If you are a fan of Malay cuisine, then you must have heard of the famous Petai Prawn dish. This dish is known for its unique flavour, which comes from the combination of the pungent smell of petai beans and the sweetness of the prawns.
If you haven't tried this dish yet, you are missing out on a delicious and healthy meal.
Preparing Petai Prawn is easy and doesn't require any special cooking skills.
The main ingredients you will need are fresh prawns and petai beans, which you can find in most Asian markets.
The dish is usually cooked with a spicy sambal sauce, which adds a bit of heat to the dish.
You can adjust the spiciness level to your liking by adding more or less chilli paste.
Health and nutrition is also an important aspect of Petai Prawn. Petai beans are known for their health benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
Prawns are also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal, Petai Prawn is a great option.
Key Takeaways
- Petai Prawn is a delicious and healthy Malay dish that combines the unique flavour of petai beans with the sweetness of prawns.
- Preparing Petai Prawn is easy and doesn't require any special cooking skills.
- The dish is usually cooked with a spicy sambal sauce, which adds a bit of heat to the dish.
- Petai beans are known for their health benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
- Prawns are also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Preparing Petai Prawn
Ingredients Breakdown
To make a delicious Petai Prawn dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400g of prawns (de-shelled and leave the tails)
- 200g of petai seeds
- 1 large onion (cut into 6)
- 10 shallots (blended)
- 4 garlic cloves (blended)
- 1 stalk of lemongrass (blended)
- 3cm fresh turmeric (blended)
- 2cm ginger (blended)
- 4 tbsp chilli paste
- 1 ½ tsp belacan powder (shrimp paste powder)
- 3 tsp sugar or to taste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp of cooking oil
Cooking Process
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here is the step-by-step process to cook Petai Prawn:
- Heat up 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok or frying pan.
- Add the blended herbs and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the prawns and stir-fry until they turn pink.
- Add the petai and seasoning, and stir-fry for a few more minutes.
- Pour in 1 tbsp of lime juice, 1 tbsp of fish sauce, and 1 tbsp of tamarind juice to create a gravy.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Make sure to stir-fry the ingredients until they are fragrant to bring out the flavours.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more sugar or salt.
The lime juice, fish sauce, and tamarind juice will create a tangy taste to balance out the spiciness.
Petai Prawn is a perfect dish to serve during dinner parties or family gatherings.
It's easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavour.
Health and Nutrition
Benefits of Petai
If you're looking for a healthy and nutritious ingredient to add to your diet, petai prawns are a great choice.
Petai, also known as stink beans or smelly beans, are packed with health benefits.
They are a good source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
Petai is also high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and aid digestion.
In addition to these benefits, petai is also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells.
It is also rich in vitamins C and E, which are powerful antioxidants that can help to protect your body from free radical damage.
Dietary Considerations
If you're considering adding petai to your diet, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, petai has a bitter taste, which can take some getting used to. However, this bitterness is what gives petai its unique flavour and many of its health benefits.
Second, petai can cause digestive discomfort in some people, particularly if they are not used to eating high-fiber foods.
To avoid this, it's best to start with small amounts of petai and gradually increase your intake over time.
Finally, if you are diabetic or have other health conditions that require you to monitor your blood sugar levels, it's important to be aware that petai can affect blood sugar levels.
While petai can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's important to speak to your doctor or a registered dietician before making any significant changes to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prepare petai for a stir fry?
To prepare petai for a stir fry, rinse them under running water and remove any discoloured or spoiled beans. Then, cut off the tips and slice them in half lengthwise. If you find the smell too strong, you can soak the beans in water for a few minutes before using them.
How do I make a smashing sambal for my prawn dish?
To make a delicious sambal for your prawn dish, you will need to blend together shallots, garlic, chilli paste, and belacan (shrimp paste powder).
Fry the blended mixture in a wok with heated oil until fragrant, then add in Assam juice, salt, and sugar. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes before adding in the petai and prawns.
Could you suggest a simple petai prawn recipe for beginners?
For a simple petai prawn recipe, you can try this one:
Heat up some oil in a wok, then add in chopped garlic and sliced onions. Fry until fragrant, then add in the prawns and stir-fry until they turn pink.
Next, add in the petai and stir-fry for a few minutes. Season with salt, sugar, and soy sauce to taste.
What are some tips for cutting petai without getting the smell on my hands?
To cut petai without getting the smell on your hands, you can try wearing gloves or rubbing your hands with some salt or vinegar before and after handling the beans.
You can also use a separate cutting board and knife for the petai to avoid contaminating other ingredients.
How can I incorporate petai into a nasi lemak dish?
To incorporate petai into a nasi lemak dish, you can add them to the sambal or use them as a garnish on top of the rice.
You can also mix them into the coconut milk rice for added flavour and texture.
What's a good substitute for petai if I can't find it locally?
If you can't find petai locally, you can try substituting with green beans or snow peas. While they won't have the same unique flavour as petai, they will add a similar crunch and texture to your dish.