Prawn Chow Mein

Easy Prawn Chow Mein is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe shines with the fresh taste of jumbo king prawns and colorful vegetables. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that rivals your favorite takeout, offering not only quicker preparation but also superior flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: A delicious stir fry sauce infuses the dish with rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
• Healthier Option: Home-cooked meals allow you to control ingredients and portion sizes, making for a healthier choice than takeout.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of noodles and prawns appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Cooking spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or large frying pan: These provide ample space for stir-frying, allowing ingredients to cook evenly without crowding.
• Cooking spatula: Essential for tossing ingredients quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauces or seasoning proteins before cooking.

Ingredients

For the Prawns

• 250 g Prawns (King prawns, tiger prawns/shrimp (peeled and deveined))
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Shao Xing grape juice (Chinese rice grape juice (optional))

For the Noodles and Vegetables

• 300 g Egg noodles (Fresh/cooked egg noodles)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (Finely chopped)
• ½ Onion (Cut thin slices)
• 1 Carrot (Julienne)
• 1 Bell pepper (Julienne)
• 3 Spring onion (Cut 2 pieces)
• 120 g Bean sprouts
• 1 Red chilli pepper (Optional, Cut thin slices)

For the Sauce

• 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
• 2 tsp Dark soy sauce
• 4 tbsp Oyster sauce
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Sugar

How to Make Prawn Chow Mein

Step 1: Season the Prawns

First, season the prawns with salt, black pepper, and Shao Xing grape juice. Boil the dried noodles according to packet instructions or use fresh egg noodles. Mix all the chow mein sauce ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns

Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in one tablespoon of oil. Sauté the prawns for 2–3 minutes or until they turn pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another 1–2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté chopped garlic for a few seconds at medium heat. Then add sliced onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry these vegetables for about one minute.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Next, add the cooked noodles into the pan along with your prepared sauce mixture. Toss everything together well and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Add Back Prawns and Final Ingredients

Place the cooked prawns back in the wok along with spring onions, bean sprouts, and optional chilli slices. Toss everything until combined evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your delicious Prawn Chow Mein to serving plates and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Prawn Chow Mein

Serving Prawn Chow Mein is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner or hosting guests, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Coriander: Sprinkle fresh coriander over the dish for a burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to add a zesty kick when squeezed over the chow mein.

Pair with Appetizers

• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls complement the texture of chow mein perfectly.
• Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings make for an excellent starter to your meal.

Serve with Extra Sauces

• Chili Sauce: Offer chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Soy Sauce: A small bowl of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the dish.

How to Perfect Prawn Chow Mein

Creating the perfect Prawn Chow Mein involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger to enhance the overall taste.
• Timing is Key: Cook the prawns just until they turn pink; overcooking can make them tough.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir fry on high heat for that signature smoky flavor known as wok hei.
• Noodle Choice: Use fresh egg noodles for better texture and flavor compared to dried ones.
• Customize Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for more color and nutrition.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste preferences for sweetness and saltiness.

Best Side Dishes for Prawn Chow Mein

Prawn Chow Mein is a hearty dish that pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A classic pairing, fried rice adds another layer of texture and flavor.
2. Vegetable Stir Fry: Mixed vegetables stir-fried in a light soy sauce complement the noodles beautifully.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Crisp steamed broccoli provides a healthy, crunchy contrast.
4. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles can serve as a refreshing side next to hot chow mein.
5. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage adds brightness and crunch to your meal.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup acts as a comforting starter before diving into chow mein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Prawn Chow Mein, it’s easy to overlook some steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring noodle preparation: Make sure to prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: When cooking, avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can lower the pan’s temperature and result in steaming rather than stir-frying.
• Not seasoning properly: Don’t skip on seasoning your prawns or vegetables. Proper seasoning enhances flavors, so be generous with salt and pepper.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing cooked ingredients to rest before serving helps flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious dish.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh veggies and prawns make a difference. Always choose fresh produce for optimal taste and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Prawn Chow Mein in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure that the dish has cooled down to room temperature before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Prawn Chow Mein

• You can freeze Prawn Chow Mein for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Prawn Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the chow mein. Stir frequently until heated through for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prawn Chow Mein?

Prawn Chow Mein is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish featuring prawns, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s popular in British-Chinese cuisine.

Can I customize my Prawn Chow Mein?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or substitute prawns with chicken or tofu for different flavor profiles.

How do I make Prawn Chow Mein gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free grain.

How long does it take to make Prawn Chow Mein?

This recipe takes around 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick meal option perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes! Just ensure they are thawed properly before cooking. Frozen prawns can be just as tasty when prepared correctly.

Conclusion

Prawn Chow Mein is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. With simple ingredients and customizable options, this recipe lends itself well to personal preferences. Give it a try today and enjoy a satisfying meal right at home!