Want to impress your friends and family with a delicious dish? Try making soy sauce prawns, a simple Chinese recipe that is sure to please. It's a great way to add some Asian flavour to your cooking.
The key to making soy sauce prawns is in the preparation, as the prawns need to be marinated in soy sauce and other ingredients to absorb the flavours. The cooking method is also important, as the prawns need to be cooked quickly to maintain their texture and flavour.
To make soy sauce prawns, you'll need a few key ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and spring onions. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chilli to add some extra depth to the dish. If you're a seafood lover, you can also consider adding other types of seafood such as squid or scallops to the dish for some variety.
Key Takeaways
- Soy sauce prawns are a delicious Cantonese dish that is easy to prepare and cook.
- The key to making soy sauce prawns is in the preparation and cooking method.
- You can add other types of seafood to the dish for some variety and flavour.
Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to making soy sauce prawns, using the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect flavour. Here is a breakdown of the essential ingredients you will need to make this delicious Chinese dish.
Choosing the Best Prawns
The star of this dish is, of course, the prawns. Fresh prawns are always preferred, but frozen prawns can also be used if fresh ones are not available. If you do decide to use frozen prawns, make sure to defrost them thoroughly before cooking. In addition to prawns, you can also use other types of seafood such as scallops or squid to add more variety to the dish.
Soy Sauce Varieties
Soy sauce is the backbone of this recipe, and there are two types of soy sauce that you will need: light soy sauce and dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce is used for seasoning and adds a salty flavour to the dish, while dark soy sauce adds colour and depth of flavour. Make sure to use high-quality soy sauce for the best results.
Essential Aromatics and Spices
Garlic, ginger and spring onion are the essential aromatics that provide the dish with a fragrant and savoury flavour. Make sure to use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavour. You can also add other spices such as black pepper or white pepper to add a bit of heat to the dish.
Additional Flavour Enhancers
In addition to the essential ingredients, there are a few other flavour enhancers that you can add to the dish. Chinese cooking wine, such as Shaoxing wine, can be used to add a subtle sweetness to the dish. Oyster sauce can also be used to add a savoury flavour, while sugar, either white sugar or Chinese rock sugar, can be used to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce. Finally, a bit of sesame oil can be added at the end of cooking to add a nutty flavour to the dish.
Overall, using high-quality ingredients and balancing the flavours carefully is key to making the perfect soy sauce prawns. By following this ingredient breakdown, you can create a delicious and flavourful Chinese dish that is sure to impress.
Preparation Techniques
Cleaning and Deveining Prawns
Before starting to prepare the soy sauce prawns, you need to clean and devein them. To do this, use a pair of scissors to cut off the head and the shell of the prawns. Then, remove the antennae, legs and the intestine from the prawns. Rinse the prawns under cold water to remove any remaining dirt.
Marinating for Flavour
Marinating the prawns is an essential step to add flavour to the dish. To marinate the prawns, mix light soy sauce, cornflour and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Add the prawns to the bowl and mix well. Marinate the prawns for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
Avoiding Overcooking
Overcooking the prawns can make them tough and rubbery. To avoid this, heat a pan over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the prawns to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them.
When preparing the soy sauce prawns, you can also add other seafood to the dish to enhance the flavour. For example, you can add succulent squid or juicy scallops to the prawns to create a delicious seafood medley.
Cooking Method
Stir Fry Basics
When it comes to cooking soy sauce prawns, stir frying is the most common method used in Chinese cuisine. Stir frying is a quick and easy way to cook seafood, as it requires minimal preparation and cooking time. To stir fry, you will need a wok or a large frying pan, which should be heated over high heat before adding the cooking oil.
Achieving High Heat
To achieve the high heat required for stir frying, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are good options as they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. Once the oil is heated, you can add the seafood to the wok or frying pan and stir fry for a few minutes until cooked through.
Saute to Perfection
If you prefer a gentler cooking method, sautéing is a good option for cooking soy sauce prawns. To sauté, you will need a frying pan and unsalted butter. Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat, then add the prawns and sauté until cooked through.
When cooking with seafood, it is important to choose the right type of seafood for the recipe. For this soy sauce prawns recipe, king prawns or tiger prawns are good options as they have a firm texture and can hold up well to stir frying or sautéing.
Serving Suggestions
Accompanying Rice Dishes
Soy sauce prawns are best enjoyed with a side of steaming hot white rice. The rice can be prepared in a number of ways, such as simple steamed rice, fragrant coconut rice, or even fried rice. For a more filling meal, you can also add noodles to the mix. You can also try pairing your soy sauce prawns with brown rice for a healthier option.
Vegetable Pairings
To add some colour and nutrition to your meal, consider serving your soy sauce prawns with a side of steamed vegetables. You can use any vegetables of your choice, but some popular options include green beans, broccoli, and bok choy. You can also add some crunch to your meal by tossing in some chopped spring onions or white onions.
Presentation Tips
To make your soy sauce prawns look more appetising, consider serving them in a large, shallow bowl. This will allow the prawns to be evenly distributed and will also make it easier for your guests to serve themselves. You can also garnish your dish with some fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley, to add some extra flavour and colour. If you are serving your meal in courses, consider starting with a light salad or soup to whet your guests' appetites.
If you are looking to add some variety to your meal, you can also try using different types of seafood in your recipe. Some popular options include scallops, squid, and mussels. Just make sure that you adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure that your seafood is cooked through.
Nutritional Information
If you are concerned about the nutritional value of your food, you will be pleased to know that soy sauce prawns are a healthy and tasty option. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical soy sauce prawns recipe.
Calories
A serving of soy sauce prawns contains around 150-200 calories. This makes it a great choice for those who are trying to watch their calorie intake. If you are looking to reduce your calorie intake further, you can use seafood such as prawns instead of other meats.
Fat
Soy sauce prawns are relatively low in fat, with around 3-4 grams of fat per serving. This makes them a great option for those who are looking to reduce their fat intake. Using seafood such as prawns can help to reduce the fat content further.
Protein
Soy sauce prawns are a good source of protein, with around 15-20 grams per serving. This makes them a great option for those who are looking to increase their protein intake. Using seafood such as prawns can help to increase the protein content further.
Overall, soy sauce prawns are a healthy and delicious option for those who are looking for a nutritious meal. If you are looking to reduce your calorie or fat intake, you can use seafood such as prawns instead of other meats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to make Chinese-style prawns with soy sauce?
The simplest way to make Chinese-style prawns with soy sauce is to pan-fry the prawns with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat up oil in a frying pan, add garlic and ginger, and sauté over medium heat until they start to brown. Then, add the prawns and soy sauce, and stir for a minute or two until the prawns are cooked through. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
How do you whip up a quick prawn stir-fry with a Chinese twist?
A quick prawn stir-fry with a Chinese twist is easy to make. Start by heating up oil in a wok or frying pan. Then, add the prawns and stir-fry until they turn pink. Next, add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Finally, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar for a flavorful sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
Can you recommend a prawn dish with a rich gravy that's popular in Chinese cuisine?
One prawn dish with a rich gravy that's popular in Chinese cuisine is prawns in black bean sauce. To make this dish, stir-fry the prawns with garlic, ginger, and black bean sauce until cooked through. Then, add vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry until tender. Finally, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. This dish is perfect for a dinner party.
What are some top tips for cooking shrimp with soy sauce and garlic?
When cooking shrimp with soy sauce and garlic, it's important to not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Make sure to use fresh shrimp that are deveined and peeled. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Finally, add the garlic towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning.
What's considered the best Chinese prawn dish by food enthusiasts?
One of the best Chinese prawn dishes according to food enthusiasts is Kung Pao prawns. This dish features stir-fried prawns with vegetables like bell peppers, peanuts, and chili peppers. The sauce is made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili paste. It's a spicy and savory dish that's perfect for those who love bold flavors.
What's a foolproof method for preparing large prawns in a Chinese style?
A foolproof method for preparing large prawns in a Chinese style is to grill them with a honey soy glaze. Marinate the prawns in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill them on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Serve with a side of steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
If you're looking to add more seafood to your diet, consider using prawns in your cooking. They're a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to curries. Just make sure to choose sustainably sourced prawns to support the health of our oceans.