Rice Prawns (Fried Shrimp) Recipe: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Rice prawns, or fried shrimp served over a bed of flavorful rice, make for a delicious, savory meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish combines the crispy crunch of fried shrimp with the aromatic flavors of seasoned rice. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the fried shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for a hint of umami)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce or tartar sauce for dipping

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
4. Add the water or chicken broth, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice and frozen peas (if using). Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the shrimp

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
3. Dip each shrimp first into the egg mixture, then coat them with the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
5. Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Assemble and serve

1. Spoon the cooked rice onto serving plates, creating a bed of fluffy rice.
2. Top each plate with a generous portion of the crispy fried shrimp.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of hot sauce or tartar sauce, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Rice Texture: For extra flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice. Additionally, adding a few sprigs of thyme or a bay leaf while cooking the rice will infuse even more flavor.
• Shrimp Size: Large prawns are perfect for frying as they provide a meaty bite, but you can use medium-sized shrimp if that’s what you have on hand.
• Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp. If it’s not, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
• Dipping Sauce: A spicy aioli or tangy cocktail sauce pairs wonderfully with the fried shrimp, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Rice prawns (fried shrimp) is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the crunch of fried shrimp with the comforting goodness of seasoned rice. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a newcomer to the flavors of shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire! Enjoy your fried shrimp over a fragrant rice base for a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.