Fried Prawns with Garlicky Hot Pepper Sauce

Craving a dish that’s crispy, juicy, and packs a punch of garlicky heat? These Fried Prawns with Garlicky Hot Pepper Sauce are just what you need!

Ingredients

For the Fried Prawns:

• 1 lb large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

For the Garlicky Hot Pepper Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Prawns:

1. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Prawns:

2. Dip each prawn in the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.

Fry the Prawns:

3. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), fry the prawns in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Garlicky Hot Pepper Sauce:

4. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in the hot sauce, butter, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Serve:

6. Drizzle the garlicky hot pepper sauce over the fried prawns or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your crispy prawns with a zesty kick!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calorie Count: 400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Lighter Version: For a lighter option, bake the prawns at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Additional Toppings: Add sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

• Storage: Fried prawns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
   Yes, shrimp can be used as a substitute.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat before serving.
3. What can I use if I don’t have hot sauce?
   You can use sriracha or another hot chili sauce as an alternative.
4. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
   Yes, you can use canola or peanut oil if preferred.
5. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
   You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
6. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
   You can substitute with additional flour, though the texture may be slightly different.
7. Can I freeze the cooked prawns?
   Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.
8. How can I make the prawns less spicy?
   Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the recipe.
9. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce?
   It won’t be as rich, but Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
10. What side dishes pair well with these prawns?
    They pair well with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

These Fried Prawns with Garlicky Hot Pepper Sauce are a perfect combination of crispy texture and bold flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they’re sure to impress!

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