Salt and Pepper Prawns are a delightful culinary creation that perfectly balances the bold flavors of salt and pepper with the succulent sweetness of fresh prawns. This dish, originating from the vibrant streets of Asian cuisine, has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its irresistible taste and satisfying crunch. Traditionally served as an appetizer or a main course, Salt and Pepper Prawns are often enjoyed in bustling seafood markets and restaurants, where the aroma of spices fills the air, enticing food lovers from all walks of life.
People adore this dish not only for its exquisite flavor profile but also for its delightful texture. The prawns are typically coated in a light batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed with a medley of aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both crispy and tender. Additionally, the convenience of preparing Salt and Pepper Prawns at home makes it a favorite among busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike. Whether served with a side of steamed rice or enjoyed on their own, these prawns are sure to impress and satisfy any palate.

Ingredients:
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Prawns
- Start by rinsing the prawns under cold water to remove any residual grit or impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible, which will help them crisp up during frying.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns with salt and black pepper. Toss them well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and all-purpose flour together. This mixture will create a light coating for the prawns, giving them a crispy texture when fried.
- Take the seasoned prawns and dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each prawn is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour and set the prawns aside on a plate.
Preparing the Cooking Oil
- In a large, deep frying pan or wok, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1 inch. This will allow the prawns to fry evenly.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 180°C (350°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
Frying the Prawns
- Carefully add the coated prawns to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining prawns, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
Preparing the Flavor Base
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If you like a bit of heat, add the sliced red chilies at this stage and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Next, add the fried prawns to the pan with the garlic and ginger mixture. Toss them gently to coat the prawns in the aromatic oil.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and rice vinegar over the prawns, stirring to combine all the flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the prawns to absorb the flavors.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the prawns are well-coated and heated through, remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer the prawns to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra zing if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Salt and pepper prawns can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside steamed rice or noodles.
- For a complete meal, consider pairing the prawns with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.
- For an added touch, serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of chili for those who enjoy a bit of

Conclusion:
In summary, this Salt and Pepper Prawns recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game. The perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavors makes it an irresistible dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Whether you serve it alongside a refreshing salad, steamed rice, or a zesty dipping sauce, the versatility of this dish allows for endless serving suggestions. For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick or tossing in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to enhance the flavor profile. We encourage you to try this Salt and Pepper Prawns recipe in your own kitchen and experience the delightful combination of spices and succulent prawns. Dont forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family, and let us know how it turned out for you! Your feedback and experiences are invaluable, and we love hearing how our recipes inspire your cooking adventures. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits! Print
Salt and Pepper Prawns: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This crispy salt and pepper prawns recipe features fresh prawns tossed with aromatic garlic and ginger, delivering a flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Prawns
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red chilies
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the prawns to achieve a crispy texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilies based on your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the prawns to achieve a crispy texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilies based on your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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