15Minute Sweet Sour Prawns Wok This Way
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something sweet and savoury, but can't be arsed with a long cook? I know I do! That's where these Sweet and sour prawns come in.
It's a flavour explosion that's ready faster than you can say "Chinese takeaway recipe".
Quick as a Flash, Flavour that Smashes!
This isn't your nan's prawn cocktail! It's a restaurant style sweet and sour prawns, quick prawn recipe and total game changer.
The main hook here is that sweet and savoury combo we all know and love, but with a cheeky bit of heat.
The Kalamansi sweet and sour prawns bring that vibrant citrus tang.
A Little Bit About the Magic
Okay, so Sweet and sour dishes? Yeah, you see them all over. This one's a 15 minute prawn dinner inspired by that classic Chinese takeaway recipe but with a slightly different kick.
Think Filipino influence. This recipe is dead easy, suitable for a beginner, and will be ready in about 15 minutes.
It makes enough for four, so grab your mates and get stuck in.
Why You'll Be Obsessed
The health benefits are a plus. Prawns are a good source of protein! It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you fancy something a bit special without the faff.
This Easy prawn stir fry is so special, quick, and yummy; you will be using it again and again. The prawns with tomato based sauce is just so irresistible!
Right then, let's have a butchers at what you'll need. Here's that list you asked for, guv'nor, all spick and span and ready to go.
Think of it as your equivalent of "bangers and mash" - a classic combo that just works. Onwards to the list to make Sweet and sour prawns!
Ingredients & Equipment: Sweet and Sour Prawns Edition
Fancy some sweet and sour prawns tonight? It's way easier than you think! Forget ordering in, this quick prawn recipe is faster than waiting for delivery.
Plus, it tastes like a proper restaurant style sweet and sour prawns , but without the greasy takeaway feel. Here's that list you asked for, guv'nor, all spick and span and ready to go.
I've had so many attempts to making this recipe, and it is totally worth sharing this, this easy prawn stir fry !
Main Ingredients: Prawn Star Power
Alright, let's gather our troops. This recipe serves 4 hungry folks.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (US & Metric)
- Onion (thinly sliced): 1 large (approx. 150g / 5 oz )
- Red Chili (deseeded, chopped): 1 large (adjust to taste!)
- Raw Prawns (peeled, deveined): 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Heitz Tomato Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml / 4 fl oz)
- Chili ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml / 4 fl oz)
- Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tsp
- Kalamansi Juice (or lime): 1 tsp
For the prawns, go for decent ones! Fresh is best, obvs. But frozen, properly defrosted, is fine too. Just make sure they smell fresh and don't have any weird discoloration.
Seasoning Secrets: The Magic Touch
This sweet and sour sauce recipe is all about balance.
- Essential Combo: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Vinegar. This is your base.
- Flavor Enhancers: The chili gives it a kick, the Kalamansi adds a lovely citrus zing.
- Quick Swaps: No red wine vinegar? Rice vinegar works too. Don't have Kalamansi juice? Sub with lime or lemon, it's the Kalamansi sweet and sour prawns alternative.
Essential Equipment: Kitchen Kit Essentials
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this Chinese takeaway recipe dish. This is one 15 minute prawn dinner .
- A good Wok/Frying Pan. A wok is perfect for stir fry prawns .
- Mixing Bowl, Measuring Spoons/Cups, Knife, Cutting Board
A decent sized wok or frying pan is key. A wok gets hotter, which I reckon makes this prawns with tomato based sauce taste better.
Honestly, even a good non-stick frying pan will do the job. You just don't want to overcrowd the pan. As a pro tip, butterfly the prawns by slicing along their backs but not completely through.
The Quick prawn recipe becomes faster and more tasty.
Don't forget to check out other recipes, I love making a prawn curry after this recipe!
Cooking Method: Wok This Way to Sweet & Sour Prawns!
Alright, let's talk cooking. Fancy a takeaway classic, but feel like making it yourself? I have the perfect thing. We're diving headfirst into a quick prawn recipe that's both easy and delicious: Sweet and sour prawns .
Here's that list you asked for, guv'nor, all spick and span and ready to go! Forget waiting for the delivery driver; this is ready in 15 minutes.
Honest.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Essential mise en place is key for this 15 minute prawn dinner . Honestly, chopping the onion before will save you time.
Measure out your sauce ingredients too. Quick prep means even quicker cooking. For safety, be careful when chopping the chili! Wash your hands after!
step-by-step: Prawn Perfection
Here's the easy peasy process. Even if you're a beginner, you'll nail it.
- Whisk together the sweet and sour sauce recipe . Heitz tomato ketchup, chili ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, red wine vinegar, and kalamansi juice that's the magic.
- Sauté sliced onion and red chili in hot oil until softened. About 2 minutes should do it.
- Add the prawns. Stir fry prawns until they're pink and opaque. About 2- 3 minutes .
- Pour in that glorious sauce.
- Simmer for a minute. The sauce needs to thicken.
- Stir in diced cucumber (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips: Take it to the Next Level!
Don't overcrowd the pan. If you do, the prawns steam, not stir fry! Prep all ingredients beforehand for a quick and easy easy prawn stir fry . Butterfly the prawns too!
Common mistakes? Overcooking is a disaster. No one likes rubbery prawns! make-ahead? You can prep the sauce in advance! That will save time during cooking.
You can use kalamansi juice or lime juice as a substitute. Also, you can serve this stir fry prawns recipe with steamed rice or egg noodles.
It's the perfect Chinese takeaway recipe at home! I had a go at Restaurant style sweet and sour prawns and it was divine!.
Here's that list you asked for, guv'nor, all spick and span and ready to go!
Recipe Notes - Sweet and Sour Prawns Edition
Right then, here's the lowdown on making your Sweet and sour prawns absolutely top-notch. Think of this as my notes to you, your mate, about how to ace this dish! I’ve made this a million times, honestly, and these tips are gold.
I am very confident it’s a quick prawn recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Serving Sweet and Sour Prawns with Style
So, you've cooked up a storm of Sweet and sour prawns . How do you make it look posh? For plating, pile your easy prawn stir fry high on a bed of fluffy rice.
Scatter some spring onions over for a pop of colour. Maybe a cheeky wedge of lime on the side too.
It makes a difference, honestly! As for drinks, try a crisp, cold lager. Or go fancy with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Either way, you're onto a winner.
Storing your Stir fry Prawns
Got leftovers? Don't chuck 'em! Let the Sweet and sour prawns cool completely. Then, bung them in an airtight container and into the fridge.
They'll be good for about 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave them until piping hot. Or, if you're feeling fancy, stir fry them again in a pan.
Not sure on freezing the sauce tends to get a bit gloopy, to be honest. Best eaten fresh, eh? So you have your chinese takeaway recipe available on demand.
Adaptations to your Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
This recipe is super flexible. Want to ditch the gluten? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Boom, gluten-free Prawns with tomato based sauce .
Fancy a lighter version? Swap the sugar for honey. And remember you could use any brand of Tomato Ketchup. I'm not precious.
In the summer, throw in some fresh pineapple chunks. You know, give it a tropical twist! Here's that list you asked for, guv'nor, all spick and span and ready to go.
Think of it as your equivalent of "bangers and mash" - a classic combo that just works!
Nutrition Know How
Okay, let's get real. It is not really a diet meal. But it's not bad either! The Sweet and sour prawns are packed with protein.
Plus, you get some vitamins from the veggies. Just watch the sugar content in the sauce, yeah? Restaurant style sweet and sour prawns can be healthy ish, if you play it right! It will become your best and easiest 15 minute prawn dinner!
So, there you have it! A proper Sweet and sour prawns recipe with all the trimmings. Get in the kitchen and give it a go.
It will become one of your favorite quick prawn recipe, even if you try kalamansi sweet and sour prawns. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet and sour prawns ahead of time?
While this sweet and sour prawns dish is best served immediately for optimal flavour and texture, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to cook, simply sauté the aromatics and prawns, and add the pre-made sauce.
Just be aware that the prawns themselves can become a little rubbery if left too long in the sauce.
What's the best way to store leftover sweet and sour prawns?
Leftover sweet and sour prawns should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll be good for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the prawns tough like old boots!
To avoid this, you can also add a few drops of water while reheating to retain moisture.
Help! My sweet and sour sauce is too sweet. How can I fix it?
Don't panic! If your sweet and sour sauce has gone a bit "Mary Berry gone wild" and is too sugary, you can easily balance it out. Add a splash more of red wine vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon or kalamansi juice. A pinch of salt can also help cut through the sweetness.
Taste as you go until you reach that perfect balance.
I'm not a fan of spice. Can I make this sweet and sour prawns recipe without chili?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference. Simply omit the red chili altogether for a mild version. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce instead, allowing you to control the heat level more precisely.
If you're feeling brave, consider adding a tiny amount of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavour without the heat.
Can I use frozen prawns for this sweet and sour prawns recipe?
Frozen prawns are perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help them brown properly in the wok or pan. Nobody wants soggy prawns!
Are there any healthier substitutions I can make to this sweet and sour prawns dish?
You bet! To make this dish healthier, you could use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in the sauce to reduce the sugar content. You can also increase the amount of vegetables by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake, and consider using olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier fat option.
15minute Sweet Sour Prawns Wok This Way
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
