Prawn stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines juicy prawns with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone who wants a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish can be easily adapted to suit different preferences and is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. The beauty of a prawn stir fry lies in its simplicity and the way it brings out the natural sweetness of prawns while absorbing the rich flavors of the stir-fry sauce. Whether served over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, prawn stir fry is always a winning choice for seafood lovers.
Ingredients for Prawn Stir Fry
This recipe serves approximately 3-4 people and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 400 grams (about 14 oz) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 spring onions, chopped (optional)
For the stir-fry sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavor)
- Chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (optional, for heat)
Preparing the Prawns
Start by cleaning the prawns thoroughly. Remove the shells and devein them if not already done. Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel to help them sear better during cooking. If you prefer more flavor, you can marinate the prawns briefly with a teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper while you prep the vegetables and sauce.
Preparing the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili if using. Mix well. For a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and add it to the mixture. Set this sauce aside; it will be added near the end of the cooking process to bring everything together.
Cooking the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and broccoli first, as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then add the bell peppers and zucchini. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Cooking the Prawns
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the prawns in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the prawns as they can become rubbery. Return the vegetables to the pan once the prawns are cooked through.
Combining Sauce and Ingredients
Give the stir-fry sauce a quick stir and pour it over the prawns and vegetables. Mix everything well so the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or chili for extra punch.
Serving Suggestions
Prawn stir fry is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Here are a few serving ideas to enjoy it to the fullest:
- Over steamed rice: White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well.
- With noodles: Serve with stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for a more filling meal.
- In lettuce cups: For a low-carb option, spoon the stir fry into fresh lettuce leaves.
- With quinoa or couscous: For a modern twist, try pairing with whole grains instead of rice.
Tips for a Successful Prawn Stir Fry
- Use high heat for cooking to get that classic stir-fry flavor.
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking stir fry is quick and doesn’t allow time for chopping mid-way.
- Do not overcook the prawns; they should just turn pink and curl slightly.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for better texture and appearance.
- If using frozen prawns, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Possible Variations
This prawn stir fry recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have at home or your personal taste:
Spicy Garlic Prawn Stir Fry
Increase the amount of garlic and add fresh red chili or chili paste to give the dish a bold, spicy flavor.
Lemon or Lime Twist
Add a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end of cooking for a zesty touch that complements the seafood flavor.
Peanut or Cashew Prawn Stir Fry
Stir in a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for crunch and added depth of flavor.
Sweet and Sour Variation
Add pineapple chunks and a tablespoon of vinegar along with a bit more sugar to create a tangy-sweet version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, prawn stir fry can be stored and enjoyed the next day with good results:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Seafood is best consumed fresh, so do not keep it too long.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or microwave just until warm. Avoid overcooking to keep the prawns tender.
- Do not freeze: Freezing may affect the texture of the prawns and vegetables, making them watery when thawed.
Why This Recipe Works
This prawn stir fry recipe is a perfect balance of speed, nutrition, and flavor. It makes a great weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Using fresh ingredients ensures a vibrant dish, and the stir-fry technique keeps everything crisp and light. With just a few ingredients and a hot pan, you can recreate this restaurant-quality seafood stir fry at home with ease.
Prawn stir fry is a versatile and flavorful dish that showcases the delicate taste of prawns in a simple, delicious way. With crunchy vegetables and a savory sauce, it’s a wholesome meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or relaxed weekend dinners, this recipe offers both convenience and taste. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, and enjoy a dish that’s bursting with freshness and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Once you master the basics, prawn stir fry will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.