Stir fried crystal prawns is a popular Chinese dish that is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. This dish features shrimp that is marinated in a mixture of baking soda, sugar, salt, egg whites, and flour, which helps to make the shrimp crispy and flavorful. The shrimp is then stir-fried with a delicious sauce made with shrimp paste, water, sugar, and sesame oil. The addition of ginger, fresh chilli, and coriander adds a lovely aroma and taste to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 Shrimp
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Hong Kong shrimp paste
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 piece Ginger
- 1 Egg white
- Fresh chili, sliced
- 2 tbsp Flour
- Coriander leaves, chopped
- Bok choy, chopped
- Chicken broth
Cooking Time:
- Clean the shrimp and cut along the back. Wash thoroughly with salt and flour to remove the mucus from the shrimp.
- Marinate the shrimp with baking soda, sugar, salt, egg whites, and flour. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the seasoning sauce by mixing the shrimp paste, water, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the shrimp until crispy. Remove and refrigerate.
- Heat some oil in the same pan and stir-fry the ginger. Add the bok choy and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the seasoning sauce. Stir well.
- Add the shrimp back into the pan and stir-fry for a minute or until coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and fresh chili. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips:
- To prevent the shrimp from being overcooked, use high heat and cook them in small batches.
- Refrigerating the shrimp after the first frying will make them extra crispy.
- Hong Kong shrimp paste can be substituted with Thai shrimp paste, but be sure to filter it before using.
- Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the shrimp.
When preparing the shrimp, it is important to wash them thoroughly and remove the back before marinating them. To ensure that the shrimp is crispy, it is recommended to use a mixture of baking soda, sugar, egg whites, and flour to marinate them. After marinating, the shrimp should be shocked in ice to help maintain the crispiness. For the sauce, Hong Kong shrimp paste is the best choice, but if it is not available, Thai shrimp paste mixed with boiled water can be used instead.
Stir fried crystal prawns can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. It is a healthy option as shrimp is a low-calorie and high-protein food. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice and vegetables, such as cabbage or bok choy. It is a perfect meal for a family dinner or a get-together with friends. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills!