Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather everything you need. Remember, substitutions are your friend if you’re missing something.
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for spice)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely when frying.
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix well.
- Coat the prawns in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each prawn is evenly covered. Shake off any excess.
- Heat enough oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of bread sizzles and browns quickly.
- Fry the prawns in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the fried prawns back into the pan, tossing them with the garlic and chili mixture. Add the green onions and give everything a quick stir to combine.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Crispy Chinese Salt & Pepper Prawns, recipe, cooking, food
