Name: Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g 500g (1 lb) prawns (Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen works well.); 1.5 tbsp 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil (Great for high-heat frying.); 1 tsp 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (Adds depth of flavor, use olive oil if unavailable.); 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves, very finely minced (Fresh garlic preferred for better flavor.); 2 tsp 2 tsp ginger, grated or finely chopped (Ginger adds a lovely zing, can substitute with ground ginger.); 1 tsp 1 tsp chilli flakes (Adjust based on spice tolerance.); 125 ml 1/2 cup (125 ml) water (Helps create the sauce; adjust amount for desired thickness.); 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Sriracha (Add more or less based on spice preference.); 2 tsp 2 tsp soy sauce, light or all-purpose (Enhances umami flavor.); 3 tbsp 3 tbsp brown sugar (Balances heat; white sugar can be used as a substitute.); Sesame seeds (For crunch and appearance.); Green onions, finely sliced (Adds fresh flavor.); Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped (Add to taste or omit for milder flavor.)

This Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one skillet for a quick dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those odds and ends hanging around. Seriously, this meal is perfect for a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

Prawns/Shrimp : 500g (1 lb)
Vegetable Oil : 1 1/2 tbsp
Sesame Oil : 1 tsp
3 garlic cloves
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp chilli flakes
1/2 cup (125 ml) water
3 tbsp Sriracha
2 tsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar

Garnishes

Sesame seeds : for crunch and appearance!
Green onions, finely sliced, gives a fresh flavor and a lovely herby touch.
Red chillies, finely sliced or chopped, add as much as you like, or skip it if you’re more of a mild food lover!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Get it nice and hot, this is where the magic starts!
Sear the Prawns: Toss in half of your shrimp and sear for about 45 seconds on each side until they’re golden and opaque. You want them to be beautifully cooked but not rubbery, nobody likes overcooked shrimp! Once they’re done, remove them into a bowl and repeat with the remaining prawns.
Let’s Cool it Down: Take the skillet off the heat for just a minute to cool slightly, don’t do this if you’re using a non-stick skillet! Keep an eye on it, your cooking surface should be hot but not smoking.
Sauté Aromatics: Turn the heat down to medium and add 1 tsp of toasted sesame oil to the skillet. Once it’s heated up, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chilli flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Oh my goodness, can you smell that? It’s to die for!
Create the Sauce: Add the 1/2 cup water, 3 tablespoons of Sriracha, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir well, then bring this mixture to a simmer, don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet! Let everything cook for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a nice syrupy consistency.
Finish off the Prawns: Now, return the seared prawns to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in that beautifully thick sauce, and heat through for about 1-2 minutes, or until everything is warmed nicely and your sauce coats the prawns perfectly.
Serve It Up: Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh chili slices, and green onions if you’re feeling fancy! Serve this delightful dish over a bed of rice to soak up all that incredible sauce (and hey, for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works splendidly).

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and comforting. My family, especially my kids, agonize over this dish! I love how I can toss in whatever I have on hand, whether it’s extra veggies, a different sauce, or even a different protein. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for meals that are customizable and come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

And the best part is… it’s quick but packed with tons of flavor! It’s one of those “surprise it’s better than takeout” kinds of meals, making it a weeknight superstar.

If you loved this Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) recipe, be sure to check out my Creamy Brazilian Fish Stew, my Moroccan Fish Tagine, or my Filipino Sweet Cured Pork!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings when you’re short on time but still want a fantastic meal.

One-Pan Wonder

You’ll love how this dish is cooked all in one pan! Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, leaving you time to relax after dinner or to spend quality time with your family.

Customizable

I adore that you can easily make this dish your own! Whether it’s switching up the protein, adding leftovers or mixing in seasonal vegetables, this recipe is like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Crowd-Pleaser

With its delicious blend of flavors and the kick from the chilli, this is a dish the whole family will adore! Kids and adults alike will be fancying their plates wiped clean.

Comfort Food

Let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of succulent prawns drenched in a spicy, savory sauce. It’s warm, it’s inviting… and loaded with amazing flavors!

Storage and Reheating

Serving Suggestions

Pair these yummy prawns with steamed jasmine rice, or if you’re feeling veggie-focused, serve over a fresh salad or with a side of broccoli. It’s also phenomenal with some crusty bread to dip into that sauce!

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the prawns may lose some of their initial crispy texture when reheated.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pour the prawns back into a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave, on a low setting, just avoid cooking them too long so they don’t turn rubbery!

Freezer Friendly?

I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish because shrimp can get a bit mushy. However, if you must, make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and they should last for about 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

So, there you go! An easy-to-follow, amazing recipe that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a new family favorite. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner or a dish to impress, these Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns have got you covered. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!