Butter prawns are a popular dish in Singapore known for their rich, creamy and flavourful taste. If you're looking for a dish that is easy to prepare and will impress your guests, then this is the perfect recipe for you. The dish is made with fresh prawns that are marinated, fried and then coated with a creamy butter sauce that is infused with garlic, curry leaves and other spices.
To prepare the prawns, you'll need to clean them thoroughly and marinate them with egg white and corn flour. This helps to give the prawns a crispy texture when they are fried. Once the prawns are fried, they are then coated with a creamy butter sauce that is made with evaporated milk, butter, garlic, curry leaves and other spices. The sauce is then poured over the prawns, giving them a rich and creamy flavour that is simply irresistible.
If you're a fan of seafood and love trying out new recipes, then this butter prawn recipe in Singapore is definitely worth a try. It's a dish that is easy to prepare, yet packed with flavour and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Key Takeaways
- Butter prawns are a popular dish in Singapore known for their rich, creamy and flavourful taste.
- To prepare the prawns, you'll need to clean them thoroughly and marinate them with egg white and corn flour before frying them.
- The prawns are then coated with a creamy butter sauce that is infused with garlic, curry leaves and other spices, giving them a rich and creamy flavour that is simply irresistible.
Preparing the Prawns
Deveining and Cleaning
Before you start cooking, you need to clean and devein your prawns. Deveining is the process of removing the dark vein that runs along the back of the prawn. To do this, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn. Then, use the tip of the knife to lift out the vein and discard it.
Once you have deveined the prawns, rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel and set them aside.
Marinating for Flavour
Marinating the prawns is an essential step in making butter prawns. It adds flavour and helps to tenderize the meat. To make the marinade, whisk together egg whites, cornflour, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the prawns to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly. Let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Coating for Crispiness
To get the perfect crispy coating on your butter prawns, you need to coat them in a mixture of cornflour and salt. In a shallow dish, mix together cornflour and salt. Take the marinated prawns and coat them in the mixture, shaking off any excess. Be sure to coat each prawn evenly.
Once you have coated your prawns, you are ready to cook them. Heat up some oil in a pan and fry the prawns until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.
Cooking the Dish
Creating the Sauce
To make the delicious butter prawn sauce, you'll need butter, chilli, garlic, curry leaves, sugar, and cream. Start by melting the butter in a wok over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic, sliced chilli, and curry leaves. Stir-fry the mixture until the garlic is fragrant and the chilli is slightly softened.
Next, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the spiciness of the chilli. Then, pour in the cream and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside while you prepare the prawns.
Frying Techniques
To fry the prawns, you'll need to heat up some cooking oil in a wok until it's hot. You can use any type of cooking oil, but vegetable oil or peanut oil work best. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the prawns to the wok and deep fry them until they turn golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the wok, as this will cause the prawns to cook unevenly.
Combining Ingredients
Once the prawns are cooked, remove them from the wok and set them aside on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil. Then, add the fried prawns to the butter sauce and stir well to coat them evenly. Serve the butter prawns hot, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper and chopped chilli.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to making creamy butter prawns like in Singaporean cuisine?
The secret to making creamy butter prawns like in Singaporean cuisine is to use fresh prawns and quality butter. You should also use a good amount of evaporated milk or cream to get that creamy texture. Don't forget to add some Nestum cereal for that extra crunch and flavour.
How can I prepare a simple and tasty butter prawn dish at home?
Preparing a simple and tasty butter prawn dish at home is easy. First, clean and devein the prawns. Then, sauté some garlic and butter in a pan. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink. Finally, add some curry leaves, chilli padi, and Nestum cereal to the pan. Mix well and serve hot.
What are the best spices to use for an authentic Singaporean butter prawn recipe?
The best spices to use for an authentic Singaporean butter prawn recipe are curry leaves, chilli padi, and turmeric powder. These spices add a unique flavour and aroma to the dish that is characteristic of Singaporean cuisine.
Could you suggest an alternative ingredient to Nestum cereal for a butter prawn recipe?
If you don't have Nestum cereal, you can use breadcrumbs or cornflakes as a substitute. These alternatives will give the dish a similar texture and crunch.
What are the steps to ensure prawns remain juicy when cooked?
To ensure that prawns remain juicy when cooked, do not overcook them. Cook them just until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Also, do not remove the shell until after cooking, as this helps to retain the moisture.
Can you share a method to adapt the butter prawn recipe for a vegetarian diet?
To adapt the butter prawn recipe for a vegetarian diet, you can substitute the prawns with tofu or mushrooms. Use the same cooking method and spices, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also use vegetable oil instead of butter.