This delightful dish of salt and pepper prawns is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The prawns are lightly coated in cornstarch and seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir-fried to perfection with garlic and green onions. It's a quick and easy recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of the prawns, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
If you don't usually keep prawns or shrimp at home, you'll need to visit the seafood section of your supermarket. Fresh or frozen options are available, but make sure they are peeled and deveined for convenience. Cornstarch is typically found in the baking aisle, and green onions can be found in the produce section. These ingredients are essential for achieving the right texture and flavor in this dish.

Ingredients for Salt and Pepper Prawns / Shrimp Recipe
Prawns: These should be peeled and deveined for convenience and better texture.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the prawns.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.
Cornstarch: Helps to create a light, crispy coating on the prawns.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the prawns to a golden brown.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and flavor to the dish.
Green onions: Provides a fresh, slightly sharp taste that complements the prawns.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When coating the prawns with cornstarch, make sure to shake off any excess before adding them to the pan. This ensures a light, crispy texture without any clumping. Additionally, using freshly ground black pepper will enhance the flavor profile, giving the dish a more robust and aromatic taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors well, making it a good alternative for those who do not consume seafood.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor while also providing a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different but still pungent flavor, making it a suitable alternative for black pepper.
Cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch can provide a similar crispy coating and thickening effect as cornstarch.
Vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier option and can be used for frying or sautéing, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, but still add a depth of flavor to the dish.
Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or cooked into the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the prawns/shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Transfer the cooled prawns/shrimp into an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- If you plan to consume them within 2-3 days, store the container in the refrigerator. Ensure the temperature is set to 4°C (40°F) or below.
- For longer storage, place the prawns/shrimp in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored.
- When ready to use, thaw the prawns/shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat the prawns/shrimp gently in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the prawns/shrimp rubbery and overcooked.
- If you have leftover garlic and green onions, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days for best flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the leftover prawns/shrimp.
- Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth if they seem dry.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the prawns/shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the prawns/shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooked.
- Stir and microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
Steaming Method:
- Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the prawns/shrimp in a steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Ensure the prawns/shrimp do not touch the boiling water.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the prawns/shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Bowl: For combining the prawns/shrimp with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch.
Frying pan: To cook the prawns/shrimp and stir-fry the garlic and green onions.
Spatula: For stirring and turning the prawns/shrimp while cooking.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the salt, black pepper, and cornstarch accurately.
Knife: For chopping the green onions and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping the green onions and mincing the garlic.
Tongs: To handle the prawns/shrimp while cooking.
Plate: For serving the cooked prawns/shrimp.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare prawns/shrimp, garlic, and green onions ahead of time to streamline cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.
Double the recipe: Cook a larger batch of prawns/shrimp and store leftovers for a quick meal later.
Utilize a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan reduces the need for extra oil and makes cleanup faster.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils within reach to avoid unnecessary steps.

Salt and Pepper Prawns / Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Prawns/Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 pcs Green Onions chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine prawns/shrimp, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly.
- 2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- 3. Add the prawns/shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- 4. Add minced garlic and chopped green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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