Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes Recipe from Malaysia | Ingredients: Egg, Lime, Chilli, Corn, Rice Flour & Oil

Region / culture: Malaysia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. These crispy cakes are packed with juicy prawns and a hint of sweetness from the sweet chilli sauce. They make a great appetizer or main course and are sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes are not clear, but they are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, where prawns are a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of prawns and sweet chilli sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both savory and sweet.

Ingredients

600 g of raw green prawns
1 egg white
2 fresh lime leaves, shredded
3 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce
2 cups of fresh corn flakes, crushed finely
3 tbsp of rice flour
oil, for shallow frying
extra sweet chilli sauce, to serve

How to prepare

In a food processor, combine prawn meat, egg white, lime leaves, sweet chilli sauce, cornflakes, and rice flour. Process until the mixture is combined but not smooth.
Using wet hands, shape the mixture into small cakes.
Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium heat for shallow frying.
Add a few prawn cakes at a time and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Place the cooked prawn cakes on kitchen towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve with extra sweet chilli sauce.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs such as coriander or mint to the prawn mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute the prawns with crab meat or fish for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.

- Be careful not to over-process the prawn mixture in the food processor, as you want to maintain some texture.

- Use wet hands to shape the prawn cakes to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

- Fry the prawn cakes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes can be served as an appetizer with a side of salad or as a main course with rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

Shallow frying is the best cooking technique for Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes, as it allows them to become crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns that have been thawed. You can also substitute the sweet chilli sauce with a spicy chilli sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the prawn mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to fry the cakes. This will save you time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes on a platter with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce and a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes pair well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. They also go well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes contains approximately 15g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and iron.

Alergens

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes contain shellfish and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, these prawn cakes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them as an appetizer or main course for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small coastal town in Thailand. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we stood side by side at the wooden chopping board, she began to teach me the art of making Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes. She told me that this recipe was a family secret, passed down from generation to generation, and that I was lucky to be learning it at such a young age.

We started by carefully peeling and deveining the prawns, being sure to remove all the shells and veins to ensure a smooth texture in the final dish. Next, we chopped up fresh herbs and spices, including lemongrass, garlic, and red chillies, to add a burst of flavor to the prawn cakes.

After mixing the prawns with the herbs and spices, we added a generous amount of sweet chilli sauce to the mixture, which would give the cakes a sticky, sweet glaze when cooked. My grandmother taught me to be gentle when mixing the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the prawns and risk making the cakes tough.

Once the mixture was well combined, we began shaping the prawn cakes into small patties and gently frying them in a hot pan. The sizzle of the prawns as they hit the oil filled the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

As the prawn cakes cooked, my grandmother shared stories of how she had learned the recipe herself, from her own mother many years ago. She told me that this dish was a favorite in our family, reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

After the prawn cakes had turned a golden brown and were crispy on the outside, we carefully removed them from the pan and placed them on a serving platter. My grandmother then showed me how to garnish the cakes with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice, adding a final touch of brightness to the dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, the prawn cakes were a hit with the entire family. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, paired with the juicy prawns and crispy exterior, made for a dish that was truly unforgettable.

Since that day, the recipe for Sweet Chilli Prawn Cakes has become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I have made it for countless family gatherings and special occasions, always sharing the story of how I learned to make it with my grandmother by my side.

And while my grandmother may no longer be with us, her spirit lives on in every bite of these delicious prawn cakes. I am grateful for the memories we shared in the kitchen, and for the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me through this cherished recipe.