Prawns A La Cognac
Prawns A La Cognac offers a delightful blend of fiery peppers, fragrant soy, and rich cognac, perfect for seafood lovers seeking an elegant, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the prawns along the back from end to just before the tail, leaving the shell and tail on.
- Remove the vein, rinse in cold water, and dry with paper towels.
- Place 4 tablespoons of cognac in a bowl and add the prawns.
- Mix until all of the prawns are coated with the cognac.
- Marinate covered in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Heat a wok on medium-high to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cognac.
- Use a spatula to coat the wok sides with the cognac.
- Ignite the cognac with a match carefully.
- Add the prawns and marinade to the wok and stir-fry until prawns are pink, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Serve on a heated platter and pour the sauce into small dishes for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the marinade. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of hot peppers or substitute them with sweet bell peppers. Using a high-quality cognac will enhance the overall taste. If you don't have cognac, brandy is a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the prawns hot on a heated platter with small dishes of the sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Kabobs Hawaiian or a side of Japanese Noodles for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold as part of a seafood salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prawns A La Cognac contains roughly 125 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but make sure to thaw them completely before preparing. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry to ensure they marinate effectively and cook evenly.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil. However, this will alter the flavor slightly. For a similar nutty taste, consider adding a few drops of toasted sesame oil just before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more minced hot peppers or incorporate a splash of hot sauce into the marinade. Alternatively, you can serve with a side of spicy dipping sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).