Prawns, also known as shrimp in some regions, are a versatile seafood option that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. This spicy prawn stir-fry recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delightful combination of heat, sweetness, and tanginess.
Ingredients:
- For the Prawns:
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Prawns:
- In a medium bowl, combine the prawns, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and water. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, snap peas, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Prawns:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated prawns and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the prawns. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the top and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the stir-fry with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve the spicy prawn stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Prawn Stir-Fry:
- Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns have a better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a quick cooking process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This spicy prawn stir-fry is a delicious and easy meal that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Enjoy it with family and friends for a satisfying and healthy dinner option.