Prawns Ala Manilena
Prawns Ala Manilena offers a delightful blend of crispy prawns in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with a hint of lemon-lime flavor, perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and clean prawns, then cut them in halves lengthwise.
- Roll the prawns in cornstarch to coat lightly.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok and fry the prawns over high heat until crispy.
- Drain the prawns and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the white parts of the leeks until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, lemon-lime beverage, water, and sugar to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Return the fried prawns to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the prawns. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but it will alter the texture slightly. For a twist, add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. Fresh or frozen prawns can be used, but if using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving alongside Croquettes De Poisson or a light seafood soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet to help steam the prawns back to life without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prawns Ala Manilena contains roughly 1188 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% 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. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess water from affecting the sauce.
What can I substitute for the carbonated lemon-lime beverage?
If you don’t have carbonated lemon-lime soda, you can use a mix of lemon juice and sparkling water. This will provide the necessary acidity and fizz without the sweetness of soda.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chilies into the sauce while it simmers. Adjust to your preferred spice level for a delightful kick that complements the prawns.
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).