Seafood > Prawn > Prawn Balls

Prawn Balls with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- Large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the prawns until finely chopped.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped prawns, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, green onions, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the prawn balls to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
7. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
9. Add the prawn balls to the sauce and toss to coat.
10. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet: medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 345
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of prawns, you can use shrimp or crab meat.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use panko or crushed crackers.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or olive oil.
- Instead of diced tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Variations:
- Add chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute the tomato sauce for a cream sauce for a milder flavor.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the prawn ball mixture for added flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pulse the prawns in the food processor until finely chopped, but not pureed.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized prawn balls.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover prawn balls and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the prawn balls and sauce in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the prawn balls are falling apart in the skillet, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the prawn balls until they are fully cooked through to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Prawn balls are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, often served as an appetizer or snack.

Flavor profiles:
- The prawn balls are savory and slightly spicy, while the tomato sauce is tangy and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.

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Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Aromatic, Umami