Crispy Prawns in Spicy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Oil for Frying

1. Heat the Oil
   • In a large, deep pan (at least 13cm deep), pour in 5cm of vegetable oil.
   • Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 190°C. Ensure the pan is no more than two-thirds full to prevent overflow.

Step 2: Make the Batter

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a bowl, whisk together 65g cornflour, 95g potato starch, 50g plain flour, and ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda.
   • Add a pinch of salt to the mixture.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

   • Stir in 1 egg white, 1 tsp vegetable oil, and 120ml water.
   • Whisk until you have a thick batter.

Step 3: Fry the Prawns (First Fry)

4. Coat the Prawns

   • Working in batches, dip the 700g prawns into the batter, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.

5. Fry the Prawns

   • Carefully lower the coated prawns into the hot oil one at a time.
   • Fry for about 1½ minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

6. Drain the Prawns

   • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried prawns to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
   • Repeat with the remaining prawns, ensuring the oil returns to 190°C between batches.

Step 4: Fry the Prawns (Second Fry)

7. Double Fry the Prawns

   • Once all prawns are fried, let the oil return to 190°C.
   • Carefully return the prawns to the oil and fry for another 1½-2 minutes until very crisp.

8. Drain Again

   • Transfer the double-fried prawns to a wire rack or paper-lined plate to drain. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

9. Prepare the Sauce Mixture
   • In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp caster sugar, 4½ tsp tomato purée, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp gochujang, 1-2 tsp sriracha (to taste), 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 60ml water with the remaining 1 tsp cornflour.
   • Mix until the sugar dissolves.

Step 6: Cook the Sauce

10. Heat the Pan

    • In a large frying pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

11. Sauté Vegetables

    • Add 3 tbsp diced onion, 6 grated garlic cloves, 1 diced Korean red chili, and 1 diced Korean green chili.
    • Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.

12. Add Sauce

    • Pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
    • Cook for about 45 seconds, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

13. Add the Prawns

    • Quickly toss the fried prawns in the sauce until well coated.

14. Serve

    • Transfer to a platter, scatter over handful of sliced spring onions, and serve immediately with cooked white rice. Enjoy your delicious fried prawns!