Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns

These Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are an absolute flavor bomb! Tender, juicy prawns are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, sticky, garlicky sauce with just the right balance of heat and sweetness. The combination of Sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chilli flakes creates a deep umami flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. This dish is not only packed with bold flavors but is also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In just 12 minutes, you can have a meal that tastes like it came straight from a modern Asian restaurant. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for the perfect balance of heat and freshness. Whether you’re making a

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

500g / 1 lb prawns (shrimp), raw, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped
1 tsp chilli flakes
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tbsp Sriracha
2 tsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
3 tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar substitute)

Garnish (optional):

Sesame seeds
Green onions, finely sliced
Red chillies, finely sliced

Directions:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half of the prawns and sear for about 45 seconds on each side until golden, then remove them into a bowl. Repeat with the remaining prawns.
Remove the skillet from heat to let it cool slightly, then reduce heat to medium.
Return the skillet to heat, add sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes, and sauté until the garlic turns golden and aromatic.
Pour in the water, followed by Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens into a light syrup consistency.
Return the prawns to the skillet and toss them in the sauce for 1–2 minutes until they are well coated and heated through.
Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red chillies if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 12 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving | Servings: 3-4

The Secret Behind the Bold Flavors

The magic of Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns comes from the well-balanced sauce. It’s spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, creating a rich depth of flavor. Here are the key elements that make this dish stand out:

Garlic and Ginger: These two ingredients are the foundation of many Asian recipes. The garlic adds a pungent, aromatic punch, while ginger provides a subtle heat and earthy undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
Chilli Flakes and Sriracha: These bring the heat to the dish. The combination of dried chilli flakes and Sriracha creates a spice level that is bold yet balanced. The Sriracha also adds a touch of tangy sweetness due to its vinegar content.
Soy Sauce: This is the umami backbone of the sauce. It adds a salty depth that complements the natural sweetness of the prawns.
Brown Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance the spiciness, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor. It also contributes to the slightly sticky texture of the sauce.
Toasted Sesame Oil: This ingredient enhances the overall taste by adding a nutty, smoky aroma that pairs beautifully with the prawns.

This combination of ingredients creates a sauce that is irresistibly delicious. It clings to the prawns, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Why Prawns are Perfect for This Dish

Prawns (or shrimp, depending on where you live) are one of the best proteins to use in quick-cooking recipes. They cook in just a couple of minutes, making them ideal for fast meals without compromising taste or texture.

When properly cooked, prawns remain tender and juicy. Overcooking them, however, can result in a rubbery texture, which is why this recipe is designed to be fast and efficient. The prawns are quickly seared to develop a light crust, then tossed in the sauce for just a minute or two to ensure they remain succulent.

Another advantage of using prawns is their ability to absorb flavors. Since they have a mild taste, they take on the bold flavors of the sauce beautifully, making them a perfect canvas for this dish.

Best Ways to Serve Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns

One of the great things about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it in different ways depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

With Steamed Rice: The most classic pairing. Steamed jasmine rice or basmati rice soaks up the rich, spicy sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
With Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. It’s light, nutritious, and complements the bold flavors of the prawns.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots stir-fried in a bit of sesame oil makes a great side dish. The vegetables add crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.
With Noodles: Toss the prawns and sauce with rice noodles or egg noodles for a delicious stir-fried noodle dish.
On a Salad: If you prefer something light, serve the prawns over a fresh Asian-style salad with a sesame dressing. The combination of crispy greens and spicy prawns is both refreshing and satisfying.

Adjusting the Spice Level

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility when it comes to heat. If you prefer a milder version, you can easily adjust the spice level:

Reduce the amount of chilli flakes or omit them entirely.
Use less Sriracha or substitute it with a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce.
Add a touch of honey or extra sugar to mellow out the heat.

On the other hand, if you’re a spice lover, you can crank up the heat by:

Adding extra chilli flakes or fresh red chillies.
Using a hotter variety of chilli sauce.
Including a dash of cayenne pepper or extra Sriracha.

Using Fresh vs. Frozen Prawns

Many home cooks wonder whether to use fresh or frozen prawns for this recipe. The good news is that frozen prawns work just as well as fresh ones, provided they are properly thawed.

To use frozen prawns:

Let them thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, or run them under cold water for a quick defrost.
Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.

If you have access to fresh prawns, they will have a slightly sweeter taste, but the difference is minimal once coated in the flavorful sauce.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are not just delicious they’re also a nutritious choice. Here’s why:

High in Protein: Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle growth.
Low in Calories: Compared to other protein sources, prawns are relatively low in calories, making them a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
Rich in Omega-3s: Prawns contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Gluten-Free Option: This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Low-Carb Friendly: Paired with cauliflower rice or vegetables, this dish fits well into low-carb and keto diets.

Conclusion:

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are a perfect example of how a simple dish can deliver maximum flavor. The combination of garlic, chilli, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a bold and delicious sauce that transforms ordinary prawns into something extraordinary.

This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, making it a great option for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.