Save This Asian fusion dish combines succulent garlic prawns with fragrant fried rice. The prawns are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, then quickly seared until perfectly pink and tender. The fried rice features cooked jasmine rice stir-fried with colourful vegetables including onion, bell pepper, carrot, and peas, all brought together with sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and a finish of sesame oil and spring onions. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vibrant meal serves two and delivers a satisfying balance of protein, vegetables, and aromatic flavours.
The first time I made garlic prawns, my tiny apartment smelled like a seaside restaurant for days. My roommate kept poking her head into the kitchen, asking if we were having company. We weren't just treating ourselves to something that felt wildly indulgent on a Tuesday night.
I served this to my sister during her visit last month, and she literally stopped mid-bite to ask what Id done differently. The secret was using day-old jasmine rice and letting the prawns get that gorgeous golden sear before tossing them with the rice. She made me write down the recipe on the spot.
Ingredients
- Large raw prawns: Fresh prawns give the best results, but if youre using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to get that beautiful sear
- Olive oil: A decent quality oil matters here since the prawns shine in their simplicity
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable, jarred garlic just doesnt have that punch when its quickly seared
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness that cuts through the rich fried rice
- Salt and pepper: Keep it simple, let the prawns natural sweetness shine
- Fresh parsley: Totally optional but adds such a lovely fresh finish
- Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice is your secret weapon for perfectly separate grains, fresh rice turns into mush
- Vegetable oil: High smoke point makes it ideal for the high heat of fried rice
- Onion: Foundation flavor that sweetens as it cooks
- Red bell pepper: Brings crunch and gorgeous color pops throughout the dish
- Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and texture variation
- Frozen peas: Theyre already blanched, so they just need a quick warm through
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the creamest scramble in your rice
- Sweet chilli sauce: The star that brings everything together with that perfect balance of sweet and heat
- Soy sauce: Just enough for depth and umami without overpowering
- Spring onions: Fresh oniony kick that brightens the whole bowl
- Sesame oil: A tiny drizzle at the end makes it taste restaurant authentic
Instructions
- Marinate the prawns:
- Toss the prawns with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes while you prep everything else, the lemon will start working its magic.
- Sear the prawns to perfection:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until its practically shimmering. Cook prawns for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them immediately so they dont overcook.
- Build the flavor foundation:
- Heat vegetable oil in your wok over medium heat. Toss in onion, bell pepper, and carrot, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften but still have plenty of crunch.
- Add the peas and scramble the eggs:
- Toss in frozen peas for one minute. Push everything to one side, pour in your beaten eggs, and scramble until just set before folding them through the vegetables.
- Bring it all together:
- Add the cooled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour in sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil, tossing until every grain is coated and heated through.
- Finish and serve:
- Stir in those spring onions right at the end. Divide the fragrant rice between plates and top with those gorgeous garlic prawns.
Save This has become my go-to when friends come over for impromptu dinners. Theres something about the combination of garlicky prawns and that sweet-spicy rice that makes everyone lean in a little closer, forks clinking against the bowl.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in sliced red chili if Im craving extra heat, or swap prawns for cubes of firm tofu when my vegetarian friends visit. The beauty of this dish is how forgiving it is once you master the rice technique.
Wine Pairing Magic
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully, but honestly, an ice-cold beer works just as well. The sweet chilli brings its own complexity, so you dont need anything too fussy.
Leftover Love
This rice actually tastes better the next day, if you can resist eating it all at once. Ive been known to eat it cold straight from the container for breakfast.
- Double the rice portion and keep some unadorned for a quick lunch the next day
- If meal prepping, store prawns separately from rice to maintain their texture
- A squeeze of fresh lime brightens leftover rice like nothing else
Save Theres something deeply satisfying about a meal that comes together this quickly yet tastes like it took hours. Enjoy every bite.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How long does it take to make garlic prawns and sweet chilli fried rice?
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The total time is 40 minutes, including 20 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. The prawns cook quickly in just 2–4 minutes, whilst the fried rice comes together in about 10 minutes of stir-frying.
- → Can I use leftover rice for the fried rice?
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Absolutely! Using leftover cooked jasmine rice that has been cooled is actually recommended for the best fried rice texture. The grains separate better and absorb flavours more effectively than freshly cooked warm rice.
- → What can I substitute for prawns?
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You can substitute prawns with tofu for a vegetarian option or chicken breast slices for a different protein variation. Adjust cooking times accordingly—tofu needs less cooking whilst chicken may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
- → How spicy is this dish?
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The sweet chilli sauce provides a mild to medium heat level with a balance of sweetness. For extra spice, add a sliced fresh red chilli to the rice during stir-frying or increase the sweet chilli sauce quantity to taste.
- → What wine pairs well with garlic prawns and sweet chilli fried rice?
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A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully, cutting through the richness of the prawns and balancing the sweet and savoury flavours of the fried rice. Pinot Grigio or Riesling also work well.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
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The dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and checking that your sweet chilli sauce is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
