There’s a certain thrill that comes from crafting a dish that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Take Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, for instance—a delightful treat where each bite offers a cascade of textures and flavors. I first stumbled across this gem while exploring one of my favorite Asian markets, and the vibrant hues of salted egg yolks caught my attention. The moment I tasted those prawns, crispy on the outside and luxuriously rich on the inside, I knew I had to recreate it at home.
Imagine the sizzle of fresh prawns hitting the oil while a creamy, umami-packed sauce awaits to envelop them. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary evening into something truly special. Whether you’re impressing guests at a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade dinner, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together and bring a touch of flavor-packed Asian delight to your kitchen!
Why are Salted Egg Yolk Prawns irresistible?
Unique Flavor Explosion: The rich, creamy salted egg yolk envelops each prawn, creating a flavor that is both indulgent and unforgettable.
Crispy Delight: With a perfectly crispy exterior, these prawns deliver a satisfying crunch in every bite, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully.
Quick to Make: In just a few simple steps, you can whip up this gourmet dish at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Versatile Presentation: Serve as a stunning appetizer or add alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal—its versatility shines in any context.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Loved by both seafood enthusiasts and novices alike, this dish will dazzle your guests and leave them wanting more!
Salted Egg Yolk Prawns Ingredients
For the Prawns
• Fresh Prawns – The star of the dish, providing that tender, juicy base; substitute with shrimp if needed.
• Potato Starch – Essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating; cornstarch works in a pinch.
For the Sauce
• Salted Egg Yolks – The key ingredient that brings richness and creaminess to the prawns; can find them at Asian markets or make your own at home.
• Butter – Adds a luscious undertone to the sauce; feel free to use olive oil for a lighter version.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder – Enhances the umami flavor, crucial for the sauce’s depth; swap for vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option.
• Sugar – Balances the saltiness of the yolks; adjust to taste or omit for less sweetness.
These Salted Egg Yolk Prawns are not just a dish; they’re a feast for the senses, promising a delightful culinary experience!
How to Make Salted Egg Yolk Prawns
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Prepare the Egg Yolks: Start by steaming the salted egg yolks for 15 minutes until they are cooked through. Let them cool slightly, then mash them until smooth and fine for a velvety sauce.
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Clean the Prawns: Next, grab your fresh prawns! Cut off any sharp parts, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring they fry nicely.
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Coat the Prawns: Lightly coat your prawns with potato starch. This is key for achieving that sought-after crispy texture. Let them rest in a colander while you heat the oil.
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Fry the Prawns: In a pan over medium heat, add enough oil to submerge the prawns. Fry them for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, melt a generous amount of butter over low heat. Add the mashed salted egg yolks, chicken bouillon powder, and a sprinkle of sugar. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring until well combined and creamy.
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Combine Prawns and Sauce: Once the prawns are perfectly fried, toss them gently into the salted egg yolk sauce. Make sure each prawn is well coated in that luscious mixture for the best flavor experience!
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Serve Immediately: Plate your delicious Salted Egg Yolk Prawns right away! Serve them with a wedge of lemon or a side of spicy mayonnaise for an extra kick.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped scallions or chili flakes on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Salted Egg Yolk Prawns?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the rich flavors of this beloved dish.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing, the light fluffiness of jasmine rice balances the richness of the prawns and soaks up any leftover sauce.
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Stir-Fried Greens: Bright, crunchy vegetables like bok choy or green beans add a refreshing contrast, offering a delightful textural and colorful balance to the meal.
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Spicy Mayo Dip: A creamy and zesty dip made from mayonnaise and Sriracha adds an exciting kick, complementing the salted egg yolk’s savory notes harmoniously.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These crispy bites provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors, making them an ideal starter to set the tone for your seafood feast.
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Coconut Rice: With its sweet and creamy notes, coconut rice serves as a lovely contrasting side that pairs beautifully with the savory, umami-rich prawns.
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Chilled Beer or Sparkling Water: The crisp bubbles of a cold beer or sparkling water cleanse the palate, enhancing the full flavor of your salted egg yolk prawns.
Each of these pairings not only complements the dish but also enriches the dining experience, bringing warmth and vibrancy to your table.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Egg Yolk Prawns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the salted egg yolks and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply steam and mash the salted egg yolks as directed, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Additionally, you can clean and coat the prawns with potato starch ahead of time; just store them in the fridge covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish, fry the prawns and toss them in the prepared sauce for a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. This makes weeknight dinners smoother without sacrificing flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Egg Yolk Prawns
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Fridge: Store any leftover Salted Egg Yolk Prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain freshness, but they are best enjoyed soon after cooking.
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Freezer: While freezing is not recommended for cooked prawns due to texture changes, you can freeze uncooked prawns coated with potato starch for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frying.
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Reheating: To reheat refrigerated prawns, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness compared to microwaving.
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Serving Tips: Enjoy reheated prawns with a fresh squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of sauce to revitalize their flavor before serving.
Salted Egg Yolk Prawns Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Salted Egg Yolk Prawns to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Spicy Twist: Add fresh chilies or chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick that complements the creamy richness.
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Crispy Garlic: Incorporate crushed garlic into the frying oil to infuse a wonderful aroma and added flavor that’s simply irresistible.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute prawns with fried tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian delight, ensuring a crispy coating remains.
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Flavorful Herb Blend: Stir in chopped scallions or cilantro into the sauce for a refreshing brightness that elevates each bite.
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Sesame Seeds: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds after coating for an appealing crunch and nutty flavor boost.
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Coconut Cream: Swap out butter for coconut cream to transform the sauce into a delightful dairy-free alternative, perfect for tropical vibes.
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Lime Zest: Brighten up your dish by adding zest of lime to the sauce; this enhances the umami notes with a zesty freshness.
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Sweet and Savory: Mix in mango puree or pineapple chunks with the prawns before serving for a unique blend of sweet and savory that will surprise your guests.
Let your culinary creativity shine and enjoy the cooking adventure!
Expert Tips for Salted Egg Yolk Prawns
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Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure your oil is hot before frying. Test with a small piece of prawn; it should sizzle immediately to get that perfect crisp.
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Yolk Consistency: For a smoother sauce, use a food processor to mash the salted egg yolks. This will ensure a velvety coating on your prawns.
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Frying Time: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature. Fry in batches if needed—this preserves their crispy texture.
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Freshness is Key: Serve the Salted Egg Yolk Prawns immediately after cooking. This preserves the delightful crunch and makes every bite enjoyable.
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Tweak the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the sauce according to your taste preferences. A little balance can enhance the salted richness of the yolk.
Salted Egg Yolk Prawns Recipe FAQs
What type of prawns should I use for Salted Egg Yolk Prawns?
Absolutely! Fresh prawns are the best choice as they provide a tender, juicy texture essential for this dish. If fresh prawns aren’t available, feel free to substitute them with shrimp or any firm white fish that can handle the frying.
How can I store leftover Salted Egg Yolk Prawns?
Very! Store any leftover Salted Egg Yolk Prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, they are truly best enjoyed right after cooking, to maintain that delightful crunch. When storing, make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing.
Can I freeze Salted Egg Yolk Prawns?
Not ideal! Freezing cooked prawns can lead to a soggy texture upon thawing, which we want to avoid. However, you can freeze uncooked prawns after coating them with potato starch. Wrap them tight and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying.
How do I restore the crispiness when reheating Salted Egg Yolk Prawns?
Sure thing! To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the prawns on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. This method works wonders compared to microwaving, which tends to make them mushy. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving can also brighten the flavor.
Are Salted Egg Yolk Prawns suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! While this dish is not specifically vegetarian or vegan due to the prawns and butter, you can make it more inclusive by using vegetable bouillon to enhance the sauce and swapping butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just remember to check for any possible seafood allergies before serving to others.
What should I do if the sauce is too salty?
No problem! If your salted egg yolk sauce comes out saltier than you’d like, you can balance it with a touch of sugar or add a bit of cream to mellow out the flavors. If you’re experimenting, start with small increments—taste and adjust until it meets your preferences.
Salted Egg Yolk Prawns: Crispy, Creamy Bliss You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Egg Yolks: Steam the salted egg yolks for 15 minutes until cooked through, then mash until smooth.
- Clean the Prawns: Rinse fresh prawns under cold water, pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the Prawns: Coat prawns with potato starch and let rest in a colander.
- Fry the Prawns: Heat oil in a pan, fry prawns for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter over low heat, add mashed salted egg yolks, bouillon, and sugar. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Combine Prawns and Sauce: Toss fried prawns in sauce until well coated.
- Serve Immediately: Plate prawns and serve with lemon or spicy mayonnaise.