Dragon prawns are a popular Indo-Chinese recipe that is easy to prepare and packed with flavour. This dish typically consists of king or tiger prawns that are coated in a variety of sauces and spices, along with vegetables such as peppers and onions. While the recipe varies depending on who is making it, the end result is always a delicious and satisfying meal.
To make dragon prawns, you will need to start by preparing your ingredients. This may include marinating your prawns in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, or chopping up your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Once your ingredients are ready, you can begin cooking your dragon prawns using a variety of techniques such as stir-frying or sautéing. The end result should be a dish that is bursting with flavour and texture.
Key Takeaways
- Dragon prawns are an easy-to-prepare Indo-Chinese recipe that is perfect for seafood lovers.
- To make dragon prawns, you will need to prepare your ingredients and cook them using a variety of techniques such as stir-frying or sautéing.
- Dragon prawns can be served with a variety of side dishes and additional flavours, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Understanding Dragon Prawns
Origins and Popularity
Dragon prawns are a popular Indo-Chinese dish that has become a favourite among seafood lovers. This dish is believed to have originated in China, but it has since been adapted to suit the Indian palate. Today, it is a common sight in many Chinese restaurants in the UK.
The dish is characterised by its spicy taste and unique red colouring. It is made by coating king or tiger prawns with different sauces and spices, along with vegetables such as spring onions. The dish is then stir-fried in a wok with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in this dish are prawns, oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, chilli flakes, spring onions, Chinese rice wine, and cornflour. Prawns are the main ingredient in this dish, but you can also use other types of seafood such as squid or scallops.
Oil is used to fry the prawns and vegetables, and it is important to use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or sunflower oil. Garlic and ginger are added to give the dish a fragrant flavour, while soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes are used to create the sauce. Spring onions are added for crunch and flavour, while Chinese rice wine is used to add depth to the sauce. Cornflour is used to thicken the sauce and coat the prawns.
Overall, dragon prawns are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-style dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Preparation Basics
Cleaning and Marinating Prawns
Before starting to cook, it is important to properly clean and marinate the prawns. Rinse the prawns under cold running water and remove the shells and devein them. You can also use other types of seafood such as squid, scallops or crab meat to make the dish more flavourful.
Once the prawns are clean, marinate them with a mixture of corn flour, egg and aromatic ingredients such as ginger and garlic. This will give the prawns a crispy texture and a delicious flavour. You can also add some soy sauce or oyster sauce to the marinade to enhance the taste.
Prep and Cook Time
The prep and cook time for dragon prawns recipe is relatively short. It takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare the prawns and another 5-10 minutes to cook them.
To cook the prawns, heat some oil in a wok or a frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated prawns and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the prawns as they can become tough and rubbery.
In conclusion, cleaning and marinating the prawns is an essential step in preparing dragon prawns recipe. Using a mixture of corn flour, egg and aromatic ingredients will give the prawns a delicious flavour and crispy texture. The prep and cook time for this dish is relatively short, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal.
Cooking Technique
Stir-Frying Essentials
Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique used in Chinese cuisine, which involves cooking food quickly over high heat in a wok or frying pan. To achieve the perfect stir-fry, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure your wok or frying pan is hot before adding any oil. This will help to prevent the food from sticking to the pan and ensure that it cooks evenly. Secondly, use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or peanut oil, as these oils can withstand high heat without burning.
Next, add your ingredients in stages, starting with those that take the longest to cook. This will help to ensure that everything is cooked properly without overcooking or undercooking any of the ingredients. Finally, use a spatula or a pair of tongs to constantly stir the ingredients while cooking, to prevent them from sticking to the pan and to ensure that they cook evenly.
Achieving the Succulent Texture
To achieve the succulent texture of dragon prawns, it is important to use high-quality seafood. Prawns are a great option, but you can also use other types of seafood such as scallops or squid.
When cooking the prawns, make sure to devein and clean them properly before cooking. This will help to remove any grit or sand that may be present and ensure that the prawns are clean and safe to eat.
To achieve the perfect texture, cook the prawns over high heat for a short amount of time. This will help to keep them succulent and prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
To enhance the flavour of the dish, you can add a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, and MSG. However, be careful not to overdo it with the MSG, as it can be overpowering if used in excess.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Dragon prawns are a delicious and flavourful dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
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Noodles: Serve the dragon prawns with a side of noodles. You can use egg noodles or rice noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and toss them with a little bit of soy sauce and sesame oil.
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Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a great side dish to serve with the dragon prawns. It adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal.
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Spring Roll Sheets: You can use spring roll sheets to make a crispy basket to serve the dragon prawns in. Simply cut the sheets into circles, fold them into a basket shape, and bake them in the oven until they are crispy.
Plating Tips
The presentation of your dragon prawns is just as important as the taste. Here are some plating tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
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Wrapped Prawns: For a more elegant presentation, wrap the prawns in spring roll sheets and fry them until they are golden brown. This adds a crispy texture to the dish and makes it look more visually appealing.
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Bread Crumbs: You can also coat the prawns in bread crumbs before frying them. This adds a crunchy texture to the dish and makes it look more visually appealing.
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Seafood: If you want to add more seafood to the dish, you can use scallops or crab meat. Simply cook them with the dragon prawns and serve them together. This adds more depth to the dish and makes it more satisfying.
Overall, dragon prawns are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments and plated in different ways. Use these suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Additional Flavours and Variations
Spicing It Up
If you're looking to add some extra heat to your Dragon Prawns recipe, there are a few simple ways to do so. One option is to sprinkle some chilli flakes on top of the prawns before serving. Alternatively, you could mix some chilli sauce into the marinade for an extra kick.
For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their spice, you could also try adding a splash of wine to the marinade. This will help to balance out the heat and add some depth of flavour to the dish.
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you're a vegetarian or just looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the prawns in this recipe for another protein source. Chicken is a popular choice in Hong Kong and Indo Chinese cuisine, and can be used in place of the prawns for a delicious variation on the classic recipe.
For those who prefer to stick with seafood, you could also try using scallops or squid instead of prawns. Both of these options will work well with the marinade and cooking method used in this recipe, and will provide a slightly different flavour profile to the dish.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to customise this Dragon Prawns recipe to suit your tastes. Whether you're looking to add some extra heat or switch up the protein source, the possibilities are endless. So why not get creative and see what delicious variations you can come up with?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential ingredients for a classic Dragon prawns dish?
The essential ingredients for a classic Dragon prawns dish include prawns, ginger, garlic, red chilli, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornflour, and spring onions. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the dish.
How do you make crispy Dragon shrimp?
To make crispy Dragon shrimp, you need to marinate the shrimp in a mixture of cornflour, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes. Then, you can deep fry the shrimp until they turn golden brown and crispy. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to the hot oil to make the shrimp extra crispy.
Could you suggest a simple Dragon prawns recipe that pairs well with rice?
Sure, a simple Dragon prawns recipe that pairs well with rice is to sauté prawns in a mixture of garlic, ginger, and red chilli. Then, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornflour to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens. Finally, add spring onions and serve with steamed rice.
What's a good method for incorporating chicken into a Dragon prawns meal?
A good method for incorporating chicken into a Dragon prawns meal is to sauté chicken with garlic and ginger. Then, add the prawns and continue cooking until both the chicken and prawns are cooked through. Finally, add the Dragon sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornflour, and red chilli.
What are some tips for cooking with dried prawns?
When cooking with dried prawns, it's important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will help to soften them and remove any excess saltiness. You can also toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavour.
In what ways can shrimp powder be used in Chinese cooking?
Shrimp powder can be used in Chinese cooking to add a rich umami flavour to dishes. You can sprinkle it on stir-fries, soups, and marinades. It can also be used as a seasoning for steamed rice or as a coating for fried foods. If you're using shrimp powder, be sure to use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
As a suggestion, you can also use other seafood like scallops or squid in Dragon prawns recipe to add more variety to the dish.