If you love vibrant, bold flavors packed with a little heat, the Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender prawns swimming in a luscious, garlicky, and spicy sauce that balances sweetness and umami in perfect harmony. Every bite delivers a burst of fresh ginger, warming chili, and the irresistible aroma of toasted sesame oil that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for friends or craving a weeknight dinner upgrade, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that feels impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, adding texture, color, or layers of flavor that transform simple prawns into a restaurant-worthy dish.
- 500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed prawns ensure tender seafood goodness that soaks up all the sauce.
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for searing prawns, creating that delicious golden crust.
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that’s the hallmark of many Asian dishes.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Garlic is the aromatic foundation, giving every bite a punch of savory depth.
- 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped: For a refreshing zing that complements the garlic and chili perfectly (can be omitted if you prefer).
- 1 tsp chili flakes: The heat source, adjustable to suit your spice tolerance and love for fiery flavors.
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) water: Used to create a silky sauce without overpowering the prawns.
- 3 tbsp Sriracha: This iconic chili sauce brings balanced spice and a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tsp soy sauce, light or all purpose: Introduces umami depth and salty balance.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the spicy and savory notes. White sugar works fine as a swap too.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for garnish, adding a little crunch and nuttiness to finish.
- Green onions, finely sliced: Adds freshness and a subtle onion bite.
- Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped: For extra color and heat on top if you like things really spicy.
How to Make Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe
Step 1: Sear Your Prawns to Perfection
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half of your prawns and sear them for about 45 seconds on each side. You want that beautiful golden crust, which locks in juice and flavor. Remove them carefully and repeat with the remaining prawns. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the dish a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 2: Let the Pan Cool Slightly
After searing, take the skillet off the heat for a moment to cool down slightly and turn your stove burner down to medium. This prevents burning your aromatics when you add them next, which is crucial for a clean, bright flavor.
Step 3: Infuse with Sesame Oil and Aromatics
Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the toasted sesame oil. This small amount brings a rich, nutty character that makes this dish uniquely special. Immediately add your finely minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Let them cook just until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—this is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 4: Create the Perfect Sauce
Pour in the water, then add the Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and crank the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens into a slightly syrupy consistency. This balance of spicy, sweet, and salty will coat your prawns beautifully.
Step 5: Toss Prawns to Coat and Finish Cooking
Return the seared prawns to the skillet and toss in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and cling deliciously to each piece. The prawns will absorb those flavors and become irresistibly sticky and flavorful.
Step 6: Garnish and Get Ready to Eat
Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, sliced fresh red chillies, and green onions. These final touches add fresh color, a slight crunch, and hint of heat that make every mouthful exciting.
How to Serve Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are key to adding texture and brightness. Toasted sesame seeds give a splendid nutty crunch, while thinly sliced green onions offer vibrant color and subtle sharpness. For extra kick and a pop of festive red, scatter some finely chopped fresh chillies on top.
Side Dishes
Serve these Asian Chili Garlic Prawns over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up that addictive sauce. For a lighter twist, try cauliflower rice to keep it low carb without sacrificing flavor. Crisp stir-fried bok choy or a simple cucumber salad also pairs brilliantly to balance the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the prawns in lettuce cups with some fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Another idea is to plate them atop a bed of soba noodles tossed in sesame oil for a heartier meal. Even as a striking appetizer, these prawns work perfectly with bamboo skewers and a squeeze of lime on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. The sauce continues to develop flavors overnight, but prawns are best enjoyed fresh for optimum tenderness.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked prawns, it’s best done cautiously as texture may suffer a little. Pack them tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag, including some sauce to help keep them moist. Use within 1 month for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so the prawns don’t dry out. You can add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make prawns rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them and pat dry before cooking to get a nice sear and prevent excess water diluting the sauce.
How spicy is this Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe?
The heat can be easily adjusted by scaling the amount of chili flakes and Sriracha. For a milder dish, reduce these or omit the fresh chillies garnish.
What can I substitute for Sriracha?
If you don’t have Sriracha, any good-quality chili garlic sauce or even a bit of chili paste mixed with a touch of sugar makes an excellent substitute.
Can I omit the ginger?
Yes, ginger adds a lovely brightness but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, the dish still works beautifully with just garlic and chili.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both quick and extravagant, perfect for any occasion. Its robust flavors will impress guests and satisfy your own cravings, making it a permanent favorite in your cooking rotation. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep coming back for that perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and garlicky goodness. So go ahead, dive into the recipe, and enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Asian Chili Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns recipe featuring tender prawns cooked in a spicy, garlicky sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat. This quick skillet dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
Oils & Sauces
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tsp light or all-purpose soy sauce
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (can substitute with white sugar)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, finely sliced
- Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped
Instructions
- Heat and Sear Prawns: 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. Remove the cooked prawns into a bowl. Repeat the process with the remaining prawns.
- Cool Down Skillet: Remove the skillet from the stove to cool down slightly and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add Sesame Oil: Return the skillet to the stove and heat the toasted sesame oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely minced garlic, grated ginger, and chilli flakes to the skillet. Cook until the garlic turns golden, releasing its fragrant aroma.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the water, then add Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly to a thin syrup consistency.
- Toss Prawns in Sauce: Return the seared prawns to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is reduced and clings nicely to the prawns.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions, and fresh red chillies if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Notes
- Note 1: Use raw prawns that are peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor.
- Note 2: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor; regular sesame oil can be substituted but may alter taste.
- Note 3: Adjust chilli flakes according to desired spice level; omit for a milder dish.
- Note 4: Sriracha provides both heat and sweetness; substitute with a chili garlic sauce if preferred.
- Note 5: Light soy sauce is recommended for a balanced salty flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A fresh side salad complements this dish well.
