If you're looking for a dish that's both simple and elegant, steam prawn with egg white might be just what you need. This Cantonese-style recipe is a popular choice for Chinese New Year celebrations, but it's delicious any time of year. In this article, we'll show you how to make this dish at home, from preparing the ingredients to serving it up.
To start, you'll need a few key ingredients: fresh prawns, egg whites, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. The prawns are the star of the show, so be sure to choose ones that are plump and firm. You'll also want to devein them and remove the heads and shells, leaving just the tails intact. The egg whites are lightly beaten and poured over the prawns, creating a delicate, silky texture that complements the sweet, tender prawns perfectly. Ginger adds a touch of warmth and depth of flavour, while Shaoxing wine brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
Once you've got your ingredients prepped, it's time to start cooking. Steaming the prawns with egg white is a quick and easy process that takes just a few minutes. The prawns are arranged on a plate with the ginger, then covered with the egg white mixture and steamed until cooked through. The result is a dish that's both beautiful and delicious, with a delicate flavour and texture that's sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Key Takeaways
- Steam prawn with egg white is a simple and elegant Cantonese-style dish that's perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations or any time of year.
- The dish requires just a few key ingredients, including fresh prawns, egg whites, ginger, and Shaoxing wine.
- Steaming the prawns with egg white is a quick and easy process that results in a beautiful, delicious dish with a delicate flavour and texture.
Ingredients and Preparation
Selecting and Preparing Prawns
When it comes to making steamed prawns with egg white, selecting and preparing the prawns is crucial. You want to make sure you have fresh, high-quality prawns that are properly cleaned and deveined.
To select the best prawns, look for those that are firm to the touch and have a shiny, translucent shell. Avoid prawns that have a dull or discoloured shell, as this may indicate that they are not fresh.
To prepare the prawns, start by washing them under cold running water. Then, using a sharp knife, trim off the legs and whiskers. Next, devein the prawns by making a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and removing the dark vein.
Making the Egg White Mixture
The egg white mixture is what gives this dish its signature texture and flavour. To make the mixture, combine egg white, salt, pepper, corn flour, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Gathering Additional Ingredients
In addition to the prawns and egg white mixture, you will also need a few additional ingredients to flavour the dish. These include ginger, spring onion, oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and light soya sauce.
To prepare these ingredients, start by finely slicing the ginger and spring onion. Then, mix together the Shaoxing wine, sugar, and light soya sauce in a separate bowl.
Once all of your ingredients are prepared, you are ready to start steaming your prawns with egg white.
Cooking and Serving
Steaming the Dish
To cook the steamed prawns with egg white dish, you will need a steamer. Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Place the dish with the prawns and egg white mixture into the steamer and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the prawns are cooked through and the egg white is set.
Be careful not to overcook the prawns as they will become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the dish while it is steaming to ensure it is not overcooked.
Finishing Touches and Presentation
Once the dish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and garnish with julienned ginger, shallot oil, and spring onions. These garnishes add a fresh and savoury flavour to the dish and make it look more appetising.
To serve, you can place the dish on a Chinese set meal or serve it as a standalone dish. The steamed prawns with egg white dish is a popular dish served during Chinese New Year reunion dinners.
Pairing and Occasions
This dish pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine or a Chinese rice wine like Shaoxing wine. It is also a great dish to serve as part of a Chinese set meal or as an appetiser for a dinner party.
The recipe for steamed prawns with egg white can be adapted to include different ingredients such as scallops or fish fillets. It is a versatile dish that can be served on many occasions, from a casual dinner at home to a formal dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ideal time for steaming prawns with egg white?
The ideal time for steaming prawns with egg white is around 5 to 7 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the prawns. It's important to ensure that the prawns are cooked through but not overcooked, as this may make them tough and rubbery.
What's the technique for Chinese style steamed prawns?
The Chinese technique for steaming prawns involves using a mixture of egg white, ginger, and rice wine to enhance the flavour of the prawns. The prawns are then steamed for a few minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. This technique is simple, yet effective, and is a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of the prawns.
How can I add garlic flavour when steaming prawns?
To add garlic flavour when steaming prawns, you can add some minced garlic to the marinade or sprinkle some garlic powder over the prawns before steaming. You can also add some sliced garlic to the plate before steaming to infuse the prawns with garlic flavour.
Could you suggest a simple recipe for steaming prawns?
Here's a simple recipe for steamed prawns with egg white:
Ingredients:
- 10 medium-sized prawns, deveined and cleaned
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Julienned ginger for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the prawns on a heatproof plate and pour the egg white mixture over them.
- Top the prawns with julienned ginger.
- Steam the prawns over high heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Is it possible to steam prawns and egg together without issues?
Yes, it's possible to steam prawns and egg together without issues. In fact, steaming prawns with egg white is a popular Chinese cooking technique that is both simple and delicious. The egg white helps to enhance the flavour of the prawns and also adds a silky texture to the dish.
What are the steps to steam prawns in their shells?
To steam prawns in their shells, you'll need to first clean and devein the prawns. Then, arrange the prawns on a heatproof plate and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Top the prawns with some julienned ginger and a few tablespoons of Shaoxing wine. Steam the prawns over high heat for 5-7 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the prawns from the plate and serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.