Prawn Stir Fry

There’s something so comforting about tossing together a stir fry. The sizzle of fresh ingredients hitting a hot pan, the rush of aromas filling the kitchen, and the knowledge that in less time than it takes for a takeaway to arrive, you’ve got a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. One of my favourites when I’m craving something flavourful yet not too heavy is Prawn Stir Fry – a lively dish that never fails to hit the spot.

This version of prawn stir fry is all about balance: the sweetness of prawns, the crunch of vegetables, the warmth of red chilli, and the deep savoury notes from hoisin and dark soy. What I love most is how colourful it looks on the plate – a mix of glossy noodles tangled with bright mange tout, buttery sweetcorn, slices of celery, earthy mushrooms, and the vibrant pop of red chilli. To finish, toasted sesame seeds scatter across the top, adding a nutty crunch that brings everything together beautifully.

Cooking prawns in a stir fry is always a joy. They only need a few minutes to turn from translucent to that lovely coral-pink, which makes them perfect for a quick midweek dinner. The trick is not to overcook them – let them just kiss the hot pan until they’re juicy and tender, soaking up the flavours of the sauce. Hoisin gives that gentle sweetness with a hint of spice, dark soy adds a deep umami richness, and the sesame oil rounds it all off with a smooth, toasty fragrance. It’s the kind of sauce that clings to the noodles and vegetables, making each bite of your prawn stir fry so full of flavour.

What I find particularly appealing about prawn stir fry is its texture. The mange tout stays slightly crisp, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the softer noodles and mushrooms. Celery, though sometimes overlooked, adds an extra layer of freshness and crunch that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Then there’s the chilli – just enough to give a gentle heat without overpowering the prawns. You could, of course, turn the heat up with extra chilli flakes if you prefer a fiery version.

This prawn stir fry is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to make a little feast of it, there are plenty of extras you can add to the table. A side of steamed jasmine rice is a lovely option for those who want a bit of extra substance – perfect for soaking up the sauce. A small dish of pickled vegetables makes a refreshing accompaniment, cutting through the savoury richness with a tangy bite. If you’re entertaining, you could even put out a plate of spring rolls or prawn crackers to nibble on before serving the stir fry.

For drinks, something light and crisp works best. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the prawns beautifully, while a cold Asian beer provides a refreshing balance to the spice and richness of the sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, jasmine tea or sparkling water with a wedge of lime both work wonders.

The beauty of a prawn stir fry like this is how versatile it is. You could swap the prawns for chicken or tofu if you fancy a change, or throw in whatever vegetables you have to hand – peppers, baby corn, or even broccoli would all feel at home in this dish. But for me, the combination of prawns, mushrooms, mange tout, and sesame is a winner every time.

In the end, Prawn Stir Fry is more than just a quick meal. It’s a reminder that cooking at home can be both simple and satisfying. With just a few fresh ingredients and a hot pan, you can create a dish that feels vibrant, wholesome, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself, without ever leaving the kitchen.

Prawn Stir Fry

Prawn Stir Fry with an all-rounder sauce is a vibrant, quick-cook meal that blends juicy prawns, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles in a perfectly balanced mix of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours. The sauce, made with oyster, soy, sesame, and a touch of rice vinegar, gives every bite a glossy, satisfying richness without being too heavy. Fresh, colourful and full of texture, prawn stir fry is a dish that works just as well for a speedy weeknight dinner as it does for a dinner party treat.

4.89 from 42 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Chillies, King Prawn, Prawn Stir Fry, Prawns, Sesame Seeds, Stir Fry, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 392kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• ▢ 350 g raw prawns peeled and deveined
• ▢ 250 g egg noodles cooked according to packet instructions
• ▢ 120 g mange tout sliced in half
• ▢ 100 g mushrooms sliced
• ▢ 1 stick celery thinly sliced
• ▢ 100 g sweetcorn frozen or canned, drained
• ▢ 1 medium red chilli thinly sliced
• ▢ 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
• ▢ 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• ▢ 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ▢ 1 tsp sesame oil
• ▢ 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
• ▢ ½ tsp chilli flakes for extra heat

Instructions

• Cook the noodles and set aside. Slice all the vegetables and chilli so they’re ready to go — stir fries move quickly once the pan is hot.
  250 g egg noodles
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan.
  2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Add the prawns and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until pink and just curled.
  350 g raw prawns
• Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the mushrooms, celery, sweetcorn, and mange tout.
  100 g mushrooms, 1 stick celery, 100 g sweetcorn, 120 g mange tout
• Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
• Add the sliced chilli and cook for another minute.
  1 medium red chilli
• In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, light soy, dark soy, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you like heat, stir in the chilli flakes.
  2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp chilli flakes
• Return the prawns to the pan, add the noodles, and pour over the sauce.
• Toss well for 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
• Sprinkle the Prawn Stir Fry with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
  2 tbsp sesame seeds

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1166mg | Potassium: 560mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 815IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 3mg