Beijing Fried Prawns Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Beijing Fried Prawns Ingredients

Beijing Fried Prawns Instructions

  1. Rinse the peeled and deveined prawns under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Leave the tails on for presentation.
  2. Place the prawns in a bowl and add 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine. Toss well to coat the prawns evenly.
  3. Add 1 large egg white to the prawns and gently mix until the prawns are coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinkiang black vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
  5. Heat 2 tbsp of peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the saucepan. Add 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup ice-cold sparkling water until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
  8. Remove the marinated prawns from the refrigerator. Pat them dry again if needed. Dip each prawn into the batter, ensuring an even coating.
  9. Heat 2 cups peanut oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the prawns in batches, without crowding the pan, for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Turn once for even cooking.
  10. Transfer the fried prawns to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  11. Reheat the sauce over low heat if needed. Add the fried prawns to the sauce and toss gently to coat each prawn evenly.
  12. Arrange the sauced prawns on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the green parts of the sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
  13. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Estimated Calories: 327, Servings: 3

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Healthy Beijing Fried Prawns Tips

If you're looking to boost the health factor of your favorite Bejing Fried Prawns recipe, there are plenty of easy and quick tweaks you can make without sacrificing that delicious, authentic flavor. Start by choosing the best, freshest prawns as your main ingredients-this ensures you're getting maximum protein with minimal fat. For a healthier homemade version, swap out deep frying for a light pan-fry or even oven-bake method. This simple change cuts down on oil while still delivering that tasty, crispy texture. Using heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil is another great tip for keeping your Bejing Fried Prawns recipe both authentic and good for your health.
To make your Bejing Fried Prawns even more health-conscious, load up on fresh veggies as part of the dish or as a side. This not only adds color and crunch but also boosts the nutritional value. When it comes to the sauce, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners to keep things light and perfect for your health goals. Don't forget, the best recipes are those that balance flavor and health, so experiment with spices and herbs for extra taste without extra calories. With these tips, you'll have a quick, easy, and healthy Bejing Fried Prawns recipe that's both simple to make and absolutely delicious!

About Beijing Fried Prawns Recipe

If you're searching for the best and most authentic way to enjoy seafood, the Bejing Fried Prawns recipe is a must-try! This dish is renowned for its delicious flavors and crispy texture, making it a favorite among food lovers. The combination of simple ingredients and easy steps ensures that anyone can master how to make this tasty treat at home. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this homemade recipe will quickly become your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal.
What makes this Bejing Fried Prawns recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The prawns are coated in a light, crispy batter that locks in all the juicy goodness, resulting in a dish that's both crunchy and succulent. With just a few easy tips and the right ingredients, you can recreate the best restaurant-quality fried prawns in your own kitchen. The recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
If you've ever wondered how to make the most delicious and authentic Bejing Fried Prawns, this recipe is your answer! Follow the simple steps, use fresh ingredients, and don't forget the tips for achieving that perfect golden crunch. Serve these tasty prawns as an appetizer or main course, and watch them disappear in no time. For anyone looking for the best homemade fried prawns, this quick and easy recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends!

Beijing Fried Prawns History

Beijing Fried Prawns have a great cultural origin that ties back to the imperial kitchens of old Beijing, where chefs were always on the lookout for the best ways to impress royalty with delicious and visually stunning dishes. The recipe became a symbol of good hospitality and was often served during important banquets and celebrations. It is easy to see why this dish became so popular, as it combines the fast cooking techniques of northern China with a focus on fresh, healthy seafood, which was considered a luxury at the time.
Over the years, the recipe for Beijing Fried Prawns has evolved in some pretty interesting ways. Originally, it was a dish reserved for the elite, but as access to seafood became more widespread, home cooks started to develop their own quick and easy versions. Some modern takes on the recipe use less oil or swap in different seasonings to make it more healthy, while still keeping that delicious, crispy texture that everyone loves. It is a good example of how traditional recipes can adapt to changing tastes and lifestyles without losing their core appeal.
Regional adaptations have played a big role in making Beijing Fried Prawns a favorite across China and even beyond. In southern regions, for example, cooks might add a touch of sweetness or use different types of prawns to suit local preferences. Meanwhile, in international Chinese restaurants, chefs often put their own spin on the recipe to appeal to local palates, making it a great ambassador for Beijing cuisine. This flexibility is one of the reasons why the dish remains so popular and why it is often recommended as a must-try for anyone looking for a fast, easy, and delicious introduction to the best of Beijing's food culture.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, the best way to keep Beijing Fried Prawns fresh is to use an airtight container and pop them in the fridge as soon as they cool down. This easy step helps lock in that delicious flavor and keeps the texture from getting soggy. If you want to make this recipe ahead for a quick meal, storing it properly is key to maintaining its healthy appeal and ensuring it is safe to eat later.Shelf life is another important factor to consider with this dish. Generally, Beijing Fried Prawns will stay good in the refrigerator for up to two days, making them a great option for fast lunches or dinners. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy leftovers, just remember that seafood does not last as long as other proteins, so it is best to eat them sooner rather than later for the best taste and safety.Reheating is a topic that can make or break your leftover experience. For the best results, use an oven or air fryer to reheat the prawns, as this method helps retain their crispy texture and keeps the dish tasting delicious. Microwaving is a fast and easy option, but it can make the coating a bit soggy, so it is not always the best choice if you want to enjoy the recipe as intended. A quick reheat at a high temperature will help you get that great flavor back in no time.

Beijing Fried Prawns Story

Trying this dish for the first time really made me pause and reflect on my own food choices. Growing up, my family always emphasized eating what we considered healthy and sticking to recipes that had been passed down for generations. Anything outside of that comfort zone felt risky, and I was taught to be cautious about new flavors and cooking methods. So, when I was presented with this dish, I felt a clash between my upbringing and the curiosity to try something new. It was not easy to set aside those ingrained beliefs, but I realized that sometimes the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Culturally, I have always associated meals with certain rituals and expectations, and this dish challenged those ideas in a big way. The preparation was so quick and the flavors so bold that it made me question why I had always believed that good food had to be complicated or time consuming. It was a great reminder that delicious meals can be both fast and easy, and that sometimes the most memorable dishes are the ones that break the rules you have set for yourself. This experience encouraged me to be more open minded and to appreciate the diversity of food traditions around the world.
From a personal perspective, I have always tried to stick to what I thought was a healthy diet, avoiding anything that seemed too indulgent or unfamiliar. But after tasting this dish, I realized that balance is key and that enjoying something new does not mean you are abandoning your values. In fact, it can be a good way to learn and grow. I took away a new appreciation for the creativity that goes into developing a great recipe, and I am now more willing to try new things, knowing that every meal is an opportunity to expand my horizons.