Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with delicious Asian-inspired flavors, these prawns are perfectly spiced and succulent, with a delightful balance of heat from the red chili flakes, richness from the oyster sauce, and a zesty finish from the lime juice. Quick to prepare, this dish requires just 30 minutes to make, offering a fantastic combination of convenience and flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh coriander leaves for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Ensure the prawns are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them fry evenly.
Step 2: Heat Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. You want the oil to be hot enough to cook the prawns quickly.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Add the Prawns
Toss the prawns into the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the prawns turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them, as prawns cook quickly.
Step 5: Spice it Up
Sprinkle in the red chili flakes, stirring well to coat the prawns evenly. Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your desired spice level.
Step 6: Incorporate Sauces
Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan, mixing everything thoroughly. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Finish with Lime
Drizzle lime juice over the prawns and give them a final stir. The lime will add a nice zing and balance out the heat.
Step 8: Garnish
Remove the pan from heat and garnish the prawns with chopped spring onions and fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Transfer the prawns to a serving dish immediately. Serve them hot, and enjoy the flavorful heat of the chili garlic prawns!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage
These prawns are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a pan to avoid overcooking.
Tips for the Best Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns
- Adjust spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer chili flakes or skip them altogether. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance out the heat.
- Use fresh prawns: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh prawns. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the prawns: Prawns cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Serve with a side: These prawns pair perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can use a substitute like hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative for a similar flavor.
2. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan.
3. How can I adjust the flavor for a less spicy dish?
To reduce the heat, you can decrease the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether. You can also balance the spice with a bit of honey or sugar for sweetness.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the prawns and sauces ahead of time and cook them just before serving.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snow peas to the dish for added color and texture. Stir-fry them before adding the prawns for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
These Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are the ultimate combination of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether served as a main dish with rice or as a starter at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress!

Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
Description
These Asian Chilli Garlic Prawns are a quick, flavorful, and spicy dish that combines succulent prawns with a savory, tangy sauce. Perfect for any meal, this dish offers a zesty kick from red chili flakes and a rich finish from oyster sauce and lime juice.
Ingredients
500g prawns, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the Prawns: Toss the prawns into the pan and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the prawns.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and stir well to coat the prawns evenly. Adjust spice level to your taste.
- Incorporate Sauces: Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing everything thoroughly. Let it cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Finish with Lime: Drizzle lime juice over the prawns and give them a final stir to balance out the heat.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions and fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish immediately and serve hot.
Notes
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes or skip them altogether. A touch of sugar can balance the heat.
Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.
For an alternative to oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg