Bring the crispy, delicious magic of prawn crackers to your kitchen! This recipe shows you how to make these golden, airy snacks at home, along with a tangy, mango-chili dipping sauce to take them to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Prawn Crackers
- 200g prawn meat (fresh or defrosted)
- 200g tapioca starch (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 egg white
- 1–2 drops of food colouring (optional, for a pink hue)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Dough
- Place the prawn meat in a food processor and pulse until it forms a smooth paste.
- Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl, and add tapioca starch, salt, sugar, white pepper, egg white, and food colouring (if using). Stir until a firm dough forms.
- Dust your hands with tapioca starch and shape the dough into a compact cylinder, approximately 3 cm in diameter. Wrap the cylinder tightly in cling film.
Step 2: Steam the Dough
- Bring a steamer to a boil, then lower the heat to medium.
- Steam the wrapped dough for 30–40 minutes until it becomes firm and cooked through.
- Remove the cylinder from the steamer and allow it to cool completely. For best results, chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Step 3: Slice and Dry
- Once the dough is fully set and chilled, slice it into thin, even rounds (about 1–2 mm thick). The thinner the slices, the crispier the crackers will be.
- Arrange the slices on a tray lined with parchment paper. Leave them to air dry in a cool, dry place for 1–2 days. Alternatively, you can dry them in a low oven (about 60°C/140°F) for a few hours.
Step 4: Fry the Crackers
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the dried prawn slices in small batches. They will puff up quickly, usually within 5–10 seconds. Remove them from the oil as soon as they are puffed, and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, add Harry's Hot Honey. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust the flavour by adding more lime juice for tanginess or extra dressing for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the golden, crispy prawn crackers warm or at room temperature on a platter. Pair them with the mango-chili dipping sauce on the side for the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. The bold mango and chili notes of Harry's Hot Honey - Sriracha Mango Honey Dressing elevate the dish, giving it a restaurant-quality touch that’s ideal for snacks or as a starter for any occasion.
Enjoy your homemade prawn crackers with a flavourful twist that will leave everyone reaching for more!