Chinese New Year is a time of joyous festivities, vibrant celebrations, and delectable feasts. As a lazy home cook, I am always on the lookout for quick and simple recipes to share with my friends during this special occasion. One dish that never fails to impress is the Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns. This mouthwatering recipe combines the succulent flavours of prawns with the irresistible crunch of a perfectly seasoned crust.

Origin of the receipe

The origins of the Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns can be traced back to the coastal regions of China, where seafood plays a prominent role in the culinary traditions. Prawns, with their delicate sweetness and tender texture, have long been a favourite ingredient in Chinese cuisine. The technique of deep-frying prawns and seasoning them with salt and pepper is believed to have originated in the Guangdong province, known for its rich seafood offerings.

Over the years, this dish has evolved and gained popularity both in China and across the globe. Its simplicity and bold flavours make it a perfect choice for festive occasions, such as the Chinese New Year. The crispy outer coating, seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices, elevates the natural sweetness of the prawns, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Behind My Choice: The Story of Picking This Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year with friends, I always strive to create dishes that are not only delicious but also quick and simple to prepare. The Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns recipe perfectly fits the bill. It requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in no time, allowing me to spend more quality time enjoying the festivities with my loved ones.

Additionally, the combination of crispy prawns and the aromatic salt and pepper seasoning is a crowd-pleaser. The dish appeals to a wide range of palates and adds a touch of elegance to any gathering. Whether it's a casual get-together or a formal dinner party, the Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns never fail to impress. So, if you're looking for a delectable dish that will leave your guests craving for more, this recipe is a must-try

Ingredients for Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns

To recreate this mouthwatering Chinese New Year delight, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 12 Large prawns (unpeeled, trimmed, heads removed, and cleaned)

2. Salt (to taste, for seasoning the prawns)

3. Black pepper (Quarter tsp, for seasoning the prawns)

4. 1 egg (for coating the prawns)

5. Cornflour (as needed, for coating the prawns)

6. 2 cups of vegetable oil (for frying the prawns)

7. 1 large onion (sliced)

8. Garlic cloves (thinly sliced, quantity as per taste)

9. Pepper (cut into slices, quantity as per taste)

10. Spring onions (cut into pieces, quantity as per taste)

11. 2-3 teaspoons of Chinese seasoning (adjust according to taste)

12. Additional 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Step-by-Step Cooking Proces

1. Prep the Veggies: Start by cutting the pepper into thin slices. Next, thinly slice the garlic and large onion, and cut the spring onion into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Prawns: Trim the prawns by cutting off the heads and cleaning them thoroughly. Pat dry.

3. Seasoning Time: Generously add salt & pepper to the prawns. Rub the seasoning in thoroughly to ensure each prawn is well-coated.

4. Egg Wash: Whisk an egg in a bowl and pour it over the seasoned prawns, making sure they're all lightly coated.

5. Cornflour Coating: Add cornflour to the prawns, ensuring each one is coated thoroughly. Add more cornflour if needed to get a nice, even coating.

6. Frying the Prawns: Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 cups of oil. Once hot, fry the prawns until they turn golden brown. Then, remove them and set aside.

7. Clean & Reheat Pan: Clean the pan quickly and add two tablespoons of oil.

8. Aromatics: Fry the garlic first until it starts to brown. Then, add the onion, followed by the pepper and spring onion. Fry everything together for about 5 minutes on medium heat.

9. Combine: Add the fried prawns back into the pan and turn up the heat to high. Fry everything together for 2 minutes.

10. Seasoning: Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of Chinese seasoning over the prawns and veggies. Stir constantly to mix well and ensure everything is flavourful.

11. Garnish & Serve: Serve the prawns on a plate, garnished with fried shallot and red pepper slices for an extra pop of colour and flavour. Perfect alongside noodles for a complete meal.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure this Chinese New Year by trying out the Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns recipe. Gather your friends and family, and indulge in this irresistible dish that combines the succulence of prawns with the crunch of a perfectly seasoned crust. Celebrate the festivities with a touch of elegance and make memories that will last a lifetime

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