¼cupSpring onionsor ½ cup cubed onions layers seperated or as desired
1tbspgarlicchopped
1 to 2green chilislit
1 ½tbsps.Chilli sauce(I use sweet & hot chilli sauce, refer notes)
1 to 1 ½tspsoya sauce(low salt)
1 to 1 ½tspvinegar
1tspchili powder with 2 tbsps water or 1 tbsp chili paste
250gramsdeveined prawns about 8 to 12 large
½tsppepper crushed
½tspsugar
How to make the recipe
Preparation for chilli prawns
Devein and clean the prawns well. Rinse them under running water.
Add sugar and salt to a bowl. Pour 1 cup of water. Stir well and add the prawns to this liquid.
Set aside for 30 mins, meanwhile proceed with other preparation.
Drain the water completely from the prawns and add corn flour, plain flour and pepper. Mix every thing well and set aside for 10 mins. This helps the excess moisture from the prawns to be released and make the flour moist.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the prawns on a medium heat. Gently flipping to and fro. Since they are brined the cooking time reduces to half. So they just get done under 3 mins, though it depends on the size of the prawns. The prawns swril and take a C shape when are done. Do not overcook they will turn hard and rubbery.
By then the flour coated over the prawns turn crisp. Set these aside to a absorbent tissue.
How to make chilli prawns
Clear up the pan and add more oil. Saute garlic until fragrant. Add chilies, capsicum and onion cubes or spring onions. Sprinkle very little salt and sugar.
Saute on a high flame just for one to 2 mins until the bell peppers are half cooked yet retain their crunch.
Add chilli sauce, chilli paste, soya sauce, vinegar and pepper. You will also need to add 2 tbsps of water.
Mix and allow the sauces to bubble. Taste this and add more spice or sauce if you like.
Switch off the stove and add the prawns.
Toss well and add spring onion greens if you have in hand.
Serve chilli prawns immediately to enjoy the crust.