Introduction:

In the bustling streets of Malaysia, amid the aromatic stalls of vibrant night markets and seafood restaurants, one dish stands out as a true indulgence: Butter Prawns. This iconic Malaysian seafood delicacy tantalizes the taste buds with its succulent prawns enveloped in a rich and creamy butter sauce infused with garlic and curry leaves. In this comprehensive recipe, we will delve into the art of creating Butter Prawns, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques that elevate this dish to culinary perfection. Join us on a journey through Malaysia’s seafood paradise as we unlock the secrets to preparing Butter Prawns that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

Let’s begin by gathering the essential ingredients for Butter Prawns:

For the Prawns:

• 500g large fresh prawns, deveined and shells intact
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Butter Sauce:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2 bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Thinly sliced red chilies

For Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or fried mantou buns

Preparation:

Before we embark on the cooking process, let’s prepare our ingredients with care and attention to detail to ensure that each element of Butter Prawns is executed to perfection.

1. Prepare the Prawns:

   • Rinse the prawns under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Using a sharp knife, make a shallow slit along the back of each prawn and remove the vein.
   • In a bowl, toss the cleaned prawns with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside while we prepare the butter sauce.

2. Prepare the Butter Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to foam.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
   • Toss in the curry leaves and bird’s eye chilies (if using) and continue to sauté for another minute to infuse the butter with their flavors.
   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.

3. Cook the Prawns:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the coated prawns to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer.
   • Allow the prawns to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque on one side.
   • Flip the prawns over and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked through and lightly browned.
   • Once the prawns are cooked, pour the prepared butter sauce over them in the skillet, tossing gently to coat each prawn evenly with the flavorful sauce.

4. Garnish and Serve:

   • Transfer the Butter Prawns to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Serve the Butter Prawns hot, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice or fried mantou buns, allowing diners to savor the succulent prawns and creamy butter sauce with their preferred accompaniments.

Cooking Process:

Now that our ingredients are prepared, let’s dive into the cooking process and unlock the secrets to creating Butter Prawns that are bursting with flavor and aroma.

1. Preparing the Prawns:

   • Start by rinsing the prawns under cold running water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
   • Using a sharp knife, make a shallow slit along the back of each prawn and remove the vein. This step ensures that the prawns cook evenly and are free from any grit or debris.
   • In a bowl, toss the cleaned prawns with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a light and crispy texture when the prawns are cooked.

2. Making the Butter Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. The butter should be hot but not browned to ensure a rich and creamy sauce.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
   • Toss in the curry leaves and bird’s eye chilies (if using) and continue to sauté for another minute to infuse the butter with their aromatic flavors. The curry leaves add a subtle earthiness, while the chilies provide a hint of heat.
   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt, mixing well to combine. The sweet soy sauce adds a touch of sweetness, while the oyster sauce lends depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
   • Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a luscious coating for the prawns.

3. Cooking the Prawns:

   • Once the butter sauce is prepared, increase the heat to medium-high and add the coated prawns to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
   • Allow the prawns to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque on one side. This allows the prawns to develop a flavorful crust while retaining their natural sweetness.
   • Flip the prawns over using a pair of tongs and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery.
   • Once the prawns are cooked, pour the prepared butter sauce over them in the skillet, tossing gently to coat each prawn evenly. This ensures that every bite is infused with the rich and creamy flavors of the sauce.

4. Garnishing and Serving:

   • Transfer the Butter Prawns to a serving platter, arranging them in an eye-catching display. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Serve the Butter Prawns hot, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice or fried mantou buns. The fluffy rice or crispy buns provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious butter sauce and savoring the succulent prawns.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Butter Prawns are a true indulgence that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine. With succulent prawns enveloped in a creamy butter sauce infused with garlic and curry leaves, this iconic seafood dish is a testament to Malaysia’s culinary heritage. By following this comprehensive recipe with meticulous attention to detail, you can recreate the magic of Butter Prawns in the comfort of your own kitchen, delighting friends and family with a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma.

So, gather your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and let the culinary adventure begin. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you bon appétit and selamat makan! (Enjoy your meal!)