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Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns

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Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns are a classic dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy, golden-fried prawns with a tantalizing salt and pepper seasoning. This savory dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night at home or hosting a dinner party, these prawns are sure to impress. The crunch of the prawns, combined with aromatic spices and the slight heat of chili, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns:

  • 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 red chilies, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Prawns:

  1. Season the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel, then season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of white pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the Coating and Seasoning:

  1. Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, and remaining salt, white pepper, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Prawns:

  1. Coat the Prawns: Dredge the seasoned prawns in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.
  2. Fry the Prawns: Working in batches, fry the prawns in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Aromatics:

  1. Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a clean skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chilies, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Toss the Prawns: Add the fried prawns to the skillet with the garlic and chili. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

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