Chili Basil Prawns

Background and History

Chili Basil Prawns is a flavorful and aromatic dish that has its roots in Thai cuisine, which is renowned for its bold flavors and vibrant use of fresh herbs and spices. The dish combines succulent prawns with the spicy kick of chili and the fragrant notes of fresh basil. Thai cuisine often marries spicy, sweet, sour, and salty components, and this dish is no exception. The use of these ingredients can be traced back to the traditional Thai practice of using readily available seasonal produce and seafood, making it a staple in coastal areas.

Ingredients

• Prawns (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup)
• Red chili peppers (2, finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves (4, minced)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Fish sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon)
• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the prawns are thoroughly cleaned, and pat them dry with paper towels. Next, finely chop the chili peppers and garlic. Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces, which will release their natural aroma more effectively during cooking.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will be your flavorful sauce base, complementing the natural sweetness of the prawns.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

Step 4: Stir-frying the Prawns

Increase the heat to high and add the prawns to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. It's important not to overcook them, as they will become tough and rubbery.

Step 5: Adding the Sauce and the Heat

Once the prawns are cooked, add the prepared sauce along with the chopped chili peppers. Stir well to coat the prawns evenly in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 6: Finishing Touch

Lower the heat and toss in the fresh basil leaves. Stir just until the basil leaves are wilted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

How to Enjoy Chili Basil Prawns

Chili Basil Prawns is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, served hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside noodles. The dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer. If you enjoy extra heat, garnish with additional chopped chili peppers on top. Prepare some refreshing cucumber slices on the side to help cool off the palate between bites, or balance the heat with a sweet and tangy Thai-style salad.