How to make battered prawns
Are you a seafood lover? If so, you’re in for a treat! Battered prawns, also known as deep-fried prawns, are a delicious and crispy appetizer that is quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-worthy dish at home, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds.
What makes battered prawns so irresistible is the perfect combination of juicy prawns and a crispy golden batter. The batter helps to lock in the moisture of the prawns while adding a delightful crunch to each bite. To achieve this, we will be using a simple yet flavorful batter made with flour, egg, and seasonings.
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to note that the key to making the best battered prawns lies in using fresh, quality prawns. Look for prawns that are firm, translucent, and have a mild sweet scent. With that said, let’s get started on this mouth-watering journey of creating your own battered prawns!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Battered Prawns
Are you craving delicious crispy battered prawns? Look no further! With this simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be enjoying homemade battered prawns in no time. Follow the steps below to get started.
Ingredients:
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Add the sparkling water to the flour mixture and whisk until you have a smooth batter. The batter consistency should be thick enough to lightly coat the prawns.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-based saucepan to 180°C (350°F).
- Dip each prawn into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
- Fry the prawns in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried prawns to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining prawns.
- Serve the battered prawns immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or tartar sauce.
Enjoy your crispy battered prawns as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main course. These irresistible prawns are bound to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. So, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start making delicious battered prawns, make sure you have the following ingredients:
Prawns
– Fresh or frozen prawns, preferably medium to large size.
Batter Mixture
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional).
– 1 cup of ice-cold sparkling water.
– Cooking oil for frying.
The Preparation Process
Before you start making battered prawns, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the preparation process:
| Ingredients: |
| Prawns |
| All-purpose flour |
| Cornstarch |
| Egg |
| Water |
| Salt |
| Black pepper |
| Vegetable oil |
1. Defrost the prawns: If using frozen prawns, make sure to defrost them thoroughly before starting the preparation process. Place them in a bowl and leave them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until they are completely defrosted.
2. Rinse the prawns: Once the prawns are defrosted, rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities or dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Gradually mix in water, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth and thick batter.
4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot, filling it approximately 1/3 of the way up. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 180°C/350°F.
5. Coat the prawns: Dip each prawn into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
6. Fry the prawns: Carefully place the battered prawns into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve hot: Once all the prawns are cooked, serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are perfect as a snack or appetizer and can be accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice.
Following these steps will ensure that you have delicious and crispy battered prawns ready to enjoy!
The Battering Technique
When it comes to making perfect battered prawns, the technique of battering plays a crucial role in achieving a crispy and golden exterior while ensuring the prawns remain tender and juicy inside.
To begin, gather all the ingredients needed for the batter. A classic batter usually consists of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and spices such as paprika or garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients together in a bowl before adding the liquid.
Next, slowly add cold water or club soda to the dry ingredients while whisking gently. The key is to create a smooth and thin batter that adheres well to the prawns. Keep whisking until there are no lumps in the batter.
Once the batter is ready, heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet. The oil should be hot enough to achieve a crunchy texture but not too hot that it burns the batter quickly. A temperature of around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (180 to 190 degrees Celsius) is recommended.
While the oil is heating, prep the prawns by cleaning and deveining them. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the batter stick better.
Now it’s time to coat the prawns with the batter. Using your hands or a pair of tongs, gently dip each prawn into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing the prawn into the hot oil.
Be mindful not to overcrowd the fryer or skillet – this reduces aeration around the prawns and can result in uneven frying. Fry the prawns in batches, turning them over if necessary, until they turn a beautiful golden brown all over. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once done, carefully remove the prawn from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle some salt and any desired seasoning while they are still hot. You can serve them as is or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Now, armed with the knowledge of the battering technique, you can confidently make crispy and tasty battered prawns to impress your guests or enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Frying and Serving the Prawns
Once the prawns are properly prepared and the batter is ready, it’s time to fry them. This is a crucial step in achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Frying the Prawns
Heat a deep pan or wok with enough vegetable oil for deep frying. The oil should be heated to about 180°C (350°F) for optimal results. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small dollop of batter into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within seconds, then you’re good to go.
Gently drop the battered prawns, one by one, into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can reduce the temperature of the oil and result in soggy prawns. Fry the prawns for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and become crispy.
Once fried, remove the prawns from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving the Prawns
Now that the battered prawns are perfectly fried, it’s time to serve them. There are several ways to serve them, depending on your preference.
You can simply serve the fried prawns as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili sauce or tartar sauce. Or, you can serve them as a main dish with some steamed rice or a salad.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the prawns to enhance their visual appeal. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the prawns just before serving to add a tangy flavor.
Now you’re ready to indulge in the deliciousness of your homemade battered prawns!
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