Hot Chilli Prawns

This is a recipe that I’ve loved eating for many years and is one of my husband’s favourites. I actually came across the recipe when I purchased a bottle of Maggi Chilli Sauce and couldn’t believe how something with so few ingredients, which took very little time to prepare and cook, could taste so incredible.

I have to admit that I haven’t actually ever cooked this dish myself (gasp) as it’s one of the only meals my husband makes; I do all the prep (of which there is very little) while hubby takes the helm. Cooking together whilst indulging in a class of wine and then sitting down to tuck into the fruits of your labour afterwards is, I believe, one of the great pleasures in life.

If you like spicy food then you will love this but please be aware that it packs a bit of a punch and so is not for the feint hearted. Using raw prawns is a must as cooked prawns can become rubbery when reheated. You could also substitute the hot chilli sauce for sweet chilli sauce, if you prefer a slightly milder dish and just omit the sugar.

I’m not entirely sure of it’s origin but I believe it to be a Malaysian inspired dish. We like to serve it with rice and a sprinkling of fresh coriander leaves and finely chopped spring onions.

Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a starter.

Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 5 minutes.


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • 6 tbsp extra hot chill sauce
  • 350g raw tiger prawns
  • 3cm piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
  • Fresh coriander, chopped
  • Salad onions, thinly sliced

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok and add the garlic, ginger and chilli sauce and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Stir in the prawns and sugar and cook for a few minutes (3-4) until the prawns turn pink. Do not overcook the prawns as they will become rubbery.
  3. Mix the cornflour with the water and add to the pan.
  4. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
  5. Garnish with the fresh coriander leaves and salad onions and serve.