shrimp with salt and pepper

How to Make Salt and Pepper Prawns: A Complete Guide

Salt and pepper prawns are a crispy, savory Cantonese classic, loved for their bold flavors and addictive crunch. Here’s a simple yet delicious way to recreate this restaurant favorite at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g fresh prawns (peeled, deveined, tails left on)

- 2 tbsp cornstarch

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1 cup oil (for frying)

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

- 1 red chili (sliced, seeds removed for less heat)

- 2 spring onions (chopped)

- 2 tbsp salt

- 1 tsp white pepper

- 1 tsp five-spice powder (optional)

- Fried basil leaves (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Prepare the prawns: Pat dry the prawns and marinate with ½ tsp salt and pepper for 10 minutes. Dredge in a mix of cornstarch and baking powder, shaking off excess.

2. Deep-fry: Heat oil to 180°C (350°F). Fry prawns in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

3. Stir-fry aromatics: In a hot wok, stir-fry garlic and chili until fragrant (30 seconds). Add spring onions, then the remaining salt, pepper, and five-spice powder.

4. Combine: Toss fried prawns in the wok with the spices, ensuring each prawn is coated. Garnish with fried basil leaves.

Serve hot with lemon wedges. The key is crispy prawns and a spicy, garlicky kick—perfect as an appetizer or main dish!