Ingredients:

For the Crispy Prawns:

• Raw prawns (as many as you want, peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs or cereals for coating (alternatively, you can use crushed cornflakes for added texture)
• 1/2 cup of common flour (all-purpose flour)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Salt, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or any other high-smoking point oil)

For Sauce 1 (Spicy Mayo Sauce):

• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• A few drops of spicy Tabasco sauce (or more depending on how spicy you like it)

For Sauce 2 (Lemon Herb Mayo Sauce):

• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• Juice of half a lemon
• Lemon zest (from the same lemon)
• Fresh or frozen aromatic herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Prawns:
   • Start by cleaning the prawns, if not already done. Peel the prawns, leaving the tails on for presentation (optional), and devein them by making a small slit along the back and removing the black vein. Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Coating the Prawns:
   • Set up a breading station by placing three shallow bowls:
     • In the first bowl, add the flour and season with a pinch of salt.
     • In the second bowl, beat the egg until it’s smooth and homogenous.
     • In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs or crushed cereals (for a crunchier texture, use more cereal).
   • Dip each prawn into the flour, coating it lightly. Shake off the excess flour. Then, dip it into the egg, followed by coating it in the breadcrumbs or cereals. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the prawn to ensure an even coating.
3. Frying the Prawns:
   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a large saucepan over medium-high heat. To test the oil, drop a small piece of bread into it. If it browns quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
   • Carefully place the breaded prawns into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
   • Once the prawns are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
4. Make the Dipping Sauces:
   • For Sauce 1 (Spicy Mayo Sauce), simply mix the mayonnaise, paprika, and Tabasco sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of Tabasco to your preferred spice level.
   • For Sauce 2 (Lemon Herb Mayo Sauce), mix the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and zest. Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Serve:
   • Arrange the crispy prawns on a plate, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, and serve with the two dipping sauces on the side.
   • For a more elegant presentation, place the sauces in small dipping bowls beside the prawns.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10 minutes

Total Time:

• 25 minutes

Kcal (Approximate per serving):

• 250 kcal (for about 6 prawns with sauce)

Servings:

• This recipe serves about 2-3 people as an appetizer or 1 person as a main dish. You can easily scale up the ingredients depending on the number of servings.

Explanation of the Recipe:

Crispy prawns are the perfect combination of tender, juicy seafood encased in a light and crunchy coating. The use of panko breadcrumbs or crushed cereals gives these prawns a distinct texture that sets them apart from your typical fried shrimp or tempura. The key to getting that perfect crunch is to make sure the prawns are coated evenly in the flour, egg, and panko mixture. The egg acts as the glue, binding the dry ingredients to the prawns, while the panko ensures the crispy exterior.

The two sauces that accompany these prawns take them from delicious to unforgettable. The first sauce is a creamy, spicy blend of mayonnaise and paprika, with a little kick from the Tabasco sauce. It adds richness and heat to the prawns. The second sauce, on the other hand, is a refreshing, tangy dip made with lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs. This brings a light and zesty contrast to the crispy, savory prawns, balancing out the richness of the mayo-based sauce.

The versatility of this recipe is one of the reasons why crispy prawns have stood the test of time. Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner, a special event, or as a snack for a movie night, they are always a crowd-pleaser. The dipping sauces allow for customization, ensuring that there’s a flavor for everyone – from those who like it spicy to those who prefer a fresh, citrusy twist.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 6 prawns with sauce):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure the coating stays crispy when fried.

2. Can I bake the prawns instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the prawns at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Baking will result in a less greasy version but will still give a crispy texture.

3. Can I use other seafood for this recipe? Absolutely! This recipe works well with other seafood like squid rings, fish fillets, or scallops. Just ensure the seafood is properly coated and cooked until golden brown.

4. What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dipping sauce? If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or an avocado-based sauce.

Tips for Making the Perfect Crispy Prawns:

• Pat the prawns dry: Make sure to remove excess moisture from the prawns before breading. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the prawns in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy prawns.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough: The oil should be at the right temperature (around 180°C or 350°F) before frying. If it’s too cold, the prawns will absorb more oil, making them greasy instead of crispy.
• Experiment with the sauces: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the dipping sauces to suit your preferences. Add more lemon zest for a tangy kick or more Tabasco for extra heat.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftover prawns, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) to regain the crispy texture.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the breaded prawns, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, bake or fry directly from frozen.

Conclusion:

Crispy prawns are a timeless, versatile dish that brings joy to seafood lovers everywhere. With their golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy prawn inside, they make for an irresistible treat. Paired with two flavorful dipping sauces—one spicy and creamy, the other fresh and citrusy—this dish offers something for everyone. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, crispy prawns will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Try them today and enjoy the irresistible crunch and delightful flavor that make them truly unforgettable.