There is something truly irresistible about the bold flavors and tantalizing aromas that the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe brings to the table. This dish combines succulent prawns with a vibrant medley of garlic, ginger, and fiery red chilies, all coated in a luscious, sticky sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying this type of cuisine for the first time, these prawns deliver incredible taste without complicated steps. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that will have you scrambling for seconds and impressing friends with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe truly shine is the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding heat, depth, or a silky texture, making the final dish sing with flavor and color.
- Large prawns (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, juicy and tender, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Provides the perfect base for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty aroma that is classic to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bursting with pungent flavor that creates an inviting fragrance.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Offers a zesty brightness that cuts through richness.
- Red chilies (1–2, finely sliced): Control the heat level while injecting vibrant color.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings salty umami depth that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the dish with a sharp, tangy note.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Provides gentle sweetness to mellow the spice.
- Chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek (1 tablespoon): Packs a bold punch of chili heat and garlicky flavor.
- Green onions (sliced): For a fresh, mild onion crunch in the finishing touch.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a lively, herbaceous burst just before serving.
- Steamed jasmine rice: Essential for soaking up every drop of that delectable sauce.
How to Make Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. This blend is your flavor powerhouse and will coat the prawns beautifully, balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies. Stir-fry these aromatics for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step wakes up the senses and forms a delicious base for the prawns.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns in a single layer so each one gets direct contact with the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they just start turning pink and slightly curl. Be careful not to overcook as the prawns will keep cooking in the sauce later.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Pour your pre-mixed sauce over the prawns and toss well to coat evenly. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling beautifully to the prawns while they finish cooking through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro over the top for that extra pop of freshness and color. Serve piping hot over fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the fantastic sauce.
How to Serve Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe even more, fresh garnishes like green onions and cilantro bring a crisp herbal lift. If you want to add crunch, lightly toasted sesame seeds also make a lovely finishing touch that enhances texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice, which is perfect for balancing the spicy sauce, or a crisp Asian slaw to introduce a fresh contrast. Stir-fried vegetables or even a light noodle salad add more dimension without overpowering the prawns.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe on a bed of coconut rice for a subtle sweetness or spoon them over noodles tossed with lightly sautéed greens. You can also skewer the prawns and present them as appetizer bites with a drizzle of extra sauce alongside for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked prawns along with the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
While prawns are best eaten fresh for optimal tenderness, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid rubbery texture.
Reheating
Reheat the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can overcook the prawns and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp work just as well and will absorb the sauce beautifully, delivering the same bold flavor with a similar texture.
How spicy is this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by changing the amount of red chilies or chili garlic sauce used. Start with less if you prefer milder heat and add more to taste as you cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can mix the sauce and chop the aromatics ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the prawns fresh to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
What’s the best type of rice to serve with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice is ideal thanks to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and full of personality, the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s one of those dishes that brings that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory with every bite. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, whether for a weeknight meal or when hosting friends, and experience the delight of an Asian-inspired seafood treat that feels both comforting and exciting.
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Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns recipe showcases succulent prawns stir-fried in a savory and spicy sauce made with garlic, fresh ginger, red chilies, soy, and oyster sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and flavorful main course served over steamed jasmine rice and garnished with green onions and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
Sauces and Oils
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
To Serve
- Steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat the oils and aromatics: Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the prawns: Add the prawns in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just until they begin to turn pink and are partially cooked through.
- Add the sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the prawns. Toss to coat evenly, then continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the prawns are fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute shrimp for prawns if preferred or more readily available.
- Pair this dish with stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
