If you’re craving something bold, vibrant, and just a little bit fiery, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe! This dish delivers plump, juicy prawns tossed in a sizzling-hot pan with a glossy, garlicky chilli sauce that’s both savory and spicy. It’s a weeknight wonder and a dinner party dazzler rolled into one skillet—each bite bursts with layers of flavor, thanks to staples you probably have on hand. Trust me: whether ladled over rice or twirled through noodles, this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe brings restaurant-style flair straight to your home kitchen in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe is how just a handful of simple ingredients create spectacular complexity. Each one plays a crucial role, from building umami to adding crunch or shine—so let’s dig in to what makes this dish irresistible!
- Prawns (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): The star! Choose plump, fresh prawns for tender, juicy bites; keeping tails on adds visual wow and flavor.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral choice that allows the aromatics and sauce to shine—perfect for high-heat stir-fry.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh minced garlic brings irresistible aroma and a punchy, bold base.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds bright, peppery notes that perfectly balance the heat.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers deep, savory umami, anchoring the sauce.
- Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends glossy richness and a subtle hint of the sea.
- Chili Garlic Sauce (1 tablespoon, like sambal oelek): Where the heat and tang come together; add more if you love it spicy!
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A splash brings nutty fragrance—just a little goes a long way.
- Brown Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the salty and spicy with a touch of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Intriguing tang and acidity brighten every bite.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): For crunchy, fresh garnish and a pop of color.
- Sesame Seeds & Lime Wedges (optional): Add a sprinkle and squeeze before serving for extra flavor and style.
How to Make Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Prawns & Sauce
Begin by giving your prawns a quick pat dry with paper towels—this is the secret to that irresistible golden sear. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. This magical sauce comes together in seconds but tastes incredibly rich and layered!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma—these aromatics set the tone for your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe.
Step 3: Sear the Prawns
Add your prepared prawns in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottoms turn a delightful golden pink. Patience here means you’ll get that gorgeous color and slightly crispy texture.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Flip each prawn to their uncooked side, then pour your prepared sauce all around the pan. The mixture will bubble and thicken fast, coating each prawn in its savory-spicy goodness. Stir to coat well, cooking for just 1 to 2 minutes more, until the sauce clings and the prawns are perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle over sliced green onions, a scattering of sesame seeds, and a good squeeze of lime if you’re feeling zesty. Your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe is ready to steal the show, hot and fresh from the stove!
How to Serve Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle on sliced green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and fresh contrast. For a burst of brightness, a squeeze of lime over the top right before serving makes every bite pop—your guests will adore the color and the flavor!
Side Dishes
Steamed white rice is a classic match, soaking up every bit of that fragrant sauce. Noodles (like rice or soba) also pair beautifully, especially when you want a slurpable meal. Feeling adventurous? Stir-fried veggies such as bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers add even more color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe on a communal platter for family-style feasting, or serve as an elegant starter atop lettuce cups. For a fun spin, spoon the prawns onto crispy wonton chips or skewer them for easy party bites—a guaranteed conversation opener!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The prawns may continue absorbing the sauce, intensifying the flavor—a bonus for next-day lunches! Just be sure not to let them linger too long for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze cooked prawns, they’ll maintain their sweet, snappy texture best if enjoyed fresh. If you must, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month—just know that thawed prawns can be a touch softer after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat just until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can lead to rubbery prawns. A quick go in the pan restores those lively flavors and keeps things succulent.
FAQs
How spicy is the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe?
It offers a gentle-to-moderate heat, thanks to the chili garlic sauce. If you love things extra fiery, add more sauce or even a pinch of fresh chopped chili. Prefer a mild kick? Simply decrease the chili garlic sauce for a gentler experience.
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp and prawns can be substituted 1:1 here—choose large, fresh ones for best results. The cooking times are identical, so you can follow the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe as written.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, this recipe contains soy and oyster sauces, which may have gluten. Swap in gluten-free soy (tamari) and a gluten-free oyster sauce to make your Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
How do I make it less salty?
Try using a low-sodium soy sauce, and taste your sauce before adding salt elsewhere. A little extra splash of rice vinegar or a touch more brown sugar can help mellow out the saltiness, letting every element in the dish shine.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, or baby bok choy all taste fantastic tossed in with the prawns and sauce. Give firmer veggies a quick pre-cook before adding the prawns, so everything is tender in time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never whipped up the Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe at home before, I can’t recommend it enough! It’s bright, bold, and ready in a flash—sure to impress guests or add some excitement to your weeknight dinner. Give it a go, and watch this one become a regular on your table!
Print
Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent prawns with a spicy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large prawns (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger. Add prawns and cook until pink. Pour in the sauce, cook until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust chili garlic sauce to taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
- Add stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
