Cereal Prawns are a beloved Southeast Asian delicacy, particularly popular in Malaysia and Singapore. This dish features succulent prawns coated in a crunchy, buttery cereal mixture infused with aromatic curry leaves and a hint of bird’s eye chili, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Crispy Cereal Prawns Recipe
Cereal Prawns are a beloved Southeast Asian delicacy, particularly popular in Malaysia and Singapore. This dish features succulent prawns coated in a crunchy, buttery cereal mixture infused with aromatic curry leaves and a hint of bird's eye chili, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 nos Tiger Prawns shelled and deveined
- 1 ea egg white lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying prawns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup fresh curry leaves
- 1-2 nos bird's eye chili sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup oat cereal or cornflake cereal
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 2 tbsp evaporated milk optional
Instructions
- Prepare the prawns: Wash and pat dry the prawns thoroughly. In a medium bowl, combine the prawns with the lightly beaten egg white and cornstarch, tossing until each prawn is lightly coated.
- Fry the prawns: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated prawns in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the prawns and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the cereal mix: Discard the oil from the pan (or use a fresh pan if preferred). Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, fresh curry leaves, and sliced bird's eye chili. Fry until fragrant and the curry leaves become crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cereal and seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crushed cereal, granulated sugar, salt, and ground white pepper. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cereal mixture is golden brown and very crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If desired, stir in the evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- Combine and serve: Add the fried prawns back into the pan with the crispy cereal mixture. Toss gently to coat all the prawns evenly with the cereal. Serve the Crispy Cereal Prawns immediately with steamed rice for a delicious meal.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the cereal mixture is toasted well on low heat, stirring constantly. Adjust bird's eye chili to your spice preference. Serve immediately with steamed rice. For added umami, you can include 1 tablespoon of finely chopped dried shrimp in the cereal mixture.
