Prawns are a highly sought-after food item that is enjoyed in various ways worldwide. They are used in numerous dishes, including curries, fried dishes, and rice dishes, and are considered a delicacy by many.
In some countries, raw prawns are used for cooking, while in others, dried prawns are preferred. The process of drying prawns is a fascinating one, with two different methods being used to create the final product.
The first method involves drying the raw prawns in the sun, and this can be done with all types of prawns. The prawns are laid out in the sun and left to dry, with the heat of the sun slowly drawing out the moisture. Over time, the prawns take on a brownish colour that is mixed with yellow.
The second method of drying prawns involves first boiling them and then drying them in the sun. This method is typically used with large prawns, and the resulting dried prawns take on a beautiful colour that is mixed with pink and red.
Both types of dried prawns can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration, making them a cost-effective option for those looking to buy prawns without having to worry about them spoiling quickly.
Dried prawns are particularly popular for use in frying, and there are many different ways to prepare them. One popular recipe involves soaking the dried prawns in water for a few minutes before frying them up with garlic, chilli, and other spices. The resulting dish is a flavourful and aromatic treat that is sure to delight any seafood lover.
Ingredients
Boiled and sun-dried large prawns 500g
One sizeable brown onion sliced
few green chillis sliced
Spring of curry leaves
Two cloves of garlic chopped
Small piece of ginger chopped
Half of a teaspoon of black pepper
One tablespoon of crushed red chilli powder
salt to taste ( Be careful when adding salt. The reason is that when the prawn is dried, salt is added excessively.)
Vegetable oil or olive oil at least five tablespoons (because prawns need to fry until golden brown)
One tablespoon of lemon juice
How to make
To prepare prawns:
- Start by selecting fresh and clean prawns.
- Place them in a bowl and add enough water to cover them completely.
- Let them soak for an hour or until the excess salt has been removed. This will help ensure that the prawns are not too salty and will improve their taste.
Once the soaking time has passed, remove the prawns from the bowl and wash them thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove any dirt, sand, or other impurities from the prawns. Then, pat the prawns dry with a clean kitchen towel and set them aside.
Next, heat some oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the prawns to the pan and fry them until they turn light golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes. When done, remove the prawns from the pan and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess oil.
Now, add some more oil to the pan and heat it up. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger to the hot oil and fry until fragrant. Then, add some fresh green chilli and curry leaves and fry for another minute. After that, add some finely chopped brown onion and fry until translucent. Then add enough salt for the taste.
Next, add some black pepper and crushed red chilli powder to the pan and stir well. Keep stirring until a sweet aroma arises from all the ingredients. Now, add the previously fried prawns to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until the prawns are well-coated with the spices and are heated through.
Finally, remove the pan from the stove and add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the prawns for a fresh and sour taste. You can also add some tomato ketchup to the pan for a different flavour. If you do this, you won’t need to add lemon juice later. Serve the delicious prawns hot with steamed rice or noodles.
