Five spice spicy prawns

A flavoursome dish that's suitable for any occasion.

Preparation Time

20mins

Ingredients

• 450g (1lb) large uncooked raw prawns
• 2 tbsps salt
• 2 fresh red hot chillies, coarsely chopped
• 2 tsps Maldon sea salt
• 1 tsp five spice powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsps coarsely chopped garlic
• 2 tsps finely chopped ginger
• 2 tbsps finely chopped spring onions
• 475ml/16 fl oz groundnut (peanut) oil

Method

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water, add 1 tbsp salt, and gently wash the unpeeled prawn in the salt water.
2. Drain and repeat the process.
3. Remove the feathery legs from the prawn, drain and blot them dry with a paper towel.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, five spice powder and sugar, and set aside.
5. Add the garlic, ginger and spring onions to another small bowl.
6. Heat a wok or deep skillet until it is hot and add the oil.
7. When the oil is very hot and smoking, add the prawns and deep-fry for about 1 minute until they are pink.
8. Remove them immediately with a slotted spoon and drain well.
9. Pour off all but 1.5 tbsps of the oil from the wok and reheat it.
10. Add the garlic, ginger and spring onion mixture and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
11. Then add the spice-salt mixture and stir-fry over a high heat for about 2 minutes until the spices have thoroughly coated the outer shell of the prawn.
12. Transfer prawns to serving platter and serve immediately.