Introduction

Honey prawns are a delightful and crispy dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the succulent taste of prawns. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. The secret to achieving that irresistible crunch lies in the coating and frying technique.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Prawns – 500 grams, peeled and deveined
Cornflour – 1 cup
Rice flour – 1/2 cup
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Egg – 1, beaten
Oil – for deep frying
Honey – 1/4 cup
Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Spring onions – for garnish

Prep Time

Prep time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes. This allows you enough time to prepare the ingredients and coat the prawns before frying.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 10 minutes, leading to a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it an ideal dish for sharing with family and friends.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preparation of Prawns

Peel the prawns, removing the shell and tail. Ensure the prawns are deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Making the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add cold sparkling water to the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Dipping the Prawns

Coat each prawn in the batter, ensuring they are fully covered. Allow excess batter to drip off before frying.

Heating the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pan or wok, heat enough oil for deep frying (approximately 5 cm/2 inches deep) over medium-high heat.

Frying the Prawns

Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle and rise), gently place the coated prawns into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Crisping Up

Fry the prawns in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the prawns and drain them on paper towels.

Preparing the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until combined and slightly thickened.

Coating the Prawns

Once the prawns are fried, quickly toss them in the prepared honey sauce to ensure they are evenly coated.

Serving

Serve the honey prawns immediately while they are still crispy. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Type of Prawns

Use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.

Batter Consistency

The batter should be smooth and thick enough to cling to the prawns but not too thick that it becomes heavy.

Oil Temperature

Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for crispiness. Too low will result in soggy batter, while too high may burn the prawns.

Mise en Place

Prepare all ingredients and have utensils ready before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Storage

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven to retain crispiness.

Cook techniques

Coating the Prawns

The prawns are coated in cornstarch, which helps create a crispy exterior when fried. Ensure they are evenly coated for the best results.

Double Frying

For extra crunch, consider double frying the prawns. First, fry them until they are lightly golden, then remove and let them rest before frying them again until they achieve a deep golden color.

Temperature Management

Maintain the oil temperature between 170°C to 180°C (340°F to 360°F) to ensure the prawns cook quickly and remain crispy. Use a thermometer for precision.

Drain Excess Oil

After frying, drain the prawns on paper towels to remove excess oil, which helps maintain their crispiness.

Quick Sauce Preparation

The sauce should be prepared quickly after frying the prawns to ensure a fresh taste. Toss the prawns in the sauce immediately to keep them crispy.

FAQ

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of any excess water before coating and frying.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, are recommended for frying prawns.

How do I store leftover prawns?

Store leftover prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain some crispiness.

Can I make the dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free flour alternative to make the dish gluten-free.

How can I enhance the flavor of the prawns?

Marinating the prawns in a mixture of garlic and ginger before coating can enhance the flavor significantly.

Conclusion

The Honey Prawns recipe delivers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors while ensuring a wonderfully crispy texture. Perfectly suited for gatherings or as a delectable treat, these prawns are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The balance of honey and seasoning transforms simple prawns into a gourmet experience that is both easy to prepare and delicious.

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