Name: Spicy Prawn Chow Mein: 5 Bold Flavors for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with peanut oil for added flavor.); 400 g Prawns (Peeled and deveined; choose fresh or frozen.); 1 Long Red Chilli (Finely sliced; adjust quantity based on desired spice level.); 3 cm Ginger (Finely julienned for aromatic flavor.); 3 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped, adds depth to the dish.); 2 cups Cabbage (Finely shredded; substitute with bok choy or kale if needed.); 0.5 Carrot (Julienned for sweetness and color.); 280 g Fresh Chow Mein Noodles (Substitute with fresh egg noodles but adjust cooking time.); 125 g Snow Peas (Added for crunch and freshness; can substitute with snap peas.); 2 Spring Onions (Thinly sliced for garnish and flavor enhancement.); 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Use soy sauce for a vegetarian option.); 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (Provides saltiness.); 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing Wine (Replace with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.); 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Provides a nutty flavor.); 1 tbsp Cornflour (Used for thickening the sauce.); 0.5 cup Chicken Stock (Can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.); 1 tsp Sugar (Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.)

Spicy Prawn Chow Mein has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something quick yet bursting with flavor. This delightful dish is not only easy to whip up but also tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant ingredients and fiery kick. In under 30 minutes, you can create a meal that rivals your favorite takeout, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

This dish is a weeknight hero, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here are six reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavorful and satisfying, perfect for spicy food lovers.
Healthy ingredients packed with protein from the prawns.
Customizable spice level to suit your palate.
Versatile, allowing for various vegetable additions.
Replicates delicious takeout flavors at home, making it a fantastic spicy seafood chow mein alternative.

Ingredients for Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

Gather these items:

2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with peanut oil for added flavor.)
400 g Prawns (Peeled and deveined; choose fresh or frozen.)
1 Long Red Chilli (Finely sliced; adjust quantity based on desired spice level.)
3 cm Ginger (Finely julienned for aromatic flavor.)
3 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped, adds depth to the dish.)
2 cups Cabbage (Finely shredded; substitute with bok choy or kale if needed.)
0.5 Carrot (Julienned for sweetness and color.)
280 g Fresh Chow Mein Noodles (Substitute with fresh egg noodles but adjust cooking time.)
125 g Snow Peas (Added for crunch and freshness; can substitute with snap peas.)
2 Spring Onions (Thinly sliced for garnish and flavor enhancement.)
2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Use soy sauce for a vegetarian option.)
2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (Provides saltiness.)
2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing Wine (Replace with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.)
1 tsp Sesame Oil (Provides a nutty flavor.)
1 tbsp Cornflour (Used for thickening the sauce.)
0.5 cup Chicken Stock (Can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.)
1 tsp Sugar (Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.)

How to Make Spicy Prawn Chow Mein Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornflour, chicken stock, and sugar. Stir until well blended and set aside to let the flavors marry.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil next to your wok.
Step 3: Pour vegetable oil into the wok and heat over high flame until smoking, about 1-2 minutes until prawns are slightly charred.
Step 4: Add the finely sliced chillies, ginger, and chopped garlic to the wok. Stir-fry for 20 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Toss in the cabbage and carrot into the wok. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
Step 6: In the boiling water, cook chow mein noodles for 1-2 minutes until just softened but still with some bite. Drain and transfer to the wok.
Step 7: In the same boiling water, blanch the snow peas for 30 seconds and add them to the wok.
Step 8: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce into the wok. Gently toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 9: Finally, toss through the thinly sliced spring onions, plate your chow mein, drizzle with chili crisp, and enjoy it while it’s hot!

Spicy Prawn Chow Mein: 5 Bold Flavors for Dinner - Spicy Prawn Chow Mein - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the prawns; they should be just cooked through.
For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of fish sauce.
Experiment with different vegetables to find your favorite combination.
This dish is gluten-free if you use the right sauces and noodles.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

Serving this dish can be just as exciting as making it. Here are a few ideas:

Pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.
Top with fresh coriander or cilantro for an aromatic finish.
Serve along with a spicy dipping sauce to enhance the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can be reheated in a microwave or on the stovetop. It’s perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Prawn Chow Mein

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Prawn Chow Mein?

The key is to balance the flavors of the sauces and not to overcook the prawns. Keeping the vegetables crunchy also adds to the overall texture and taste.

Can I make Spicy Prawn Chow Mein ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the veggies in advance. Just cook the prawns and noodles fresh for the best result.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Prawn Chow Mein?

To avoid mushy noodles, ensure you don’t overcook them. Also, add the sauce at the right time to ensure it coats everything evenly without burning.

Variations of Spicy Prawn Chow Mein You Can Try

There are several exciting variations of this dish:

For a vegetarian alternative, replace prawns with tofu and add more vegetables.
Try adding different types of seafood for a spicy seafood chow mein twist.
Use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.

For more delicious recipes, check out this link for tips on cooking with prawns, or visit this page for a guide on noodle dishes. You can also learn about the benefits of using fresh ingredients in your cooking.