Exploring the Irresistible Delight of Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, the vast array of flavours, textures, and aromas never fails to captivate our taste buds. Among the many tantalising dishes that have made their way from China to the rest of the world, Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns stand out as a delightful and irresistible treat. These succulent prawns are not only visually appealing with their golden-brown, crispy exterior but also offer a burst of flavours that will leave you craving for more. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind this delectable dish and how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
The crispy, succulent prawns combined with the subtle yet flavourful salt and pepper seasoning create a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The dish is a harmonious blend of savoury, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavours that dance on your palate. It’s often served as an appetiser or a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles.
Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns are a testament to the elegance and simplicity of Cantonese cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients and a few cooking techniques, you can recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, these prawns are sure to impress your family and friends with their irresistible taste and texture. So, why not embark on a culinary adventure and savour the delight of Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns today?
Basic Ingredients for Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns
Salt and Pepper Seasoning:
Sichuan Pepper & Black Peppercorn: These are the heart of the seasoning, bringing a heat and a slightly citrusy flavour that is distinct and exciting.
Salt & White Pepper: Act as the foundational flavours, enhancing the natural sweetness of the prawns.
Sugar: Balances the heat and brings a subtle caramel note to the overall seasoning.
For the Prawns:
King Prawns: These are the stars of the dish, promising a meaty bite coupled with a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spice blend.
Cornflour: Helps in achieving that irresistible crisp exterior that is both delightful to the eye and the palate.
Aromatic Trio (Garlic, Ginger, and Red Chilli): They build layers of flavour, introducing a warmth and depth to the dish.
Spring Onions: Adds a splash of colour and a hint of freshness in the final presentation.
Oil: Essential for frying the prawns to golden perfection.
Preparation Tips for Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns
- When prepping, ensure the prawns are well-drained and patted dry to achieve a crisp outcome.
- Also, have your spices and aromatics prepped and ready to go as this dish comes together quite quickly once the cooking begins.
Serving Tips for Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns
- Serve this dish piping hot garnished with a sprinkle of fresh spring onions and perhaps a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all the delightful flavours.
storage tips
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, ensure it’s in an airtight container and reheated properly before serving.
Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns (Full Video)
Chinese Salt and Pepper Prawns
Ingredients
Salt and Pepper Seasoning
- 1 tbsp whole sichuan pepper
- 1 tsp black peppercorn
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp sugar
Prawns
- 500 g whole king prawns, deveined, deshelled and tail on
- ½ cup cornflour
- 6-8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ inch ginger, finely minced
- 1 large red chilli
- 1-2 spring onions, chopped
- oil, for shallow frying
Instructions
Make the Salt & Pepper Seasoning
- Dry roast Sichuan pepper and black peppercorn. Toast over low heat while stirring from time to time.
- Once spices become very fragrant, remove from the heat then grind in a mortar with the rest of the spices until it has a fine consistency.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under running water. Use kitchen paper to pat dry.
- Coat the prawns evenly with cornflour.
- In a pan with hot oil, fry the prawns until they turn a light pink colour with a crispy exterior. Ensure not to over crowd the pan. Transfer the fried prawns to a plate.
- In a wok, adda couple of tablespoons of oil. Add red chilli pepper, garlic, ginger and spring onions. Fry over medium heat for about 1 min. Addthe prawns back into the wok, sprinkle the prepared seasoning to taste, andtoss well to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately.
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KatMerrielle
I tried this and it is soooo good!!