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Firecracker Prawns

Now that Thanksgiving has past, we are entering the season of Holiday parties, which depending on how well you get along with your family and co-workers can be a good or a bad thing. But regardless of who will be there, hopefully you can rest assured knowing that there will be plenty of appetizers to go around.  And if you are in charge of cooking said appetizers, I suggest giving these a shot. After all how can you go wrong with succulent prawns marinated in sambal oelek, fresh ginger and soy sauce then wrapped up in a wonton wrapper and fried until golden? Answer: You can’t.

I have seen these Firecracker Prawns in many different restaurants over the years but had yet to try them at home. I am not sure why. They are so easy and delicious. I will note that they are a bit on the spicy side because of the sambal oelek chili paste but my friend, who is just now inching her way into the world of spicy food, found them delicious so don’t be afraid. You can cut the spice down a bit by using 1 teaspoon of chili paste. You can also spice it up a bit by using 1 tablespoon of chili paste instead of 2 teaspoons. Either way, holiday party guests are sure to devour them.

firecracker prawns on white plate

Firecracker Prawns

Succulent prawns marinated in sambal oelek, fresh ginger and soy sauce then wrapped up in a wonton wrapper and fried until golden
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Main Dishes
Cuisine Asian
Servings 12 Servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 12 large prawns 20-30 count
  • 2 teaspoons sambal oelek chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 12 wonton wrappers
  • water for sealing
  • oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Peel and devein the prawns but leave the tails attached. Make two small cuts on the underbelly of the prawn (do not cut through) so that you can straighten the prawn out. This helps prevent the prawns from curling up completely while cooking. Pat dry and set aside.
  • In a bowl combine chili paste, ginger and soy sauce. Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of the prawns with the mixture cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  • Place one wonton wrapper on a flat work surface. Place one prawn on a wrapper, with the tail hanging off the edge. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Next, roll the prawns tightly in the wrapper. Set aside. Repeat until all prawns are wrapped.
  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Once oil starts to shimmer, drop in a tiny piece of a wonton wrapper. If it starts sizzling the oil is ready. Cook the prawns 4-5 minutes or until the wrappers are golden brown and the prawn tails are pink. Depending on the size of your pan you may need to do this in batches. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the prawns to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with kosher salt and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with a quick dipping sauce using 3 parts soy sauce, 2 parts rice vinegar and a little garlic powder and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: appetizer, asian, asian food, chili paste, Christmas, christmas appetizer, firecracker, Food, fried, fried shrimp, fried snack, ginger, holiday appetizer, holiday party, large prawns, large shrimp, Prawns, Recipe, sambal oelek, seafood, shellfish, shrimp, soy sauce, spicy, spicy food, wontons

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Teresa
    January 4, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Wow, these are really amazing. The shrimp turns out perfectly cooked. They had just the right amount of spice (I followed the recipe exactly). Thank you!

  • Reply
    megsteph
    December 2, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    There are totally on my list for my Christmas party – thanks! One question, where do I find sambal oelek chili paste??

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 2, 2009 at 8:36 pm

      Megsteph- You can find sambal oelek chili paste in the Asian aisle at your local grocery store or any Asian market will have it. Hope this helps and I hope you enjoy them!

  • Reply
    shannon
    November 30, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    These were amazing! Wish I could eat them everyday:)

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 1, 2009 at 11:42 am

      Thanks ThatsSoYummy!
      Shannon- Perhaps they will have to make another appearance at our next seafood feast. :)

  • Reply
    ThatsSoYummy
    November 30, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    These look terrific, and probably taste even better!

    Yummy! :-)

    -Natasha

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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