Cantonese Steamed Prawns Recipe

Cook Time: 21 minutes  

   Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cantonese Steamed Prawns Ingredients

Cantonese Steamed Prawns Instructions

  1. Rinse the prawns under cold running water, then use kitchen shears to cut along the back of each prawn, removing the vein but keeping the shell and head intact. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the cleaned prawns in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Toss gently to coat the prawns evenly. Let them marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Julienne 2 tablespoons of ginger and 3 scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Finely mince 1 clove of garlic. Thinly slice 1 small red chili if using for garnish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons chicken stock. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
  5. Arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer on a heatproof plate, curling them if desired for presentation. Scatter the julienned ginger and the white parts of the scallions evenly over the prawns.
  6. Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Place the plate of prawns in the steamer, cover, and steam over high heat for 5-6 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through.
  7. While the prawns are steaming, heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
  8. Once the prawns are done, carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Pour the hot sauce evenly over the prawns.
  9. Garnish the prawns with the green parts of the scallions, sliced red chili, and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Estimated Calories: 120, Servings: 4

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Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns Quick Mistake Fixes

Imagine a painter who gets a bit too enthusiastic with the salt in their palette, turning a delicate watercolor into a briny sea. When a dish leans too salty, it can drown out the best, most subtle flavors, much like a loud instrument in an orchestra. The key to a delicious and healthy meal is balance, so if the saltiness sneaks up, think of adding a quick splash of citrus or a fast sprinkle of fresh herbs to bring everything back into harmony. A good chef knows that even the best recipe can be rescued with a little creativity and a gentle touch.
Picture a beautiful silk scarf that's been left in the sun too long, losing its luster and becoming stiff. Overcooking can do the same to a dish, robbing it of its natural charm and making it less enjoyable. The best meals are like a well-timed performance, where every element is cooked just right for a great texture and taste. If things go awry and the dish feels tough or rubbery, a quick drizzle of a light sauce or a fast toss with a bit of oil can help restore some of that lost tenderness, making the meal easy to enjoy again.
Think of a painting that's all one color, lacking the contrast that makes the image pop. A bland dish can feel the same way, missing the spark that makes it memorable. The best way to fix this is to act like an artist adding highlights and shadows, using a quick dash of fresh aromatics or a fast squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. Even a good recipe can sometimes need a last minute adjustment, and with a little attention, you can turn a plain meal into something truly delicious and satisfying.

Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns Pairings

Imagine the flavors that pair with Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns as a symphony, where each note must be both delicate and harmonious. The best supporting flavors are like a gentle breeze on a warm day: think of ginger and scallion, which add a quick, fresh lift, or a splash of soy sauce, which brings a savory depth without overpowering. A good recipe for a dipping sauce, such as a light garlic and chili oil, can be as transformative as a new coat of paint in a familiar room, making the experience both delicious and exciting. The key is to keep things healthy and easy, letting the natural sweetness of the prawns shine, much like a soloist in a well-rehearsed orchestra.
Pairing foods with this dish is like assembling a cast for a play, where each actor must complement the star without stealing the spotlight. A great choice is a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, which acts as a blank canvas, soaking up the juices and flavors in a way that is both fast and satisfying. Lightly stir-fried greens, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli, are like the best supporting actors, adding color and crunch while keeping the meal healthy and balanced. For a quick and easy addition, a simple egg drop soup can round out the meal, providing warmth and comfort like a cozy blanket on a cool evening.
When it comes to drinks, think of the pairing as choosing the right soundtrack for a road trip: it should enhance the journey without distracting from the scenery. A good non-alcoholic option is a chilled jasmine tea, which is as refreshing and cleansing as a quick rain shower, helping to reset the palate between bites. For those who prefer something with a bit more kick, a light, crisp lager or a dry white wine can be the best companions, echoing the dish's clean flavors and making the meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you opt for a healthy tea or a delicious glass of wine, the right drink can turn a simple dinner into a memorable event.

Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns Story

Trying this dish for the first time was like opening a well-wrapped present on a day when you least expect it. I remember sitting at a round table with my family, laughter bouncing around like ping pong balls, everyone eager to see what would come next. The anticipation was as thick as the air before a summer storm, and when the dish arrived, it felt like the best part of a story just about to unfold. My uncle, always the storyteller, claimed he had found the recipe from a friend who swore it was the secret to a good meal and a great evening.
The experience was as quick and easy as learning to ride a bike with training wheels. There was no fuss, no complicated steps, just a fast introduction to something new and exciting. My cousin, who usually avoided anything unfamiliar, dove in with the enthusiasm of a child at a playground. The whole process felt healthy, not just for the body but for the spirit, as if we were all sharing a secret handshake that only we understood. It was a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy.
After that meal, I felt as if I had discovered a delicious shortcut to happiness, like finding a scenic route that gets you to your destination faster and with a better view. The memory lingered, warm and comforting, like a favorite sweater on a chilly day. Even now, whenever I think back to that evening, I am reminded that the best moments are often the ones that come together effortlessly, leaving you grateful for the company and the experience.

Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns Tips

Crafting the best Cantonese Steamed Prawns recipe is like tuning a musical instrument-each step and ingredient must harmonize for a perfect melody. The freshness of your prawns is the lead violinist; only the best, plump, and lively prawns will deliver a truly authentic and delicious result. Think of the marinade as the conductor, guiding the flavors to blend seamlessly. Using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures your homemade dish sings with natural sweetness and umami.
Approaching this easy and quick recipe is like assembling a puzzle: every piece, from the aromatics to the garnishes, has its place. The way you arrange the prawns on the plate is akin to setting the stage for a play-presentation matters for that restaurant-quality, tasty finish. Steaming is the gentle brushstroke of a painter, preserving the delicate texture and flavor, so timing is crucial; overcooking is like leaving a cake in the oven too long, resulting in dryness instead of succulence.
If you want your Cantonese Steamed Prawns to stand out, think of the sauce as the final flourish on a masterpiece painting. Pouring it over the prawns just before serving locks in the aroma and elevates the dish from simple to extraordinary. For the best results, remember that every detail counts-like a jeweler inspecting a diamond, pay attention to freshness, timing, and balance. These tips will help you master how to make this quick, easy, and authentic recipe, ensuring a tasty and perfect dish every time.

About Cantonese-Style Steamed Prawns Recipe

If you're searching for the best recipe to impress your friends and family, look no further than this Cantonese classic: Steamed Prawns. I swear, every time I make this dish, people think I've been secretly training with a master chef in Hong Kong. The best part? It's so easy and quick, you'll have a delicious meal on the table before anyone can say "takeout." The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them at home. Trust me, once you learn how to make this authentic homemade recipe, you'll never go back to boring old shrimp again.
Let's talk about the magic behind this tasty dish. The secret to perfect Cantonese Steamed Prawns is all in the preparation. You want to use the freshest prawns you can find-don't be shy about sniffing around at the seafood counter! The recipe calls for a few key ingredients: ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of Shaoxing wine. These flavors come together to create a mouthwatering aroma that will have your neighbors peeking over the fence. My top tips? Don't over-steam the prawns, and always serve them piping hot for the best results. It's so simple, even my cat could probably make it (if only she had thumbs).
If you're wondering how to make this dish truly stand out, here's my advice: keep it authentic, but don't be afraid to add your own twist. Some people like to toss in a bit of chili for extra heat, while others swear by a sprinkle of fresh scallions. No matter how you tweak the recipe, the end result is always tasty and satisfying. This homemade Cantonese Steamed Prawns recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a quick and easy meal that tastes like it took hours. Give it a try, and you'll see why it's one of the best dishes in my kitchen repertoire!