Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe

Preparing this prawn dish was a delightful journey into the flavors of Asia, combining the delicate sweetness of prawns with the aromatic punch of garlic and the subtle warmth of Shaoxing wine. Steaming them to perfection and serving with jasmine rice created a memorable meal that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy dinner in.

My steamed garlic prawn recipe is a favorite of mine, with its straightforwardness and direct, dramatic taste appeal. The prawns themselves are buttery and delectable.

They’re infused with fresh minced garlic, some Shaoxing rice wine, a light soy sauce, and a hint of white pepper. I think this dish with jasmie rice is perfect.

Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe Ingredients

• Prawns: Rich in protein, low in fat, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor; known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Light Soy Sauce: Provides umami taste; contributes sodium and essential amino acids.
• Shaoxing Wine: Enhances flavor complexity with a hint of sweetness; traditionally used in Chinese cooking.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty flavor and aroma; contains healthy unsaturated fats.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and mild onion flavor; source of vitamins A and K.

Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 500g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional)
• Small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

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How to Make this Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

2. Add the marinade to the peeled and deveined prawns, ensuring they are well coated. Let them swap for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavor.

3. Get a steamer setup ready. This can be a bamboo steamer over a wok or a metal steamer insert in a pot. Put in enough water to make steam and bring it to a gentle boil.

4. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer on a heatproof plate that will fit inside your steamer.

5. Evenly distribute the finely minced green onions and red chili slices (if using) over the top of the prawns.

6. Place the plate containing the prawns into the steamer with care.

7. Cover the prawns and steam them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.

8. As you steam, ready the plates to serve with portions of the jasmine rice that has been cooked.

9. After the prawns are finished, move them to the set plates above the jasmine rice.

10. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top just before you serve, and if anyone wants more soy sauce, now’s the time to offer it! Dive in and enjoy!

Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Steamer setup (either bamboo steamer with wok or metal steamer insert with pot)
4. Heatproof plate
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Bowl for rice
8. Cooking spoon

FAQ

• Q:Can frozen prawns be used in place of fresh ones? A: Yes, frozen prawns can be substituted for fresh ones, but they must be thawed completely and patted dry before use.
• Q:What can I use in place of Shaoxing wine?
  A: Instead of Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry. Or, if you would rather not use alcohol in your cooking, you can omit it.
• Q:Is the chili required if I am sensitive to spice? A: The chili is not required. You can omit it and still have a tasty, not-at-all-bland dish.
• Q:Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: For the best flavor, it’s better to make it fresh, but you can make the prawns and chop the ingredients ahead of time.
• Q:For how long must the prawns be steamed? A: They should be steamed for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they achieve a pink and opaque appearance.
• Q:What kind of rice goes with this dish? A: Jasmine rice goes well with the dish, but you can use any rice of your choice.

Steamed Garlic Prawns Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Light soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
Mirin or white wine can be used as an alternative. 1. Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: Use mirin or white wine as an alternative.
Cooking oil: You can use canola or sunflower oil instead.
Olive oil: Use it instead of sesame oil to give your meal a different taste.
White pepper.

Black pepper can be used as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure your prawns are as fresh as possible. Fresh prawns have a slightly sweet aroma and firm texture. This will greatly enhance the overall taste of the dish.