Fried Prawns in Soy Sauce Recipe

Prawns: Fresh seafood that is peeled and deveined for convenience.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce made from fermented soybeans.

Oyster sauce: A thick, dark sauce made from oysters, adding a deep umami flavor.

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil used for frying and sautéing.

Garlic: Aromatic cloves that add a pungent, savory flavor.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Green onion: Fresh, chopped herb used for garnish and a pop of color.

When preparing prawns, make sure they are peeled and deveined properly to ensure a clean and pleasant eating experience. To enhance the flavor, marinate the prawns in the soy sauce and oyster sauce mixture for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This allows the prawns to absorb the flavors more deeply. Additionally, when sautéing the garlic, be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Cook the prawns just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

• prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can mimic the texture of prawns when cut into small pieces and cooked properly.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a sweet and salty flavor profile similar to oyster sauce.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and works well for frying.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to maintain the dish's flavor profile.

• green onion - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the fried prawns to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the prawns soggy.

• Transfer the cooled prawns into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the prawns.

• If you plan to consume the fried prawns within 2-3 days, store the container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will keep the prawns fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the prawns in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the texture and flavor of the prawns.

• To reheat, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Avoid thawing at room temperature to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

• Reheat the prawns in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vegetable oil to refresh the flavors and keep the prawns moist.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the prawns in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Avoid reheating the prawns multiple times as this can lead to a loss of texture and flavor. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume immediately.

• If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard the prawns to ensure food safety.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover fried prawns.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the prawns are heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the fried prawns in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Check to ensure the prawns are heated through before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the fried prawns in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the prawns halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place the fried prawns on a heatproof plate.
  3. Put the plate in the steamer and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 3-5 minutes until the prawns are heated through.
  5. Carefully remove the plate and serve immediately.

• Bowl: Used for mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper together.

• Pan: Essential for heating the oil and cooking the prawns.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the garlic and prawns while cooking.

• Knife: Necessary for mincing the garlic and chopping the green onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for mincing garlic and chopping green onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, and black pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the prawns while they cook to ensure even cooking.

• Serving dish: For plating the finished dish and garnishing with chopped green onion.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the prawns ahead of time to save on prep work.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on chopping time.

Mix sauces beforehand: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl earlier in the day.

Preheat the pan: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the garlic to speed up cooking.

Quick garnish: Chop the green onion while the prawns are cooking to save time.