Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns

These Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are an irresistible combination of heat, savory umami, and aromatic garlic. This dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still crave something bold and homemade.

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With simple ingredients and authentic flavors, this stir-fry style recipe balances sweet chili sauce, soy, garlic, and a touch of heat to create a restaurant-worthy experience in your own kitchen. Whether served with jasmine rice or noodles, it’s a dish that delivers fiery comfort in every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500g) raw prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

• 1 ½ tbsp sweet chili sauce

• ½ tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 spring onion, finely sliced

• Fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional garnish)

• Cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese wine, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until golden and fragrant.

3. Add prawns and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to change color.

4. Pour in the sauce mix and stir to coat the prawns well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and prawns are fully cooked.

5. Garnish with sliced spring onion and fresh red chili if desired.

6. Serve immediately over freshly steamed rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why This Dish Works

What makes Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns so successful in both home kitchens and restaurant menus is its harmony of ingredients. Garlic and chili form a spicy-sweet backbone that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of prawns. Soy sauce and oyster sauce add depth and umami, while sesame oil contributes a nutty finish. The whole dish comes together in minutes, proving that you don’t need complicated methods or long cooking times to make something exceptional.

Another winning aspect is its versatility. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, it adapts seamlessly to different tastes and dietary needs. It’s gluten-free friendly (with the right sauce choices), low in carbs if served without rice, and high in protein, making it a great fit for a wide variety of diets.

Cultural Influence and Origins

While the exact origin of Chilli Garlic Prawns isn’t pinned to one single cuisine, it draws strong inspiration from Chinese stir-fry techniques and Southeast Asian spice profiles. You’ll find similar versions in Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian kitchens—each adding a local twist through the use of indigenous herbs or specific types of chili.

In Chinese cuisine, dishes like this are often served as part of a multi-dish spread, offering contrast to milder or more texture-focused foods like steamed greens or tofu. The vibrant heat and garlicky punch cut through richer dishes, making it a valuable component in balanced meal planning.

Health and Nutrition Benefits

Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and B12. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular and brain health. The use of garlic and chili isn’t just for flavor—both ingredients offer notable health benefits. Garlic is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and heart-friendly properties, while chili peppers can help boost metabolism and contain antioxidants like vitamin C and capsaicin.

By stir-frying instead of deep-frying, the recipe retains a light and fresh quality that doesn’t feel greasy or overly indulgent. When paired with steamed rice or vegetables, it creates a balanced meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns pairs beautifully with many sides. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic option that absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter approach, try serving the prawns with cauliflower rice or a medley of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli.

For a more festive table, complement the prawns with spring rolls, cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, or even a Thai papaya salad for a textural and flavor contrast. If noodles are more your style, these prawns can be tossed into lo mein or rice noodles, transforming the dish into a complete, satisfying bowl.

Beverage-wise, the slight heat of this dish pairs excellently with crisp, slightly sweet white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Light beers or sparkling waters infused with citrus also make refreshing accompaniments.

Tips for Success

To make the most out of this recipe, here are a few expert tips:

• Use fresh or high-quality frozen prawns. The key to a tender, juicy bite lies in the freshness of the seafood. If using frozen prawns, thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

• Don’t overcook the prawns. They cook quickly—usually in just 4–5 minutes—and become rubbery if left on the heat too long.

• Prep everything beforehand. This dish moves fast, so have all your ingredients chopped, sauces mixed, and sides ready before you start cooking.

• Adjust spice levels to taste. The heat in this recipe can easily be toned down or amped up depending on your tolerance. Use fresh red chili for added heat or omit entirely for a milder version.

• Use a hot pan. Stir-frying relies on high heat to create a seared, slightly charred flavor. A wok or heavy-bottomed skillet works best for even heat distribution.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through—avoid microwaving for too long as it may toughen the prawns. While the texture of the prawns is best right after cooking, the flavors continue to develop, making leftovers surprisingly tasty.

You can also make the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3–4 days. This way, you only need to cook the prawns fresh and pour the pre-mixed sauce in during the final minutes—making this already fast recipe even more convenient.

Conclusion

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns encapsulates everything we love about Asian cooking—quick methods, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients all working in harmony. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is entirely manageable for home cooks of any skill level. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a midweek indulgence, this prawn dish is guaranteed to impress.

With minimal prep, a short cooking time, and the ability to scale up for larger groups, it offers a lot of reward for very little effort. Plus, it allows for customization—make it spicier, sweeter, or milder depending on your preference. Add vegetables, switch up the protein, or serve it in wraps or lettuce cups for a fun twist.

In the end, this dish isn’t just about cooking—it’s about bringing flavor and joy to your table with ease and style. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, not just because it’s delicious, but because it reminds you that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.