How to Make Crunchy Prawns: A Simple Guide
If you're a seafood lover, you know that prawns are a favourite dish that can be prepared in many ways.
One of the most popular ways to prepare prawns is by making them crunchy. Crispy prawns are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.
Preparing the prawns is the first step in making them crunchy.
You'll want to make sure that the prawns are cleaned and deveined before cooking.
Once they are cleaned, you can season them with your favourite recipe of spices and herbs.
After seasoning, it's time to cook the prawns using a variety of techniques such as frying, baking, or grilling.
Cooking techniques can make all the difference when it comes to making your prawns crunchy.
Depending on your preference, you can fry the prawns in oil until they are golden brown, bake them in the oven with a breadcrumb coating, or grill them on a barbecue.
The key is to make sure that the prawns are cooked all the way through and that the coating is crispy and golden.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning and seasoning the prawns is an important step in making them crunchy.
- Cooking techniques such as frying, baking, or grilling can be used to achieve a crispy coating.
- Crispy prawns are an easy-to-make and delicious appetizer that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.
Preparing the Prawns
If you want to make the perfect crunchy prawns, you need to start with the best quality prawns. Here are some tips for selecting the best prawns:
Selecting the Best Prawns
- Look for king prawns as they are larger and meatier than regular prawns.
- If you are using frozen prawns, make sure they are properly thawed before using.
- De-vein the prawns, if necessary, as this will improve the texture and flavour of the prawns.
Marinating for Flavour
Marinating the prawns is an important step in adding flavour to the prawns. Here is a simple marinade recipe:
- Mix together lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Add the prawns to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Coating for the Perfect Crunch
The key to getting a super crispy, crunchy texture on your prawns is in the coating. Here is a simple recipe for a crunchy prawn coating:
- Mix together flour, cornflour, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and your favourite spices.
- Dip the marinated prawns in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the prawns until golden brown and crispy.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect crunchy prawns with a juicy and flavourful interior.
Cooking Techniques
If you want to make crunchy prawns, there are a few cooking techniques that you can use. In this section, we will explore two of the most popular methods: deep-frying and alternative cooking methods.
Deep-Frying to Perfection
One of the most popular ways to make crunchy prawns is to deep-fry them.
To do this, you will need a stove and a deep fryer or a deep pot. Fill the pot with vegetable oil and heat it up to 180°C.
While the oil is heating up, prepare the prawns.
You can use fresh or frozen prawns, but make sure they are cleaned and deveined. Coat the prawns in plain flour, shaking off any excess.
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the prawns into the fryer or pot.
Fry them for 2-3 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown.
Remove the prawns from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
For an extra crispy texture, you can double-fry the prawns.
After the first fry, let the prawns cool down for a few minutes, then fry them again for another minute or until they turn a deep golden brown.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don't have a deep fryer or prefer not to deep-fry your prawns, there are alternative cooking methods you can try.
One popular method is to cook the prawns in garlic butter on the stove.
To do this, melt some butter in a pan and add minced garlic.
Cook the garlic until fragrant, then add the prawns. Season with salt and black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a pale golden colour.
Another alternative cooking method is to bake the prawns in the oven.
Coat the prawns in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs.
Place the prawns on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 200°C for 10-12 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to keeping prawns crispy after cooking?
The secret to keeping prawns crispy after cooking is to make sure that they are not overcooked.
Overcooking prawns can make them tough and rubbery.
It's also important to pat the prawns dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better and make the prawns crispier.
Is there a way to get prawns crispy without using baking soda?
Yes, there are other ways to get prawns crispy without using baking soda.
One way is to use cornstarch instead of baking soda. Cornstarch can help create a crispy coating on the prawns.
Another way is to use a mixture of flour and cornstarch. This can create a light and crispy batter.
How can you create a crispy batter for prawns that stays light and crunchy?
To create a crispy batter for prawns that stays light and crunchy, you can use a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
The baking powder will help the batter rise and create a light texture.
It's also important to make sure that the batter is not too thick. A thin batter will create a crispy coating that is not too heavy.
Could you share a top-notch recipe for prawn batter?
Sure! Here's a recipe for prawn batter that is crispy and delicious:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together water and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Dip the prawns in the batter and coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F.
- Fry the prawns in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
What's the best method to make crispy prawns in an air fryer?
The best method to make crispy prawns in an air fryer is to coat them with a mixture of cornstarch and spices.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Toss the prawns in the cornstarch mixture and shake off any excess.
Place the prawns in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The prawns should be golden brown and crispy.
How do you cook prawns to ensure they're springy but not tough?
To cook prawns to ensure they're springy but not tough, it's important to not overcook them.
Cook the prawns for only 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Overcooking can make the prawns tough and rubbery.
It's also important to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the prawns. Cook them in batches if necessary.