Are you looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner? Look no further than prawn stir fry! This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great option for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook.
Preparing your ingredients is key to making a successful prawn stir fry. Make sure to have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will save you time and ensure that your stir fry cooks evenly.
When it comes to cooking the stir fry, it's important to cook the prawns first and then add them back in at the end for perfect juiciness. Don't overcook the vegetables either - they should be crisp and tender. Serve your prawn stir fry with rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
Key Takeaways
- Prawn stir fry is a quick and healthy option for a weeknight dinner.
- Preparing your ingredients ahead of time is key to making a successful stir fry.
- Cooking the prawns first and not overcooking the vegetables will ensure a delicious and juicy stir fry.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start making your prawn stir fry, it's important to prepare your ingredients properly. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Selecting Prawns
When it comes to selecting prawns, you want to look for fresh, whole prawns that you can peel and devein yourself. If you're short on time, you can also use fresh or frozen and thawed peeled prawns. Just make sure they're deveined to avoid any gritty texture in your stir fry.
Vegetable Choices and Preparation
When it comes to vegetables, you have a lot of choices. Some popular options include broccoli, mangetout, and bell peppers. To prepare your vegetables, make sure you wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to help them cook faster in the stir fry.
Sauce and Seasoning Mix
The sauce and seasoning mix is where you can really add some flavour to your stir fry. A basic sauce can be made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, shaoxing wine, salt, and sugar. To add some extra flavour, you can also add garlic, ginger, and onion to the mix.
Here's a simple recipe for the sauce and seasoning mix:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside until you're ready to use it in your stir fry.
Cooking the Stir Fry
Mastering the Wok Technique
To cook a perfect prawn stir fry, you need to master the wok technique. Heat your wok on high heat until it starts to smoke. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around the wok. Wait for the oil to heat up and start shimmering before adding your ingredients.
When stir frying, make sure to keep the ingredients moving constantly, using a spatula or chopsticks. This will prevent them from sticking to the wok and ensure they cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the wok - if you add too many ingredients at once, the temperature will drop and your stir fry will end up steaming rather than frying.
Combining Ingredients and Cooking
For a delicious prawn stir fry, combine your favourite vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, and mangetout with your prawns. You can also add some garlic, ginger, and chilli for extra flavour. Start by cooking the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then add the prawns and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
To add some carbohydrates to your meal, serve your stir fry with rice or noodles. You can also add some extra fat by drizzling some sesame oil over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Your prawn stir fry is ready to serve! Garnish with some fresh coriander leaves and toasted cashew nuts for extra crunch. If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a wok or microwave and serve with some fresh rice or noodles.
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes and cook time is approximately 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies go well in a prawn stir fry?
You can add any veggies that you like in your prawn stir fry. Some popular options include bell peppers, onions, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas. Make sure to cut them into small pieces so that they cook evenly with the prawns.
How can I make a garlic-infused sauce for my prawn stir fry?
Making a garlic-infused sauce for your prawn stir fry is easy. Simply sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant, then add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well and pour over your stir fry before serving.
What's the secret to getting perfectly cooked prawns in a stir fry?
The key to perfectly cooked prawns in a stir fry is to not overcook them. Prawns cook quickly, so make sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process. They should turn pink and curl up when cooked through.
Can you suggest a good marinade for prawn stir fry?
A simple marinade for prawn stir fry includes soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Mix these ingredients together and marinate your prawns for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Is there a quick and easy way to make prawn and noodle stir fry?
Yes, there is! Cook your noodles separately according to the package instructions. In a wok or large pan, stir fry your prawns with veggies and sauce. Once they are cooked, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together.
What's the best way to add a honey soy flavour to my prawn stir fry?
To add a honey soy flavour to your prawn stir fry, mix together soy sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Use this mixture as your sauce for the stir fry. You can also add minced garlic and ginger for extra flavour.