If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably tried deep-fried prawns before. This uncomplicated recipe is a common feature in numerous Chinese eateries and can be effortlessly made in your own home. By using only, a handful of ingredients and simple cooking methods, you can prepare a dish that will undoubtedly amaze your loved ones.
To start, selecting and preparing the prawns is key. Look for fresh, large prawns with their shells still intact. You'll want to remove the head and devein them, leaving the tail on for presentation purposes. Once you've prepared the prawns, it's time to create the perfect batter. A light, crispy batter is essential for deep-frying prawns. You can use a simple mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, or you can add some flavour by incorporating spices like paprika or cumin.
When it comes to the frying technique, it's important to use the right oil and temperature. Peanut oil is a popular choice for deep-frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavour. You'll want to heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C) before adding the prawns. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy, soggy prawns.
Key Takeaways
- Select fresh, large prawns with their shells still intact for best results.
- Use a light, crispy batter for deep-fried prawns and experiment with adding spices for flavour.
- Fry the prawns in peanut oil at a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Selecting and Preparing Prawns
When it comes to making a delicious deep-fried prawn dish, selecting and preparing the prawns is crucial to achieving the best results. Here are some tips to help you choose and prepare the perfect prawns for your dish.
Choosing Fresh Prawns
Fresh prawns are the best choice for any dish, including deep-fried prawns. Look for prawns that are firm, shiny, and have a mild scent of the sea. Avoid prawns that have a strong fishy smell or are slimy to the touch, as these are signs that they are not fresh.
If you can, choose prawns that are still in their shells, as this will help to protect them and keep them fresh for longer. If you are unable to find fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns instead. Just make sure to defrost them before cooking.
Cleaning and Deveining
Before cooking your prawns, you will need to clean and devein them. To do this, first, remove the head and shell of the prawn, leaving the tail intact. Then, using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the black vein.
If you prefer to leave the shell on, you can still devein the prawn by making a cut along the back of the shell and removing the vein. Once your prawns are cleaned and deveined, you can use them in your deep-fried prawn dish.
If you are looking to add more seafood to your dish, you can also consider using other types of seafood, such as squid or scallops. These can be prepared in a similar way to prawns and will add an extra depth of flavour to your dish. Just make sure to choose fresh seafood and clean and prepare it properly before cooking.
Creating the Perfect Batter
When it comes to deep-frying prawns, the batter is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden exterior. Here's how to create the perfect batter for your Chinese-style deep-fried prawns.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
To start, you'll need to mix together your dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine 100g of plain flour, 50g of cornflour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add in any additional seasonings you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Chinese five-spice.
Adding Liquids and Seasonings
Next, it's time to add in your liquids and seasonings. Crack one large egg into the bowl and whisk it together with the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in 150ml of cold water, whisking constantly, until you have a smooth batter. You can also add in some additional seasonings at this point, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or rice vinegar, to give your batter some extra flavour.
If you're using seafood in your recipe, such as prawns or squid, you can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter. This will help the batter adhere to the seafood and create a crispier texture.
Once your batter is ready, coat your seafood in the batter and deep-fry until golden brown. Serve immediately with a side of sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
By following these simple steps, you can create the perfect batter for your Chinese-style deep-fried prawns. With a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy, tender interior, these prawns are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
The Frying Technique
Heating the Oil
Before deep-frying the prawns, you need to heat up the oil in a wok or a deep-fryer. Use vegetable oil as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavour. Heat the oil to 180°C, which is the ideal temperature for deep-frying.
Deep-Frying the Prawns
Once the oil is heated, you can start deep-frying the prawns. Make sure the prawns are dry before dipping them in the batter to prevent splattering. Gently place the prawns in the hot oil and fry them until they turn crispy and golden brown. Do not overcook them as it will make them tough and rubbery.
To ensure that the prawns are evenly cooked, do not overcrowd the wok or deep-fryer. Fry them in small batches, and once they are done, place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Seafood can be a great addition to this recipe. You can use any type of seafood such as squid, fish or scallops. However, make sure that the seafood is fresh and cleaned properly before using it in the recipe.
By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy and delicious deep-fried prawns that will be a hit at any dinner party or gathering.
Flavourful Sauces and Seasonings
When it comes to deep-fried prawns, the sauce and seasoning can make all the difference. Here are some classic Chinese sauces and how to make sweet and sour sauce for your prawns.
Classic Chinese Sauces
Soy sauce and oyster sauce are two classic Chinese sauces that can add depth and umami flavour to your deep-fried prawns. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and is a staple in Chinese cooking. Oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts and adds a rich, savoury flavour to your dish. Be sure to use a light soy sauce for a more delicate flavour.
Garlic, ginger, and spring onions are also commonly used in Chinese cooking to add flavour to dishes. Garlic and ginger can be minced and added to the sauce or used to marinate the prawns before frying. Spring onions can be used as a garnish for a pop of colour and freshness.
Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce is a popular Chinese sauce that can be used to complement deep-fried prawns. To make the sauce, you will need sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and cornstarch. Mix together the sugar, vinegar, and ketchup in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture and stir well.
For a seafood twist, you can also add some seafood stock to the sweet and sour sauce. Shrimp or crab stock works well and adds a depth of flavour that complements the prawns. Be sure to use fresh seafood for the stock or opt for a good quality store-bought stock.
Overall, the right sauce and seasoning can elevate your deep-fried prawns to the next level. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour.
Serving and Presentation
After deep-frying your prawns to perfection, it is time to present your dish in an appealing and appetizing manner. Here are some tips on how to plate and garnish your dish to impress your guests.
Plating Your Dish
When it comes to plating your deep-fried prawns, presentation is key. You can use a serving plate or a shallow bowl to showcase your dish. Make sure to arrange your prawns in a neat and orderly manner. You can also add a side dish such as steamed rice or noodles to complement your prawns.
If you are looking to add a pop of colour to your dish, you can use green onions or spring onions to garnish your plate. Alternatively, you can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of your prawns to add a nutty flavour and texture.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
Garnishing your dish is not just about adding flavour, it is also about creating a visually appealing dish. You can use green onions, spring onions or even coriander to add a splash of colour to your dish. These herbs not only add colour but also freshness to your dish.
You can also use paper towel to absorb any excess oil from your deep-fried prawns. This not only makes your dish look less greasy but also adds a touch of professionalism to your presentation.
Seafood lovers can also experiment with different types of seafood to create a unique and flavourful dish. Some seafood options include squid, scallops or even lobster. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that your seafood is cooked to perfection.
Overall, plating and garnishing your deep-fried prawns is an important aspect of creating a delicious and appetizing dish. By following these tips, you can take your dish to the next level and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to making tender shrimp like in Chinese restaurants?
The secret to making tender shrimp like in Chinese restaurants is to marinate the prawns in a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch, and salt for at least 30 minutes before deep frying. This will help to tenderize the prawns and give them a crispy texture.
How do you prepare prawns before deep frying them?
To prepare prawns before deep frying, you need to clean and devein them. Remove the head and shell, leaving the tail intact. Make a shallow cut along the back of each prawn and remove the dark vein. Rinse the prawns with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Can you suggest an easy recipe for Chinese-style deep fried prawns?
An easy recipe for Chinese-style deep fried prawns is to coat the prawns in a batter made of cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and water. Deep fry the prawns until golden brown and crispy. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce.
What's the best batter mix for crispy prawn fritters?
The best batter mix for crispy prawn fritters is a mixture of cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and water. For extra crispiness, you can add a beaten egg white to the batter.
Is it necessary to cook prawns prior to deep frying?
No, it is not necessary to cook prawns prior to deep frying. However, it is important to clean and devein the prawns before deep frying to ensure that they are safe to eat.
What do you call deep fried prawns in traditional Chinese cuisine?
In traditional Chinese cuisine, deep fried prawns are called "Har Gow" or "Ha Gao". This dish is a popular dim sum item and is usually served with soy sauce or chili sauce.
When cooking Chinese-style deep fried prawns, you can also use other types of seafood such as squid or scallops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.