Ingredients
For the Prawns:
- 500g (1 lb) large prawns, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg white (optional, helps with coating)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and ensures crispiness when frying.
In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, and baking powder. If using, add the egg white to help the coating adhere. Toss the prawns in the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 180°C/350°F), add the prawns in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
In a small bowl, combine salt, white pepper, black pepper, and sugar. Set aside.
In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, chopped chilies, and spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the fried prawns to the pan, sprinkle the seasoning mix over them, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to coat the prawns evenly.
Transfer the prawns to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy! Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g