How to Cook Chinese Prawn Stir Fry with Soy Sauce and Garlic
If you're looking to elevate your weeknight dinners with a quick and flavorful dish, a Chinese prawn stir fry with soy sauce and garlic is an excellent choice. This dish combines the sweetness of prawns with the robust flavors of garlic and soy sauce, resulting in a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 500g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Prawns
Start by rinsing the prawns under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, combine the prawns with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating will help thicken the sauce and give the prawns a lovely texture when cooked.
Step 2: Heating the Oil
In a large wok or non-stick frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the prawns; a good indicator is when the oil starts to shimmer.
Step 3: Stir-frying the Prawns
Add the prawns to the hot oil in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This typically takes around 5-7 minutes in total. Once cooked, remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Cooking the Garlic
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Stir it quickly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful as garlic can burn easily.
Step 5: Combining with Sauces
Return the cooked prawns to the pan with the garlic. Pour in the soy sauce and, if desired, oyster sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the prawns are well-coated in the flavorful sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Final Touches
After everything is well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 7: Serving
Scoop the prawn stir fry onto a plate over a bed of freshly cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped spring onions for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Conclusion
This Chinese prawn stir fry with soy sauce and garlic is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. It's a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your delicious meal!