Garlic and chilli prawns are a beloved dish that packs a punch of flavor. The aroma of garlic mixed with the spicy kick of chilli creates a perfect harmony that lingers in the air. It’s the kind of dish you remember-like walking into a restaurant with the irresistible smell of deep-fried shrimp, golden and crispy, making your mouth water before you even sit down. This dish isn’t just a favorite in restaurants; it’s one that you can easily recreate at home, bringing that crispy magic straight to your kitchen.
To make the perfect garlic and chilli prawn recipe, start with fresh king prawns. Peeled, with the tails on, they bring an extra touch of elegance to the dish. Coat them in a light batter seasoned with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and crushed chilli. This seasoning mix infuses the prawns with bold flavors that will sizzle up when cooked, giving them that irresistible crispy texture everyone craves.
Once you’ve got the prawns ready, the real magic happens in the pan. A hot pan with a bit of oil is all you need-no deep fryer required. As the prawns cook, they turn into a crispy, golden treat with a satisfying crunch that you can hear from across the room. The batter crisps up just perfectly, and the shrimp inside stays tender, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
For the perfect meal, serve your garlic and chilli prawns with a side of stir-fried noodles or steamed rice. The combination is simply unbeatable. You can’t go wrong with the contrast of the crispy prawns and the softness of the noodles or rice. It’s a meal that will have you going back for more, ensuring there’s never a last piece left on the plate.
Choosing the Right Prawns for Garlic and Chilli Prawns
When it comes to getting that perfect bite, the type of prawn you use matters a lot. Let’s explore what to look for and why it makes such a difference.
🦐 Best Prawn Types for This Dish
Type of Prawn Flavor Texture Best Use King Prawns Sweet, meaty Firm, juicy Perfect for frying Tiger Prawns Mild, slightly salty Firm, bouncy Great for crispy texture Jumbo Shrimp Bold, rich Thick and chewy Good for spicy stir-frying.
Choose raw prawns-not precooked. Raw prawns stay tender and juicy when cooked, while precooked ones can go rubbery fast.
Pro Tip: Always go for peeled prawns with the tail on. The tail adds visual flair and helps the prawn stay firm during cooking.
🧊 Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh prawns are ideal, but frozen prawns work just as well if handled right.
- Thaw frozen prawns overnight in the fridge.
- Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Never soak in water or microwave to defrost.
✅ Checklist: What to Look for When Buying
- Color: Look for a grayish-blue tone (they turn pink when cooked).
- Smell: Should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
- Size: Medium to large works best for this recipe.
Ingredient Checklist for Crispy Garlic and Chilli Prawns
Here’s what you need to make this dish shine.
🧂 Core Ingredients Ingredient Purpose Raw
prawns (peeled)Main protein Garlic (minced)Deep flavor and aroma Red or green chili Spicy kick Cornflour Creates that crispy coating Egg whites Helps the batter stick and crisp Salt & black pepper Basic seasoning Vegetable oil Frying (use a neutral oil)
Quote from Chef Lin, Dubai: “Cornflour and egg whites are the golden combo for the perfect crunch without needing a deep fryer.”
How to Make Garlic and Chilli Prawns: Step-by-Step
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Prawns
- Clean and devein your prawns.
- Leave the tails on.
- Pat dry completely.
🧂 Step 2: Season and Coat
In a bowl, mix:
- 2 egg whites (beaten till frothy)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Pepper (1 tsp)
- Cornflour (½ cup)
- Toss the prawns in the mix till fully coated.
🍳 Step 3: Fry Time
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry prawns in small batches. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Cook each prawn for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
🧄 Step 4: Add Garlic and Chilli
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté minced garlic and sliced chilli for 30 seconds.
- Toss the fried prawns back in to coat with garlic-chilli oil.
Achieving the Perfect Crunch (Without a Deep Fryer!)
Want that satisfying crunch when you bite in? Follow these tested techniques:
✅ Crunch Tips That Work
- Use Cornflour
- It’s lighter than regular flour.
- Makes the prawns crispy, not greasy.
- Beat Egg Whites Separately
- Frothy egg whites make the coating light and bubbly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
- Crowding cools the oil and causes sogginess.
- Double-Fry Method(optional but pro-level)
- Fry once, rest 2 mins, then fry again for 30 seconds.
Substitutions and Swaps
You can switch things up without losing the heart of the dish.
🍤 Prawn Alternatives
SwapResultCalamariSimilar texture, mild flavorTofu cubesGreat veg option, absorbs flavorCauliflowerCrispy and light when fried
🌽 Batter Alternatives
- Rice flour – crispier, gluten-free
- Potato starch – extra crunchy
- All-purpose flour – heavier, not as light
🌶️ Non-Spicy Version?
- Use sweet bell peppers instead of chilli.
- Try smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
Seasoning Variations for Garlic and Chilli Prawns
Want to switch it up? Try these:
🍯 Sweet Chilli Style
- Add 1 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce at the end.
🍋 Garlic-Lime Prawns
- Replace chilli with lime zest and juice for a citrus pop.
🍛 Soy Garlic Glaze
- Mix 2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar + garlic.
- Toss prawns in after frying.
What to Serve with Garlic and Chilli Prawns
🍚 Best Sides
Side Dish: Why It Works Steamed Jasmine Rice Soaks up all the spicy garlic oil Stir-Fried Noodles Hearty and flavorful base Asian Slaw Adds a fresh crunch
🥢 Dipping Sauce Ideas
- Soy and vinegar mix
- Garlic mayo (for a creamy contrast)
- Chilli oil for spice lovers
Storing and Reheating Garlic and Chilli Prawns
🧊 Storage
- Keep in an airtight container.
- Store up to 2 days in the fridge.
🔁 Reheating Tips
MethodResultPan (recommended)Brings back crispiness (10 mins @180°C), even heating, not soggy. Microwave easily, but it loses the crunch.
Real-World Tip: Reheat in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes. It crisps up just like fresh!
✅ Real-World Case Study: Home Cooks in the UAE
Aisha, a mom of 3 in Abu Dhabi, shared her take:
“I make garlic and chilli prawns once a week. The kids love it with fried rice. I use frozen king prawns and fry them in a regular pan. They’re crunchy every time!”
Omar, a Dubai-based food vlogger, says:
“This dish is my go-to for quick, impressive meals. It takes 20 minutes from start to plate, and guests always ask for the recipe.”
Final Thoughts
Garlic and chilli prawns are bold, quick, and downright addictive. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings joy with every bite. The crunchy texture, the burst of garlic, and the kick of chilli come together in a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious.
What makes this dish special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need hours in the kitchen. All you need are good prawns, a few fresh ingredients, and a hot pan. From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, yet the flavor is something you’d expect from a high-end restaurant.
It’s also a versatile recipe. You can make it spicy or mild, swap prawns for tofu or veggies, and even serve it with noodles, rice, or salad. The base idea stays the same-crispy, garlicky, and full of flavor.
Don’t forget, this isn’t just a recipe- it’s an experience. One that brings people to the table. One that gets compliments. One that turns everyday ingredients into something special. And once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
So the next time you’re craving something crunchy, spicy, and fast-reach for this garlic and chilli prawns recipe. Trust me, once you hear that sizzle and smell the garlic, you’ll know you made the right choice.
FAQs
Can I make garlic and chilli prawns without egg?
Yes! You can skip the egg whites and use just cornflour with a splash of water or soy sauce to help the coating stick. It won’t be as puffy, but it will still crisp up nicely.
Are frozen prawns okay to use?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge and pat them dry before cooking. Wet prawns won’t crisp up, so drying is key.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on the type and amount of chilli you use. Red chillies bring more heat, while green ones are milder. You can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
What oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid oliveoil- itt burns fast and can change the flavor.
Can I reheat garlic and chilli prawns in a microwave?
You can, but they’ll lose their crunch. For best results, reheat in a hot pan or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.
