Sweet and sour prawns are a classic Chinese-inspired dish, beloved for their vibrant flavour and satisfying texture. The sweet and tangy sauce perfectly complements the succulent prawns, creating a harmonious balance that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to achieve at home. This recipe avoids overly complicated techniques, focusing instead on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a simple yet effective cooking method. Forget takeout – you can create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen! The combination of crispy prawns and a glossy, intensely flavoured sauce will impress even the most discerning palates.
Imagine juicy prawns, perfectly coated in a golden-brown crust, swimming in a rich, sweet and sour sauce. This delightful dish is easier to make than you think! Ready to dive in and create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Bamboo skewer or chopstick
Ingredients
- Prawns (with shell): 600 grams
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- White pepper: a few dashes
- Egg white: 1
- Cornflour: 3 tablespoons + extra for coating
- Bell pepper: 1
- Yellow onion: 1/2
- Tomato sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Sweet chili sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Cucumber: 1/2
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Coat the Shrimp
- Lightly season prawns with salt and white pepper. Mix well.
- Add egg white and mix until prawns are coated. Gradually add cornflour, mixing until a batter forms.
- Let the prawn mixture rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Coat prawns in extra cornflour, ensuring they are evenly covered. Let rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2. Deep Fry the Shrimp and Vegetables
- Deep fry bell pepper and onion chunks for about 10 seconds until lightly cooked, then remove.
- Deep fry prawns one by one, ensuring not to move them, until a crispy crust forms. Flip and fry the other side until light golden brown.
- Remove prawns and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high and remove oil crumbs.
- Once oil is hot (bubbles rise rapidly when a skewer is inserted), deep fry prawns again for about 10 seconds to ensure extra crispiness. Remove immediately.
Step 3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a pan, combine tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add vinegar to taste.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry.
- Add the deep-fried bell peppers, onions, and cucumber to the sauce. Mix well.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy prawns to the sauce, mix, and turn off the heat. Serve immediately.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use medium heat for deep-frying the condiments to retain color.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when deep-frying the prawns, fry them in batches if necessary.
- The double-frying process ensures extra crispy prawns.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: 680
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 70g
- Protein: 52g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them crisp up nicely.
2. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
White wine vinegar or a combination of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar can work as a substitute, but rice vinegar gives the most authentic flavour.
This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality Crispy Sweet and Sour Shrimp right to your dinner table. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!