calorie contents of a typical serving of black pepper shrimp?
The calorie contents of a typical serving of black pepper shrimp depend on the recipe and the serving size. However, a serving of black pepper shrimp usually contains around 200-300 calories. If you are watching your calorie intake, it is best to check the recipe and adjust the serving size accordingly.