Prawn Stir Fry

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This Prawn Stir Fry is a burst of flavor and freshness! Plump prawns are quickly sautéed to juicy perfection and paired with vibrant green broccolini and crisp snow peas. The dish is brought together with a delicious ginger sesame sauce that coats everything with a savory, slightly sweet taste.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry is not only easy to make but also a healthy option packed with protein and vegetables. Serve it over a bowl of rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a stir-fry enthusiast or trying out something new, this Ginger Sesame Prawn Stir Fry will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Full Recipe:

250g / 8 oz medium prawns, raw, peeled, and deveined (or 500g / 1 lb whole prawns)

1/2 onion, sliced (brown or white)
2 tsp ginger, finely julienned (~2cm / 0.7″ piece)
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped (~ 2 cloves)

1 1/2 bunches broccolini, trimmed, cut into 5cm / 2″ lengths (~1 1/2 cups; sub with broccoli)
120g / 4 oz snow peas, thin string removed from both sides
2 tbsp oil (peanut, canola, or vegetable)

Stir Fry Sauce:

1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or sub with Mirin or dry sherry)
2 tsp oyster sauce (sub with vegetarian oyster sauce if needed)

1/2 tsp sesame oil (toasted for a nutty flavor)
1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
1/8 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)

3/4 cup water

Directions:

Steam broccolini: Steam broccolini until crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes. Set aside to drain and dry.
Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients except water until the cornflour is dissolved. Stir in water.

Cook prawns: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet on medium to medium-high heat. Add prawns in a single layer and cook for 1 1/2 minutes, then flip and cook for 1 minute until just cooked through. Remove prawns to a bowl and set aside.
Cook onion, ginger, and garlic: In the same wok or skillet, add more oil if needed. Add the onion and cook for 1 minute, then add ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until the onion softens.
Add snow peas and broccolini: Add snow peas to the pan, toss until coated with oil. Then add broccolini and toss through.

Add sauce and thicken: Stir the sauce (to dissolve any settled cornflour), then pour into the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a syrup consistency, coating all ingredients.
Add prawns back in: Return the prawns to the pan, including any juices. Toss for another 30 seconds until the prawns are warmed through. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 235 kcal | Servings: 3–4 servings (with rice)

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a balanced and nutritious meal, packed with lean protein from the prawns and fiber-rich vegetables like broccolini and snow peas. The ginger sesame sauce not only adds a delicious flavor but also comes with the health benefits of ginger, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive aid. With only 235 kcal per serving, this stir fry is a light yet satisfying meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Prawns: You can swap out the prawns for other proteins like chicken, tofu, or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may take longer to cook.

Broccolini and Snow Peas: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, or bok choy are great additions that will pair well with the sauce.
Chinese Cooking Wine: If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry, mirin, or even low-sodium chicken broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still taste great.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

Prep Ahead: Stir frying is a quick process, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables, peeling prawns, and mixing the sauce.

High Heat Cooking: Stir fry dishes are best cooked over high heat to quickly sear the ingredients, locking in flavor and ensuring the vegetables stay crisp. A wok is ideal, but a large skillet works too.
Don’t Overcook the Prawns: Cook the prawns just until they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink. Overcooked prawns become rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they are done and add them back only at the end to reheat.

Serving Suggestions

Rice: Traditional white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are great options to serve alongside this stir fry, as they soak up the delicious sauce.

Low-Carb Alternatives: For a low-carb meal, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s a great way to keep the meal light and fresh.
Noodles: If you’re in the mood for a noodle stir fry, toss in some cooked rice noodles or egg noodles to transform this into a hearty one-pan noodle dish.

Customizing the Flavor

Spice It Up: Add a little kick to your stir fry by sprinkling in some chili flakes or drizzling in a dash of sriracha. A pinch of white pepper also adds a mild heat that complements the ginger.

Add Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) or Thai basil added right before serving will give the dish a burst of freshness and a more complex flavor profile.
Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, cashews, or peanuts just before serving.

Storage and Leftovers

This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce as needed. Freezing is not recommended, as prawns can become tough when reheated.

A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Dish

One of the best things about this prawn stir fry is its versatility and adaptability to suit different tastes and dietary needs. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, and the quick cooking time makes it a great choice for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.

History and Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Stir frying originated in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. The technique was designed for high-heat cooking, which allowed for quick preparation while retaining nutrients, flavors, and textures of the ingredients. This Ginger Sesame Prawn Stir Fry draws inspiration from classic Cantonese dishes, which often pair seafood with fresh vegetables and a balanced sauce.

In Chinese cuisine, prawns are often considered a delicacy due to their sweet flavor and tender texture. They symbolize happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture, making prawn dishes popular choices for festive occasions like Lunar New Year and family gatherings.

Prawn Tips and Preparation

Choosing the Prawns: Fresh prawns are best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen prawns, thaw them properly before cooking. To do this, transfer the prawns to the fridge to defrost overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.
Peeled vs. Unpeeled: While peeled prawns are more convenient to cook and eat, leaving the tails on can add an attractive presentation to the dish. For ease of eating, you can remove the tails before cooking.
Deveining: If you’re using fresh prawns, remember to devein them by making a small incision along the back and removing the dark vein. This vein is the prawn’s digestive tract and can have a gritty texture if not removed.

Vegetable Preparation and Alternatives

Snow Peas: Snow peas add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to remove the stringy ends before tossing them into the pan. If you can’t find snow peas, snap peas are a great alternative, offering a similar crunch.
Broccolini vs. Broccoli: Broccolini has a milder taste and tender stalks, making it perfect for a stir fry. If you can’t find broccolini, regular broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans are great alternatives. Ensure the vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.
Other Veggie Additions: You can enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, baby corn, shiitake mushrooms, or carrots. These vegetables bring in a rainbow of colors and flavors, making the dish visually appealing and delicious.

Adjusting the Sauce to Your Taste

Soy Sauce: The recipe uses light soy sauce to keep the sauce clear, but if you prefer a deeper color and a richer umami flavor, you can use all-purpose soy sauce. However, avoid dark soy sauce, as it may overpower the dish and change its flavor.
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds depth and sweetness to the dish. For vegetarians or those who avoid seafood, vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms or soy is widely available and works perfectly as a substitute.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma. Add more if you want a pronounced sesame flavor, or drizzle it at the end as a finishing touch for extra fragrance.

Enhancing the Presentation and Garnish

Garnishing Ideas: Garnishing your stir fry is a simple way to elevate its look and flavor. Here are some garnish options:
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil can be sprinkled over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbal note.
- Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or lime zest over the stir fry can brighten up the flavors and add a zesty kick.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted white or black sesame seeds not only adds a lovely crunch but also enhances the sesame theme of the dish.
Serving with Style: For an elegant presentation, serve the stir fry on a large platter or in a shallow bowl with rice on the side. A side of sliced red chilies can also be placed for those who like a bit of spice.

Meal Pairings and Complementary Dishes

Starter Options: Pair this stir fry with classic Chinese starters such as spring rolls, potstickers (dumplings), or a warm bowl of hot and sour soup for a more authentic dining experience.

Accompaniments: Alongside rice, try pairing the stir fry with a side of sautéed bok choy, fried rice, or Chinese cabbage salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The stir fry also pairs wonderfully with noodles like chow mein or rice vermicelli for a noodle bowl version.

Adaptability for Different Dietary Preferences

Low-Sodium Option: For those watching their salt intake, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit the oyster sauce. The dish will still retain its savory flavor, with a lighter taste.
Vegan and Vegetarian Adaptation: To make the dish vegan, swap the prawns for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based protein of your choice. Ensure you use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy-based sauce to keep the flavor authentic.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a pan over medium heat to retain the texture and prevent the prawns from becoming tough.
Refreshing the Sauce: If the sauce thickens too much upon storing, simply add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back the glossy, syrupy consistency.

Balancing Flavors and Texture

The beauty of this stir fry lies in its balance of flavors – the savory notes of soy and oyster sauce, the nuttiness from sesame oil, and the slight sweetness of the snow peas. The tender yet crisp vegetables contrast beautifully with the juicy prawns, and the silky sauce coats each bite, making it irresistibly delicious. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavor-packed meal.

Culinary Experience and Cooking Techniques

Wok Cooking: Stir frying in a wok is a traditional Chinese cooking method that allows even heat distribution and quick cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet or frying pan with high sides will work, but keep the heat high to mimic the wok’s cooking style.
“Tender-Crisp” Vegetables: The term “tender-crisp” is used to describe vegetables that are just cooked enough to be tender but still have a bit of a crunch. To achieve this, cook the vegetables quickly over high heat, so they retain their vibrant color and nutrients.

Conclusion

This Ginger Sesame Prawn Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings together tender prawns, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easily adaptable to different tastes, and pairs well with rice or noodles. The bright flavors and simple preparation make this stir fry a go-to recipe for healthy, delicious, and satisfying home-cooked meals. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful texture in every bite!