Ultra-Crispy Honey Prawns

Name: Ultra-Crispy Honey Prawns
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g prawns/shrimp; 0.5 tsp kosher/cooking salt; 0.5 cup cornflour / cornstarch (for marinade); 6 tbsp flour; 0.5 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.75 cup cold soda water; 4 cup vegetable or canola oil; 0.33 cup honey; 1.5 tbsp glucose or corn syrup; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 2 tsp Chinese cooking wine; 25 g vermicelli rice noodles; 1 tbsp Sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions

Discover the secret to restaurant-quality honey prawns that stay crunchy for hours. This recipe uses a chilled soda water batter and a double-fry technique to achieve a light, airy, and golden coating tossed in a glossy honey glaze.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time20 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

prawns/shrimp
300 g
kosher/cooking salt
0.5 tsp
cornflour / cornstarch (for marinade)
0.5 cup
flour
6 tbsp
baking powder
0.5 tsp
salt
0.5 tsp
cold soda water
0.8 cup
vegetable or canola oil
4 cup
honey
0.3 cup
glucose or corn syrup
1.5 tbsp
light soy sauce
1 tbsp
Chinese cooking wine
2 tsp
vermicelli rice noodles
25 g
Sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions
1 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the prawns by tossing them with 1/2 tsp of salt just before you are ready to cook. Do not salt them in advance, as this will draw out moisture and prevent the coating from staying crispy.

Dredge each prawn in 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Place the dusted prawns on a plate and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining cornstarch, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Place this dry mix in the refrigerator to chill while you heat the oil.

Fill a small pot or saucepan with about 4cm (1.7 inches) of oil. Heat the oil to 160°C (320°F) over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, remove the dry ingredients from the fridge and quickly whisk in the ice-cold soda water. Whisk only about 10 times until just combined; a few lumps are desirable for a better texture.