Singapore Cereal Prawns is a popular and delightful seafood dish known for its crispy, golden-brown prawns coated in a fragrant cereal mixture. It’s a unique and flavorful creation that combines the sweetness of fresh prawns with the savory crunch of the cereal. Here’s a description of how Singapore Cereal Prawns are typically prepared:
Ingredients:
To make Singapore Cereal Prawns, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
For the Prawns:
Large Prawns: Fresh, large prawns with shells on are the star of the dish. They should be deveined and cleaned.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the prawns.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to coat the prawns before frying, creating a crispy texture.
For the Cereal Mixture:
Butter: Butter is used for frying the cereal mixture and adding richness.
Curry Leaves: Fresh curry leaves add an aromatic, citrusy flavor.
Bird’s Eye Chilies: Sliced Bird’s Eye chilies provide heat, but you can adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.
Cereal: Typically, breakfast cereal flakes like cornflakes or oat flakes are used. They are crushed into smaller pieces for the coating.
Sugar: A bit of sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt: For seasoning the cereal mixture.
Milk Powder: Some recipes include milk powder for added creaminess and flavor.
Preparation:
Here’s a general outline of how to prepare Singapore Cereal Prawns:
Prepare the Prawns: Season the prawns with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in cornstarch. This helps create a crispy exterior when frying.
Fry the Prawns: Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the prawns until they turn pink and the shells become crispy and golden. Remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
Make the Cereal Mixture: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add fresh curry leaves and sliced Bird’s Eye chilies, sautéing until fragrant.
Add Cereal: Add the crushed cereal flakes to the pan and stir them into the butter mixture. Cook until the cereal turns golden brown and fragrant.
Season and Sweeten: Season the cereal mixture with salt and a bit of sugar, adjusting to taste. Some recipes also incorporate milk powder at this stage for added flavor.
Combine with Prawns: Return the fried prawns to the pan and toss them in the cereal mixture until they are well coated.
Serve: Singapore Cereal Prawns are typically served hot and immediately, garnished with extra curry leaves and chilies for presentation.
Flavor Profile:
Singapore Cereal Prawns offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The prawns are sweet and tender, while the cereal coating provides a savory and slightly sweet crunch. The addition of curry leaves and Bird’s Eye chilies infuses the dish with aromatic and spicy notes.
Serving Suggestions:
Singapore Cereal Prawns are often served as a main course in Singaporean and Southeast Asian cuisine. They can be accompanied by steamed rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a dish enjoyed for its unique blend of flavors and the contrast between the crispy cereal and succulent prawns.
