Dive into a culinary adventure with our Spicy Compound Prawns recipe – a vibrant and flavourful dish that showcases the best of Chinese cuisine. This isn't your average prawn stir-fry; we're building layers of complex taste through a masterful blend of aromatic spices, crisp vegetables, and succulent prawns. Imagine tender prawns coated in a fiery yet subtly sweet sauce, balanced perfectly by the refreshing crunch of lotus root. The fragrant chilli oil infuses the dish with a captivating heat that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Get ready to elevate your cooking skills with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. We'll walk you through each stage of preparation, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect fiery-sweet sauce, ensuring even novice cooks can create this restaurant-quality dish at home. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the stunning presentation of this unforgettable Spicy Compound Prawns with Lotus Root.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Bamboo skewer or chopstick
Ingredients
- Prawns: 230 grams
- Lotus root: 200 grams
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Corn flour: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 250 milliliters
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Tartar sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger: 5 grams
- Red onion: ½
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Spring onions: 2 stalks
- Dried chili: null
- Citric peppercorn: 1 teaspoon
- Black vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Chinese cooking wine: 1 tablespoon
- Cashew nuts: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Initial Cooking
- Season prawns and lotus root separately with salt and corn flour. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, tartar sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
- Deep fry lotus root until light golden brown to remove excess moisture.
- Deep fry prawns until cooked through and slightly golden brown. Don't overcook.
- Remove prawns and lotus root from oil. Do not turn off the heat.
Step 2. Create the Spicy Sauce
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan, then fry aromatics (ginger, red onion, garlic, spring onion) until fragrant.
- Add dried chili (amount to taste) and fry briefly.
- Add sauce to the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer slightly to thicken the sauce.
- Add black vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese cooking wine, and the remaining spring onions to the sauce.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Stir in the fried prawns and lotus root, and add cashew nuts. Turn off heat and serve.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use a bamboo skewer to check if the oil is hot enough – if bubbles rise rapidly, the oil is ready.
- Adjust the amount of dried chili according to your spice preference.
- You can substitute other vegetables like sweet potatoes or potatoes for lotus root.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the lotus root?
Yes! Water chestnuts, celery, or even bell peppers can provide a similar crunchy texture. However, lotus root offers a unique flavor profile.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness is adjustable. Reduce or increase the amount of chili oil and chili flakes to suit your preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
3. What can I serve this dish with?
This Spicy Compound Prawns pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even as part of a larger Chinese banquet. It's also delicious served with some steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal.
This Spicy Compound Prawns with Lotus Root recipe delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. From the initial preparation to the final fiery-sweet bite, every step is designed to create a memorable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients and embark on this exciting cooking journey – your taste buds will thank you!