Fried Prawns Recipe: Quick and Easy Way to Cook Delicious Seafood

If you're looking for a dish that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion, fried prawns might be just what you need. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, main dish, or side dish, fried prawns are sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up a batch of delicious fried prawns that will have your guests begging for more.

To prepare your prawns for frying, you'll need to clean them thoroughly and remove the shells and heads. Once your prawns are cleaned and prepped, you can start frying them to perfection. Whether you're using a deep fryer or a frying pan, the key to perfectly fried prawns is to make sure that the oil is hot enough and that you don't overcrowd the pan.

If you're new to making fried prawns, you might have some questions about the process. Don't worry, we've got you covered. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at the steps involved in preparing and frying prawns, and we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular dish.

Key Takeaways

• Fried prawns are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or side dish.
• To prepare your prawns for frying, you'll need to clean them thoroughly and remove the shells and heads.
• The key to perfectly fried prawns is to make sure that the oil is hot enough and that you don't overcrowd the pan.

Preparing Your Prawns

When it comes to cooking fried prawns, the key to success is in the preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare your prawns for the perfect dish.

Selecting the Best Prawns

To make the best-fried prawns, you need to start with the best raw prawns. Look for fresh prawns that are firm and have a bright colour. If you're using frozen prawns, make sure they are properly thawed before cooking.

You can choose from a variety of prawns, including tiger prawns, king prawns, and jumbo prawns. It's important to note that larger prawns may take longer to cook.

Cleaning and Deveining

Before cooking, it's essential to clean and devein the prawns. To do this, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn. Remove the vein and rinse the prawn under cold water.

If you prefer, you can also peel the prawns before cooking. This is entirely up to you and depends on your preference.

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating your prawns before cooking can add an extra layer of flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Coat the prawns in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Remember not to marinate for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the prawns.

Frying to Perfection

When it comes to cooking fried prawns, there are several factors to consider to achieve the perfect golden brown and crispy texture. In this section, we will cover the key elements that will help you fry your prawns to perfection.

Choosing the Right Oil

The type of oil you use for frying can significantly affect the taste and texture of your prawns. Vegetable oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil are all great options for frying prawns. However, it's essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning and producing an unpleasant taste. For deep-frying, vegetable oil is an excellent choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour.

Batter and Breading

The batter and breading are crucial components of fried prawns. The batter helps to coat the prawns, while the breading adds a crispy coating. A basic batter recipe typically includes egg, cornflour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and water. For a more crispy coating, you can add panko breadcrumbs to the breading mix.

To coat the prawns, you can dip them in the batter, then roll them in the breading mix. It's essential to ensure that the prawns are evenly coated to achieve a crispy texture. You can also add some seasoning to the breading mix, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavour.

Cooking Techniques

There are several techniques you can use to fry your prawns, including deep-frying and pan-frying. For deep-frying, you will need a wok or a large frying pan and enough oil to submerge the prawns. Heat the oil to around 180°C and carefully lower the prawns into the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry the prawns until they turn golden brown and crispy, then remove them from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.

For pan-frying, heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the prawns over and remove them from the pan once they're cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Fried prawns are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dipping sauce to enhance the flavour. Some popular dipping sauces include mayo, sweet chilli sauce, and garlic butter. You can also add some lemon juice and chopped parsley to the prawns for a fresh and zesty flavour. Serve the prawns hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep prawns crispy when frying?

To keep your prawns crispy when frying, it is important to make sure that they are completely dry before coating them in batter or flour. Pat them dry with paper towels and let them sit out for a few minutes to air dry. Also, make sure that your oil is hot enough before adding the prawns. This will help the batter or flour to crisp up quickly and prevent the prawns from absorbing too much oil.

What's the secret to a crispy batter for prawns?

The secret to a crispy batter for prawns is to use cold water or beer in the batter mix. This will help the batter to puff up and create a light and crispy texture. Also, make sure to use a mixture of flour and cornstarch in the batter to create a crispy coating.

Is it necessary to boil prawns before frying them?

No, it is not necessary to boil prawns before frying them. Boiling prawns can cause them to become overcooked and rubbery. Instead, simply clean and devein the prawns, and then pat them dry before coating them in batter or flour.

What type of oil should I use for frying prawns to perfection?

For frying prawns to perfection, it's best to use an oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning, which will help to create a crispy exterior on the prawns.

Can you recommend a simple method for pan-frying prawns?

To pan-fry prawns, heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

What are the steps to creating a crispy prawn dish in Chinese style?

To create a crispy prawn dish in Chinese style, coat the prawns in a batter made of cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and water. Deep fry the prawns until golden brown and crispy. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce.