Cereal prawn is a popular dish in many Asian countries, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a mouth-watering combination of succulent prawns, crunchy cereal, and flavorful spices. If you’re looking to try your hand at cooking this delicious dish, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook cereal prawn to perfection.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the ingredients that make up this dish. The main ingredients include:
- Prawns: Fresh or frozen prawns can be used for this recipe. If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them first.
- Cereal: The cereal used in this recipe is typically a type of breakfast cereal, such as cornflakes or oats.
- Spices: A blend of spices, including chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, adds flavor to the dish.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or peanut oil is used for frying the prawns and cereal.
- Seasonings: Salt, sugar, and soy sauce are used to season the dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking, it’s crucial to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Peel and de-vein the prawns, leaving the tails intact.
- Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Crush the cereal into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin.
- Mix the spices, salt, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
Cooking the Prawns
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to cook the prawns. Here’s how:
- Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the prawns to the wok and fry until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the prawns from the wok and set them aside on a plate.
Frying the Cereal
The next step is to fry the cereal. Here’s how:
- In the same wok, add another 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add the crushed cereal to the wok and stir-fry until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the spice mixture to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
Combining the Prawns and Cereal
Now it’s time to combine the prawns and cereal. Here’s how:
- Add the fried prawns back into the wok with the cereal mixture.
- Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, until the prawns are well coated with the cereal mixture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Cereal prawn is typically served as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve the cereal prawn with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- Serve the cereal prawn with noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles.
- Serve the cereal prawn as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by a dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you perfect your cereal prawn recipe:
- Use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Add other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to the cereal mixture for added flavor.
- Use different types of cereal, such as oats or granola, for a different texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking cereal prawn:
- Overcooking the prawns, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Not crushing the cereal finely enough, which can result in a crunchy texture.
- Not stirring the cereal mixture enough, which can result in a burnt or unevenly cooked cereal.
Conclusion
Cooking cereal prawn is a relatively simple process that requires some basic ingredients and cooking techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to use fresh ingredients, adjust the seasoning to taste, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a perfect dish every time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns | 1 pound |
| Cereal | 1 cup |
| Oil | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Spices | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
By following this recipe and using the ingredients listed in the table above, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic cereal prawn dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What is cereal prawn and how is it different from other prawn dishes?
Cereal prawn is a popular Singaporean dish that consists of prawns coated in a mixture of cereal, often oats or cornflakes, and then deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. This dish is different from other prawn dishes in that it has a crunchy exterior and a flavorful interior, thanks to the cereal coating. The cereal adds a unique texture and flavor to the prawns that is not found in other prawn dishes.
The cereal coating also helps to seal in the juices of the prawns, making them tender and succulent. This dish is often served as an appetizer or main course in Singaporean restaurants and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The combination of crunchy cereal and succulent prawns makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
What type of cereal is best to use for cereal prawn?
The type of cereal to use for cereal prawn is a matter of personal preference, but oats and cornflakes are the most commonly used. Oats provide a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, while cornflakes add a sweet and crunchy element to the dish. Other types of cereal, such as rice cereal or wheat cereal, can also be used, but oats and cornflakes are the most traditional choices.
It’s also worth noting that the cereal should be crushed or ground into fine crumbs before using, as this will help it adhere to the prawns better. This can be done using a food processor or by placing the cereal in a plastic bag and crushing it with a rolling pin.
How do I prepare the prawns for cereal prawn?
To prepare the prawns for cereal prawn, start by peeling and de-veining them. Then, rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is an important step, as excess moisture can prevent the cereal coating from adhering to the prawns.
Next, season the prawns with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes may also call for additional seasonings, such as garlic or chili powder, but salt and pepper are the most basic and essential seasonings. Once the prawns are seasoned, they are ready to be coated in the cereal mixture.
How do I coat the prawns in cereal?
To coat the prawns in cereal, start by dipping each prawn into a beaten egg and then rolling it in the crushed cereal to coat. Make sure to press the cereal onto the prawn gently to ensure it adheres evenly. This process can be a bit messy, so be prepared to get your hands dirty.
It’s also important to make sure the prawns are fully coated in cereal, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming greasy. If necessary, dip the prawns in the egg and cereal mixture again to ensure they are fully coated.
How do I deep-fry the cereal prawns?
To deep-fry the cereal prawns, heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated prawns into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
It’s also important to not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and the prawns to become greasy. Fry the prawns in batches if necessary, and make sure to drain them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
Can I bake the cereal prawns instead of deep-frying them?
Yes, it is possible to bake the cereal prawns instead of deep-frying them. To do this, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the coated prawns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the prawns are golden brown and crispy.
Baking the cereal prawns is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but it may not produce the same crispy exterior as deep-frying. However, the prawns will still be flavorful and tender, and the cereal coating will still provide a nice crunch.
How do I serve cereal prawn?
Cereal prawn is often served as an appetizer or main course in Singaporean restaurants. It can be served on its own or with a side of vegetables or rice. Some popular dipping sauces for cereal prawn include chili sauce, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
Cereal prawn can also be served as part of a larger meal, such as a seafood platter or a noodle dish. It’s a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways, and its crunchy exterior and flavorful interior make it a crowd-pleaser.