How to Cook Chinese Prawns with Sweet Chili Sauce
Cooking Chinese prawns with sweet chili sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right into your kitchen. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a wonderful addition to a special meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
- 500 grams of fresh or frozen prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice (to serve)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preparing your prawns. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a nice sear during cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and half of the sweet chili sauce. Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step infuses the prawns with rich flavors.
Step 3: Cooking the Prawns
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated prawns to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become rubbery.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining sweet chili sauce and sesame oil to the skillet. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the prawns with chopped green onions. Serve your delicious Chinese prawns with sweet chili sauce over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the rice for added flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking.
- Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Adjust the sweetness of your dish by altering the amount of sweet chili sauce according to your preference.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese prawns with sweet chili sauce! This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, bringing a taste of Chinese cuisine into your home.