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Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 70 reviews

This Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns recipe delivers perfectly crispy large prawns coated in a savory blend of salt, white and black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Fried until golden and tossed with fragrant garlic, chopped red chilies, and green onions, this dish offers a delicious balance of spice and aroma in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Prawns

  • 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Coating and Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Aromatics

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 red chilies, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then season them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of white pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced and flavorful coating mixture.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
  4. Coat the Prawns: Dredge each seasoned prawn into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring every surface is fully coated. Gently shake off any excess to prevent clumps in the oil.
  5. Fry the Prawns: Carefully place the coated prawns into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a separate clean skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red chilies, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning.
  7. Toss the Prawns: Add the fried prawns to the skillet with the garlic and chili mixture. Toss well to coat the prawns evenly with the aromatic flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the prawns while they remain crispy.

Notes

  • Ensure prawns are completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust the amount of chilies according to your preferred spice level.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain the oil temperature and prevent sogginess.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfectly fried prawns.

Keywords: Chinese, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Fried Prawns, Crispy Prawns, Garlic Chili Prawns, Chinese Five-Spice, Seafood Recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/chinese-salt-and-pepper-prawns-recipe/