Prawns Stir Fry – Easy 8‑Minute Recipe

A swift, flavorful dish that blends tender prawns with aromatic garlic and green onions in a glossy, slightly spicy sauce—ready in just 8 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super quick: On the table in under 10 minutes—perfect for busy nights
• Customizable: Use whatever vegetables or spice level you prefer
• Versatile serving: Great with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps
• Minimal cleanup: One pan and a handful of ingredients
• Packed with flavor: Sweet, savory, and mildly spicy all in one bite

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• prawns
• green onions
• garlic
• vegetarian oyster sauce (gluten-free)
• sweet chili sauce
• chili crisp
• cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)

directions

1. Peel and devein the prawns if necessary. Chop the white part of the green onions finely; slice the green tops and set aside for garnish. Mince the garlic.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onion and garlic, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the vegetarian oyster sauce, sweet chili sauce, and chili crisp. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
5. Garnish with the green tops of the green onions. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep time: 2 minutes
• Cook time: 6 minutes
• Total time: 8 minutes

Variations

• Substitute prawns with chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for different protein options
• Use tamari, soy sauce, or hoisin sauce if vegetarian oyster sauce is unavailable
• Swap chili crisp for sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil depending on heat preference
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for added color and crunch
• Include freshly grated ginger for extra aromatic depth

storage/reheating

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave in short intervals
• Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating

FAQs

What size of prawns should I use?

Medium to large prawns work best. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined for quicker cooking.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

Is vegetarian oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth, but you can use soy sauce, tamari, or hoisin as alternatives.

How spicy is this dish?

The chili crisp gives a moderate kick. Adjust or omit it to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mince the garlic and chop green onions in advance, and store in the fridge.

What oil should I use?

A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil is ideal.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, stir-fry them before adding the prawns. Try broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.

How can I tell when prawns are cooked?

They turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when properly cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

What can I serve this with?

Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or even lettuce cups make excellent pairings.

Conclusion

This prawns stir fry is a perfect solution for busy evenings when you need something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a reliable go-to that delivers restaurant-level taste with home-cooked ease.

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