As I stood by the stove, the sizzle of prawns hitting hot oil danced through the air, igniting memories of bustling Chinese kitchens filled with laughter and spice. Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are more than just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavor that brings warmth to any meal, whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends. This quick and easy recipe captures the perfect harmony of crunchy textures and bold seasoning, boasting the irresistible perks of being a crowd-pleaser and effortlessly adaptable for various tastes. Ready to elevate your home-cooking game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to impress without hours of effort! Why Are These Prawns So Irresistible? Crisp Perfection: Every bite of these Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns delivers an addictively crunchy exterior that pairs flawlessly with a tender, juicy interior. Quick and Easy: With a simple prep process, you’ll have this restaurant-quality dish ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests. Bold Flavors: The robust seasoning of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes creates a delightful flavor explosion that leaves your taste buds wanting more. Versatile Appeal: Customize to your palate by adjusting the heat or adding unique twists, like honey or rice vinegar, to keep things fresh. For more customization ideas, check out my Ground Turkey Peppers! Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these prawns as an appetizer or main dish, and watch as they quickly become the star of the show at any gathering or dinner party! Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Ingredients For the Prawns • Large Prawns – Opt for peeled and deveined prawns for the best texture and flavor. For the Coating • Cornstarch – This key ingredient ensures a beautifully crispy exterior; feel free to swap with all-purpose flour if desired. For Seasoning • Sea Salt – Enhances the prawns’ natural flavor; using sea salt adds a great texture. • Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is ideal for maximizing flavor and heat. • Chili Flakes – Adjust to your spice tolerance for just the right kick! • Garlic Powder – A simple way to add savory depth; fresh minced garlic works well too. For Garnish • Green Onions – Finely chop for a fresh, colorful garnish; they can be omitted if you’re out! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Step 1: Prepare Prawns In a medium mixing bowl, add your peeled and deveined large prawns, ensuring they are clean and dry. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the prawns, tossing gently to coat them completely. This will create a delightful crispy texture once fried. Allow them to rest while you prepare the next steps. Step 2: Heat Oil In a large wok or a deep frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the base at least 1 inch deep and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and a drop of cornstarch sizzles upon contact. This is crucial for achieving the perfect crunch in your Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns. Step 3: Fry Prawns Carefully add the prawns in small batches to the hot oil, ensuring they have enough space to fry evenly. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and fry for an additional 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove them and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Step 4: Create Seasoning Mix While the prawns are frying, gather a mixing bowl and combine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended, creating a flavorful coating that will enhance your crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns. Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level for the perfect kick. Step 5: Toss and Serve Once your prawns are beautifully golden and drained, add them to the bowl with the seasoning mix while they are still warm. Gently toss to coat the prawns evenly with the mixture, allowing each bite to pack a burst of flavor. Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with finely chopped green onions for an added touch of freshness. Variations & Substitutions for Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Get creative with these delightful prawns and make them your own by trying out exciting variations! Dairy-Free: Use almond milk in place of any dairy-based sauces for a lighter, lactose-free twist on flavor without losing richness. Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle a bit of honey or hoisin sauce before serving to add a delightful sweetness that complements the spiciness perfectly. Tangy Kick: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the seasoning mix for a refreshing zing that brightens the flavors. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic depth, elevating your prawns to the next level of deliciousness. Heat Level Adjustment: Add fresh chopped chili or switch out chili flakes for cayenne pepper to increase the spice without compromising the flavor. Texture Twist: Swap out cornstarch for panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier finish, making each bite extra satisfying! Vegetarian Option: Try this technique with firm tofu as a substitute for prawns. Coat and fry until crispy, and enjoy a plant-based delight! For further cooking inspiration and options, my Ground Turkey Peppers recipe is another fantastic customizable dish worth exploring! Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the prawns will absorb oil and lose their crispiness. Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan; frying in small batches allows each prawn room to become perfectly crispy and ensures even cooking. Cornstarch Coating: Be generous with the cornstarch! A good coat is essential for that crunchy exterior on your Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns. Customize Heat: Start with a small amount of chili flakes and adjust to your liking. Balancing spice with flavor makes for the perfect dish. Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor. Fresh ingredients can make a world of difference in this dish! What to Serve with Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns? Every bite of crispy prawns calls for delightful companions that enhance your dining experience. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle, fragrant notes of jasmine rice absorb the prawns’ seasoning, making each mouthful a balanced delight. Sautéed Bok Choy: This vibrant green vegetable adds a crisp texture and a boost of nutrition, bringing a fresh contrast to the dish. Sweet and Sour Sauce: A colorful dipping sauce adds a tangy burst that complements the prawns’ spice, creating a blissful flavor harmony. Cucumber Salad: Cool and crunchy, a simple salad of cucumbers tossed in vinegar brightens the palate and balances the heat of the prawns. Chili Garlic Noodles: Spicy noodles serve as a hearty side that matches the boldness of the prawns, creating a comforting, full-bodied meal. Craft Beer: A cold craft beer with hoppy notes cuts through the richness of the fried prawns, enhancing the overall experience. Mango Sorbet: Light and refreshing, sorbet provides a sweet, palate-cleansing finish that rounds off your meal beautifully after the savory prawns. Make Ahead Options These Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are perfect for meal prep! You can coat the prawns with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can mix the seasoning blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the oil, fry the prawns in batches until golden and crispy, and toss them in the seasoning mix while still warm. This prep allows you to serve restaurant-quality prawns on busy weeknights, saving you valuable time without compromising on flavor! How to Store and Freeze Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Room Temperature: Enjoy your Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns fresh for the best flavor, ideally serving them immediately after frying. Avoid leaving them out for more than 2 hours. Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Always let them cool before sealing. Freezer: These prawns can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container after they have cooled completely, separating layers with parchment paper. Reheating: To restore her crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and crunchy for that delicious bite! Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe FAQs What type of prawns should I choose? For the best results, always opt for large, peeled, and deveined prawns. Fresh or thawed prawns without shells provide an optimal texture and flavor, allowing the crisp coating to shine through. How should I store leftovers? Keep your Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor. For best results, reheat them in the oven. Can I freeze Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns? Absolutely! If you want to freeze your prawns, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. For added protection, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. What should I do if my prawns turn out soggy? If your prawns aren’t crispy, it could be due to the oil not being hot enough or overcrowding the pan while frying. Make sure your oil reaches the right temperature (it should shimmer) before adding the prawns, and fry in small batches for that perfect crunch! Are there any dietary considerations for this dish? While this recipe is generally accessible, it’s always best to check for any allergies. For those sensitive to shellfish, this dish won’t be suitable. You can also easily adjust the heat by modifying the chili flakes or using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a milder flavor. How can I reheat my prawns to keep them crispy? To restore the delightful crunch of your prawns, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. This method ensures they become crispy again while still heating through completely, ready to impress at your next meal! Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns That Will Wow Your Guests Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a crowd-pleasing dish with crunchy textures and bold flavors, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 prawnsCourse: AppetizerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Prawns1 pound Large Prawns peeled and deveinedFor the Coating1 cup Cornstarch or all-purpose flour as a substituteFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Sea Salt1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground1 teaspoon Chili Flakes adjust to taste1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlicFor Garnish2 tablespoons Green Onions finely chopped Equipment wokMixing bowlSlotted Spoon Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Salt & Pepper PrawnsIn a medium mixing bowl, add your peeled and deveined large prawns, ensuring they are clean and dry. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the prawns, tossing gently to coat them completely. Allow them to rest while you prepare the next steps.In a large wok or deep frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the base at least 1 inch deep and heat it over medium-high heat. You'll know it's ready when the oil shimmers and a drop of cornstarch sizzles upon contact.Carefully add the prawns in small batches to the hot oil, ensuring they have enough space to fry evenly. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and fry for an additional 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove them and drain on paper towels.While the prawns are frying, gather a bowl and combine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.Once your prawns are beautifully golden and drained, add them to the bowl with the seasoning mix while they are still warm. Gently toss to coat the prawns evenly with the mixture. Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with finely chopped green onions. Nutrition Serving: 4prawnsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesEnjoy your Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns fresh for the best flavor, ideally serving them immediately after frying. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
