There are many ways to prepare prawns, but this particular version deserves special attention. Compared to other recipes, it has a certain “Chinese charm” that makes the dish unique.
Garlic plays a central role here. It gives depth and aroma to the prawns, emphasizing their sweet tenderness. To enhance the impact of garlic and make the taste more multifaceted and even more garlicky, we use it in three forms. But not as in the shrimp and garlic pasta, where we cut the garlic in different ways to get a wider range of taste.
Here we will use granulated garlic as a marinade for the prawns, as well as for the final touch. And we will cut fresh garlic into thin slices and fry them separately, getting sweet crispy garlic chips, which we will then combine with the prawns.
This combination allows us to maximize the taste of garlic, creating a harmonious duet with the prawns and adding a crispy texture to the dish.
Contents
⏱ Cooking time — 20 minutes overall. Includes 17 minutes of preparation and cooking + 3 minutes unattended.
🔪 Ingredients
For 2-3 servings:
Shrimps:
- 500 g (1 lb) raw prawns in shells
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. granulated garlic
- 20 g (0.7 oz) of cornstarch
- salt
For the spice mix:
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. granulated garlic
- ½ tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. roasted chili powder/ground red pepper/chili flakes (optional)
🥣 Directions
Preparation and marinating of prawns
Using paper towels, pat dry 500 g (1 lb) of prawns. Also, the prawns black vein needs to be removed by making a cut on the back and lifting it with a knife. (Mine was already removed).
Transfer the prawns back to a clean, dry bowl. Salt the prawns with a generous pinch of salt.
Add half of 1 tsp. of granulated garlic, stir, and add the rest. Then stir everything again.
Add 20 g (0.7 oz) of cornstarch in 2-3 batches, each time stirring the prawns well.
Preparing the spice mix and slicing the garlic
Prepare the spice mix: combine ½ tsp. each of salt, granulated garlic, sugar, black pepper, and roasted chili powder (or other hot spice, optional).
Stir the spice mix well and set aside.
Peel and slice thinly 5 cloves of garlic and set it aside.
Frying the prawns
Heat 2-3 tbsp. of vegetable oil for frying in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the prawns and fry for about 2 minutes on one side, until crispy.
After 2 minutes, flip the prawns and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Transfer prawns to a dry, clean bowl.
Finishing cooking and serving the dish
In the same frying pan, heat about 1-1.5 tbsp. of vegetable oil over medium-low heat.
Add the thinly sliced garlic and fry it, stirring often, for about a minute and a half.
Return the prawns to the pan and mix with the garlic.
Sprinkle the prawns with half of the prepared spice mix. Stir well and sprinkle with the remaining mix.
Heat the contents of the pan for about 20-30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Then remove from heat and transfer to a plate.
Serve the dish with your favorite sauces or without.
🙋♂️ FAQ
What type of shrimp/prawns is best for this recipe?
You can use any size or type of shrimp, but larger shrimp are often easier to handle and they offer a nice, meaty bite.
Is it necessary to remove the prawns black vein?
Yes, the black vein is the prawns digestive tract and it can have a gritty texture. It’s best to remove it for a cleaner taste and appearance.
What can I substitute for granulated garlic?
If you don’t have granulated garlic, you can use garlic powder in the same quantity.
Can I use a different type of starch instead of cornstarch?
Yes, you can use potato starch or arrowroot starch as alternatives to cornstarch.
Why is the prawns fried twice?
The first frying helps to cook and crisp up the shrimp/prawn, while the second frying with the garlic allows the flavors to meld together.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. If you prefer less spicy, reduce or eliminate the chili powder. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more.
Can I use this recipe with other types of seafood?
Yes, this recipe would work well with scallops, squid, or chunks of firm white fish.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
The sugar helps balance the flavors, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
What can I serve with these Roasted Crispy Prawn?
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to serve the prawns immediately after they’re cooked. However, you can prepare and marinate the prawns in advance.
What’s the best way to peel and devein prawns?
You can peel prawns by removing the head and legs first, then peeling off the shell. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein.
What should I do if my prawns are not crispy after frying?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the prawns. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the prawns can become soggy rather than crispy.
Can I reheat leftover prawns?
Yes, you can reheat leftover prawns, but be careful not to overcook them or they can become rubbery. It’s best to reheat them in a hot pan for just a minute or two.
Roasted Crispy Prawns with Garlic in Chinese Style
Ingredients
- 500 g raw prawns in shells
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. granulated garlic
- 20 g of cornstarch
- salt
For the spice mix:
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. granulated garlic
- ½ tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. roasted chili powder/ground red pepper/chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Drain and salt prawns, removing vein if necessary. Add granulated garlic and cornstarch, stirring well.
- Mix salt, granulated garlic, sugar, black pepper and chili powder. Peel and chop the garlic.
- Fry prawns in oil over medium heat until crispy on both sides. Transfer to a bowl.
- Fry sliced garlic over medium-low heat. Add prawns back in, sprinkle with spice mixture and heat through. Serve the dish with or without sauces.
