Tomato Prawns Chinese Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Dish to Make at Home
If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese recipe to impress your dinner guests, look no further than tomato prawns. This classic dish is bursting with flavour and is perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight dinner.
Tomato prawns is a beloved Chinese recipe that is believed to bring joy and happiness to those who eat it. Made with fresh tomatoes and succulent king prawns, this dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed any day of the week.
To make this dish, you'll need a few essential ingredients and some basic cooking skills. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious tomato prawns at home. From selecting the right ingredients to cooking the dish to perfection, we've got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Tomato prawns is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavour.
- This dish is often served during special occasions as it is believed to bring joy and happiness.
- Tomato prawns can be enjoyed any day of the week and is perfect for entertaining guests or a simple weeknight dinner.
The Essentials of Tomato Prawns
Selecting Ingredients
When making tomato prawns, it is essential to select the right ingredients to ensure that your dish is delicious and flavourful. Here are some tips for selecting the best ingredients:
- Prawns: Choose fresh prawns that are firm, shiny, and have a mild scent of the sea. Make sure to remove the shells and veins before cooking.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavour. Canned tomatoes can also be used if fresh ones are not available.
- Garlic and ginger: These ingredients add flavour to the dish. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste.
- Onion: Use a small onion to add sweetness to the dish.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or sunflower oil for cooking.
Preparation Techniques
The preparation techniques used when making tomato prawns are crucial to the success of the dish. Here are some tips for preparing your ingredients:
- Prawns: Remove the shells and veins from the prawns. Use a pair of scissors to cut the shell along the back and remove the vein. Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into small pieces. If using canned tomatoes, drain the liquid before using them.
- Garlic and ginger: Finely chop the garlic and ginger.
- Onion: Cut the onion into small pieces.
When cooking tomato prawns, it is important to use high heat to ensure that the prawns are cooked quickly and do not become tough. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion to the hot oil and stir-fry for a few seconds before adding the prawns. Cook the prawns until they turn pink and are cooked through. Add the tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking the Dish
Stir-Frying Fundamentals
To cook the tomato prawns Chinese recipe, you need to have some basic stir-frying skills. Heat up your pan or wok over high heat until it's hot. Add some oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the surface. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and green onion and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the king prawns and stir-fry for a minute or two until they turn pink and crispy.
Flavour Enhancement
To enhance the flavour of the dish, add some diced tomato and stir-fry for another minute. Then, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, honey, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the prawns evenly. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more sugar or soy sauce if needed.
Final Touches and Serving
To finish the dish, sprinkle some chopped green onion on top and stir-fry for a few seconds. Then, turn off the heat and transfer the tomato prawns to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Remember to use a spatula to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and evenly. Don't overcook the prawns, or they will become tough and rubbery. Also, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the seafood, to ensure the best flavour and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a succulent prawn in Chinese cooking?
The secret to juicy prawns in Chinese cooking is to not overcook them. Prawns cook quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on them. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl into a "C" shape. Overcooking them will make them tough and rubbery.
How do you whip up a quick tomato-based sauce for prawns?
To make a quick tomato-based sauce for prawns, start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a pan. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they start to break down. Season with salt, sugar, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.
What are some tips for selecting the best prawns for a Chinese dish?
When selecting prawns for a Chinese dish, look for ones that are firm and have a slight sheen to their shells. Avoid prawns that are limp or have a fishy smell. If you're using frozen prawns, make sure they're fully thawed before cooking.
Could you suggest a simple way to pair rice with tomato prawns?
A simple way to pair rice with tomato prawns is to cook the rice separately and serve it alongside the prawns. You can also stir-fry the rice with some vegetables and soy sauce for a tasty side dish.
What distinguishes a Cantonese ketchup shrimp dish?
Cantonese ketchup shrimp is a popular dish that originated in southern China. It's made with large prawns that are stir-fried with onions, green peppers, and a sweet and tangy ketchup-based sauce. The dish is typically served over a bed of steamed rice.
How can I make a Chinese shrimp dish with a rich sauce?
To make a Chinese shrimp dish with a rich sauce, start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a pan. Add your choice of vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, and cook until they're tender. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink. Finally, add a sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Cook until the sauce thickens and serve over rice.