Black Pepper Prawns Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your friends with a dish that screams both sophistication and flavor fantasy, let me introduce you to my sizzling Black Pepper Prawns with a zesty lime twist. Brace yourself, because each bite is a delightful dance of spices and sauces that will make your taste buds want to do a happy jig. 🦐✨

I adore preparing meals that have a powerful flavor, and my Black Pepper Prawns are just that. With plump prawns, infused with a bold mix of freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, there’s no shortage of heat and umami in this dish.

Still, the star chemicals could be said to be the green onion and white parts of the scallions, which—as the dumpling chef will attest—are the essentials for turning up the umami dial. This dish, then, is an umami bomb.

Black Pepper Prawns Recipe Ingredients

• Prawns: High in protein, low in fats, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
• Black Pepper: Adds a spicy kick, enhances digestion, and has antioxidant properties.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains fiber and vitamins C and B6.
• Garlic: Provides a robust flavor with antimicrobial properties and promotes heart health.
• Soy Sauce: Offers umami flavor, low in calories, rich in antioxidants.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds savory depth, high in sodium, enhances the dish’s rich taste.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and crispness, low calorie, and contains vitamins A and C.
• Red Chili: Optional spice; boosts metabolism, rich in vitamin C.

Black Pepper Prawns Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh coriander, for garnish

How to Make this Black Pepper Prawns Recipe

1. In a big pan, over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and butter until the butter melts and starts to sizzle.

2. Toss in the onion that has been chopped very fine and sauté until it is yielding much of its moisture and becomes almost clear, which should take about three to four minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to let it burn.

4. Raise the temperature to high and put the prawns in the pan. Cook them for roughly 2-3 minutes until they begin to change to pink.

5. Add the black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat the prawns evenly with the sauces.

6. Add the sesame oil and mix everything together.

7. Mix in the green onions and red chili (if you’re using one). Stir-fry for another minute until the green onions are just wilted.

8. Adding salt to taste is a good idea, but think twice before you do it. Be mindful that the sauces are already packed with a lot of flavor and a fair amount of salt.

9. Take the pan off the heat and shift the black pepper prawns to the serving platter.

10. Add a touch of fresh coriander to your dish and plate lime wedges around it. This not only adds a bright pop of color but also amps up the flavor bombs waiting to go off in your mouth. And now you’re ready to enjoy!

Black Pepper Prawns Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pan or skillet
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Serving platter

FAQ

• What type of prawns should I use?Choose the best large prawns; these should be peeled and deveined. Cooking them evenly is crucial to this dish’s success. If you don’t have either of these types on hand, feel free to use regular prawns. They won’t taste as great, but regular prawns still are better than no prawns.
• Can I use frozen prawns?You can indeed use frozen prawns. Simply make certain that they are totally thawed and drained prior to cooking to avoid any surplus water in the dish.
• Is the chili necessary?The optional red chili can be adjusted to suit your particular spice preference. It adds a touch of heat that works in tandem with the black pepper flavor.
• What can I substitute for oyster sauce?In case you cannot find oyster sauce, use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of fish sauce in its place.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?Gluten-free soy sauce should be used, and the oyster sauce or substitute should be checked to ensure it is gluten-free.
• What’s the best way to serve this dish?Steamed jasmine rice or noodles make a perfect accompaniment to Black Pepper Prawns, and a garnish of fresh cilantro and lime wedges ups the flavor ante.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?Certainly! You may include any of the following for added texture and nutrition:

  – Bell peppers
  – Snap peas
  – Broccoli

  Just alter cooking times as needed, and you’ll be good to go!

Black Pepper Prawns Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for vegetable oil: Sunflower oil or canola oil can be used.
Soy sauce. Alternatives: Tamari; coconut aminos. Recommended substitutes are especially good for a gluten-free option.
Fish sauce or hoisin sauce can be used, though they will slightly alter the flavor.
For direct substitution, use honey or brown sugar.
Red chili: If you like a less intense flavor, use red sweet pepper or leave it out completely.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Prawns Consider marinating the prawns in the soy sauce and some freshly ground black pepper for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the prawns to absorb more flavor and give them an extra depth when cooked.

2. Pre-toast the Black Pepper Lightly toast the freshly ground black pepper in a dry pan before starting the recipe. This enhances its aroma and brings out a more robust flavor when added to the prawns.

3. Control the Heat When cooking the prawns, ensure your pan is very hot. This quick and high-heat method helps achieve a nice sear on the prawns, giving them a slightly charred flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness of the sauces.

4. Balance the Sweetness Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. You can also experiment by adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile with a touch of acidity.

5. Garnish Right Before Serving To maintain freshness and flavor, add the fresh coriander and lime wedges just before serving. Squeeze a bit of lime over the prawns right before eating for a burst of tangy freshness.