If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you know that prawns are a staple ingredient in many dishes. One of the most popular ways to enjoy prawns is with a delicious gravy. Chinese prawn recipes with gravy are a great way to enjoy the succulent flavour of prawns in a rich and flavourful sauce.
Before you start cooking, it's important to select and prepare your prawns properly. Fresh, plump prawns are the best choice, and you should clean and devein them before using them in your recipe. When it comes to gravy, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need, including ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cornflour. These ingredients are the foundation of many Chinese prawn gravy recipes and will help to create a flavourful base for your dish.
When it comes to cooking techniques, there are many ways to prepare Chinese prawn recipes with gravy. Some recipes call for stir-frying the prawns and vegetables before adding the gravy, while others call for simmering the prawns in the gravy until they're cooked through. Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the recipe carefully to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- Select fresh, plump prawns and clean and devein them before using them in your recipe.
- Essential ingredients for Chinese prawn gravy include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cornflour.
- There are many cooking techniques for Chinese prawn recipes with gravy, including stir-frying and simmering.
Selecting and Preparing Prawns
When it comes to making Chinese prawn recipes with gravy, selecting and preparing the right prawns is crucial. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Fresh Vs. Frozen Prawns
Fresh prawns are always the best choice, but they can be expensive and hard to find. Frozen prawns are a more affordable option and are widely available in most supermarkets. When buying frozen prawns, make sure they are properly frozen and not thawed. Also, check the packaging for any damage or signs of freezer burn.
Deveining and Rinsing
Before cooking, it's important to devein the prawns. This involves removing the dark vein that runs along the back of the prawn. To do this, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein with the tip of the knife.
After deveining, rinse the prawns thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel before using them in your recipe.
Remember, properly selecting and preparing prawns is a crucial step in making delicious Chinese prawn recipes with gravy.
Essential Ingredients for Gravy
When it comes to making delicious Chinese prawn gravy, there are a few essential ingredients that you need to have on hand. These ingredients are used to create the rich and flavourful gravy that is the star of this dish.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are the foundation of most Chinese dishes, and they add a depth of flavour to the gravy. You can use both fresh and dried garlic and onions, depending on your preference. Fresh garlic and onions are more pungent and have a stronger flavour, while dried garlic and onions have a milder taste.
Sauces and Seasonings
Sauces and seasonings are also essential ingredients for making Chinese prawn gravy. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar are commonly used to flavour the gravy. Soy sauce and oyster sauce add a savoury, umami taste to the dish, while sesame oil adds a nutty flavour. Salt and pepper are used to season the gravy, while sugar is added to balance out the flavours. Vinegar is used to add a tangy taste to the gravy.
Here is a table summarizing the essential ingredients for Chinese prawn gravy:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Garlic and onions | Add depth of flavour |
| Soy sauce and oyster sauce | Add savoury, umami taste |
| Sesame oil | Add nutty flavour |
| Salt and pepper | Seasoning |
| Sugar | Balance out flavours |
| Vinegar | Add tangy taste |
By having these essential ingredients on hand, you can make a delicious Chinese prawn gravy that will impress your dinner guests.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking Chinese prawn recipes with gravy, there are a few cooking techniques that you should be familiar with. In this section, we will discuss two common techniques: stir-frying and simmering and thickening.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a popular Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of food quickly over high heat in a wok. A wok is a round-bottomed cooking pan that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. When stir-frying prawns, it is important to use a high smoke point oil such as peanut oil or vegetable oil.
To stir-fry prawns, heat the oil in a wok until it is hot. Add the prawns and stir-fry for a few minutes until they turn pink. Then, remove the prawns from the wok and set them aside.
Simmering and Thickening
Simmering and thickening is another common cooking technique used in Chinese prawn recipes with gravy. To simmer and thicken prawn gravy, start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a wok or frying pan. Then, add in the prawns and cook until they turn pink.
Next, add in chicken or vegetable stock, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the prawns are fully cooked. To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry. A cornstarch slurry is made by mixing cornstarch and water together until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Once the cornstarch slurry has been added, stir the mixture until the sauce thickens. Be careful not to add too much cornstarch slurry, as this can cause the sauce to become too thick.
Stir-frying and simmering and thickening are two common cooking techniques used in Chinese prawn recipes with gravy. By following these techniques, you can create delicious prawn dishes that are sure to impress your guests.
Flavour Enhancements
If you want to take your Chinese prawn recipe to the next level, consider adding some flavour enhancements to your gravy. Here are a few tips to help you balance sweet and spicy flavours and add some aromatic notes to your dish.
Balancing Sweet and Spicy
Chinese prawn gravy often has a sweet and spicy flavour profile. To balance these flavours, you can add a touch of sweetness with ingredients such as honey, sugar, or hoisin sauce. For a spicy kick, you can use chillies, chilli sauce, or chilli flakes. Be careful not to add too much spice, as it can overpower the other flavours in the dish.
Aromatic Additions
To add some depth and complexity to your Chinese prawn gravy, consider adding some aromatic ingredients. Sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, and scallions are all great options. You can also use Chinese five-spice powder for a unique flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of aromatics to find the perfect balance for your taste.
Remember, when adding flavour enhancements to your Chinese prawn recipe, it's important to taste as you go. Start with small amounts and adjust as needed to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavours.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chinese prawn gravy, you can pair it with a variety of accompaniments to create a complete meal. Here are some suggestions:
Rice
The most common accompaniment for Chinese prawn gravy is steamed rice. You can use either white or brown rice. Brown rice is a healthier option as it contains more fibre and nutrients. You can also add some chopped spring onions or coriander to the rice for extra flavour.
Noodles
Another great option is to serve Chinese prawn gravy with noodles. You can use either egg noodles or rice noodles. Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the packet and then toss them in the gravy. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and coriander.
Fried Rice
If you have some leftover rice, you can use it to make fried rice. Simply fry some chopped garlic and onions in a wok until fragrant. Add the rice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then add the prawn gravy and stir-fry until everything is well combined. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and coriander.
Pasta
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also serve Chinese prawn gravy with pasta. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet and then toss it in the gravy. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and coriander.
Cauliflower Rice
For a healthier option, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Simply grate some cauliflower and steam it until tender. Then add the prawn gravy and stir until everything is well combined. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and coriander.
Garnish
To add some extra flavour and texture to your Chinese prawn gravy, you can garnish it with some chopped spring onions, coriander, or chilli flakes. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.
Overall, Chinese prawn gravy is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple way to make Chinese prawn gravy?
To make a simple Chinese prawn gravy, you can start by sautéing some garlic and ginger in a wok or frying pan. Then, add in some prawns and cook until they turn pink. Next, add in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
How can I prepare garlic prawns in a Chinese style?
To prepare garlic prawns in a Chinese style, start by marinating the prawns in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 15 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté some garlic until fragrant. Add in the prawns and stir-fry until cooked. Finally, add in some oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil and stir-fry for another minute. Serve hot with steamed rice.
What are the steps for creating prawns with oyster sauce?
To create prawns with oyster sauce, start by marinating the prawns in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 15 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté some garlic until fragrant. Add in the prawns and stir-fry until cooked. Finally, add in some oyster sauce, sugar, and water and stir-fry for another minute. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Can you suggest a good Chinese prawn dish that's easy to make?
Kung Pao Prawn is a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese prawn dish. To make it, start by marinating the prawns in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 15 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté some garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add in the prawns and stir-fry until cooked. Finally, add in some chilli paste, sugar, vinegar, and peanuts and stir-fry for another minute. Serve hot with steamed rice.
How do I cook prawns with gravy and rice in a Chinese style?
To cook prawns with gravy and rice in a Chinese style, start by preparing the rice according to your preference. Then, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté some garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add in the prawns and stir-fry until cooked. Finally, add in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water to create the gravy. Serve hot with the rice.
What's the best method for cooking pre-cooked and peeled prawns?
The best method for cooking pre-cooked and peeled prawns is to heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté some garlic until fragrant. Add in the prawns and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Finally, add in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water to create the gravy. Serve hot with rice or noodles.