Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables has become a favorite in my household, a testament to the way it harmonizes taste and nutrition. When I first tried this dish, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and the enticing aroma that filled my kitchen. My family, always eager for new culinary adventures, was immediately drawn to the table, their curiosity piqued by the sizzling sound of prawns dancing in the wok. This dish is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful balance of flavors. The sweetness of the prawns, the crunchiness of the vegetables, and the savory notes of the stir fry sauce create a symphony of tastes that even my picky eaters couldn’t resist. It has quickly become a staple in our weekly menu, cherished for its simplicity and the joy it brings to our dining table.
Ingredients
The magic of Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables lies in the quality and simplicity of its ingredients. To create this dish, you will need:
- 500 grams of fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of sugar snap peas
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Creating a delicious Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables is straightforward, allowing even novice chefs to achieve a restaurant-quality dish. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside. Chop the bell peppers into thin slices, separate the broccoli into small florets, and trim the sugar snap peas.
- Heat the oil: In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Sauté the garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring quickly to avoid burning them. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the prawns: Toss in the prawns, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Add vegetables: Introduce the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.
- Season the dish: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything to combine. Make sure the prawns and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce.
- Final touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
This delightful Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables serves four people. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option. It’s packed with protein from the prawns and a wealth of vitamins from the vibrant vegetables, ensuring a well-rounded dish that supports a healthy diet.
Preparation Time
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its efficiency. From start to finish, Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. This includes about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and convenient option for those who want a healthy, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Serve
To maximize the enjoyment of your Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables, consider these serving suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a classic Asian-inspired meal.
- Pair with quinoa for a gluten-free and protein-rich alternative.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh spring rolls to complement the dish’s flavors.
- For a low-carb option, serve over a bed of cauliflower rice.
- Accompany with a light Asian salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.
Additional Tips
To ensure your Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose fresh prawns: Fresh prawns have a sweet, delicate flavor that enhances the dish. If fresh aren’t available, opt for high-quality frozen prawns.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the prawns and vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them. This ensures a nice sear and maintains the vegetables’ crispness.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the soy sauce or salt to your preference.
- Pre-cook hard vegetables: If using harder vegetables like carrots, blanch them briefly before stir-frying to ensure they cook evenly.
- Experiment with sauces: Feel free to add a splash of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Prawn Stir Fry with Vegetables:
Q: Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute prawns with shrimp, scallops, or even pieces of white fish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Q: How can I make the dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the prawns and add more vegetables or tofu. You can also include mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Q: What can I do with leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: You can prep the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the prawns and combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Q: What are some alternative vegetables I can use?
A: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Snow peas, asparagus, zucchini, or baby corn can all be great additions or substitutes in this stir fry.