Easy Prawn Chow Mein is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the East right into your kitchen. This recipe showcases the deliciousness of Jumbo King Prawns combined with egg noodles and a savory stir fry sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this chow mein stands out for its vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Plus, it’s quicker and tastier than ordering from your favorite takeaway!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip up this meal in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of prawns, vegetables, and sauces creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, this chow mein is both nutritious and satisfying.
- No Special Ingredients Needed: With simple ingredients readily available at your local grocery store, you can easily recreate this dish at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Wok or Large Pan
- Knife
- Chopping Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Cooking Spoon
Why These Tools Matter
- Wok or Large Pan: Ideal for stir-frying, allowing even heat distribution for perfectly cooked ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts of vegetables, enhancing both presentation and cooking time.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sauces and marinating proteins efficiently without mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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))
– 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 into 2 pieces)
– 120 g Bean sprouts
– 1 Red chilli pepper (Optional, cut thin slices)
– 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: Prepare the Prawns and Noodles
First, season the prawns with salt, black pepper, and Shao Xing grape juice. Boil the dried noodles according to package instructions or use fresh egg noodles. Mix all the chow mein sauce in a bowl and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Prawns
Heat a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in a tablespoon of oil. Sauté the prawns for about 2-3 minutes until their color changes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry Vegetables
In the same pan, drizzle another tablespoon or two of oil. Sauté the chopped garlic for a few seconds over medium heat. Add the onion slices, carrot, and bell pepper slices; stir-fry them for about one minute.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Next, add the cooked noodles to the pan. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture, tossing everything well. Cook this combination over medium-high heat for about another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Prawns and Veggies
Return the cooked prawns to the wok along with spring onions, bean sprouts, and chili slices if using. Toss everything together until well mixed and cook for an additional minute or two.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Transfer your delicious Prawn Chow Mein to a serving plate and enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Prawn Chow Mein
Prawn Chow Mein is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Crisp Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious and vibrant touch to your meal.
Add Crunchy Snacks
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or chicken complement the soft noodles perfectly.
- Prawn Crackers: Light and crispy prawn crackers provide an extra crunch that pairs well with chow mein.
Serve with Rice
- Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic side that balances the flavors of the chow mein beautifully.
- Fried Rice: For a heartier option, serve it alongside vegetable or chicken fried rice.
How to Perfect Prawn Chow Mein
Perfecting your Prawn Chow Mein can elevate this dish from simple to extraordinary. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and prawns will enhance the flavor and texture of your chow mein.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure that your noodles are cooked al dente for the perfect bite; they will absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- High Heat Stir-Frying: Cooking on high heat allows for quick cooking and helps to lock in flavors while creating a nice char on your ingredients.
- Season Properly: Adjust salt levels according to preference, but remember that soy sauce already contains sodium, so taste as you go.
- Toss Quickly: When combining ingredients in the wok, work swiftly to prevent overcooking and maintain crispness.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding fresh herbs or slices of lime as garnish can elevate presentation and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Prawn Chow Mein
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Prawn Chow Mein with these delicious side dishes. Each option brings something unique to the table.
- Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread complements the dish’s savory flavors while adding an Italian twist.
- Egg Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice mixed with eggs and peas pairs wonderfully for those who love extra carbs.
- Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables add a crispy texture that balances well with soft noodles.
- Miso Soup: A comforting bowl of miso soup serves as a light starter before diving into the chow mein.
- Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad provides a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of chow mein.
- Pickled Ginger: A small side of pickled ginger offers a tangy bite that refreshes the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Prawn Chow Mein, even small errors can lead to a less-than-perfect dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your prawns properly can result in bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcooking the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy and ruin the texture of your dish. Follow package instructions carefully and cook them just until al dente.
- Not preheating the wok: A cold wok can prevent proper searing of the ingredients. Always ensure your wok is hot before adding oil and ingredients for stir-frying.
- Adding too much sauce: While sauce adds flavor, too much can make your chow mein soggy. Use the suggested amounts and adjust according to taste.
- Neglecting to prep ingredients: Cutting vegetables while cooking can slow you down. Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Prawn Chow Mein
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Best consumed within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating Prawn Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread chow mein on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, add chow mein, and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for prawns in Prawn Chow Mein?
You can use chicken, beef, or tofu as excellent substitutes for prawns in this dish without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Prawn Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to cook for maximum freshness.
How spicy is Prawn Chow Mein?
The spice level depends on the amount of chili pepper used. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less chili.
Can I use whole wheat noodles instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles are a great alternative that adds extra fiber while keeping the dish delicious.
Conclusion
Prawn Chow Mein is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Easy Prawn Chow Mein
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Prawn Chow Mein is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the authentic flavors of Asian cuisine into your home. With succulent jumbo prawns, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, this chow mein recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. In just 20 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s healthier than takeaway. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this chow mein will delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 250 g jumbo prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 300 g egg noodles (fresh or cooked)
- 1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped)
- ½ onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienne)
- 1 bell pepper (julienne)
- 3 spring onions (cut into 2" pieces)
- 120 g bean sprouts
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 4 tbsp oyster sauce
Instructions
- Season the prawns with salt, black pepper, and a splash of Shao Xing grape juice. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
- Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat with one tablespoon of oil. Sauté the prawns for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink; remove them from the pan.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic briefly before adding onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about one minute.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce mixture; toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the prawns to the pan along with spring onions and bean sprouts; cook for an additional minute to combine well.
- Serve immediately on a plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
