Crispy & Flavorful King Prawn Butterfly Recipe – A Perfect Appetizer
King Prawn Butterfly is a delicious South Asian appetiser featuring large prawns marinated in a spiced gram flour batter, deep-fried until golden brown, and served as a crispy, flavourful seafood delight. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or a restaurant-style treat at home.
📌 Recipe Details
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes cleaning, peeling, and deveining prawns)
🕒 Marination Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g king prawns, peeled and deveined (optional, half split the prawns)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Batter:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Salt (to taste)
- Water (as needed to make a thick batter)
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the prawns to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
2️⃣ Prepare the Batter
- In another bowl, mix chickpea flour, rice flour, red chili powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add water to create a thick, smooth batter with a pancake-like consistency.
3️⃣ Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep pan or fryer.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for perfect crispiness.
4️⃣ Fry the Prawns
- Dip each marinated prawn into the batter, ensuring even coating.
- Carefully place them into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
5️⃣ Drain & Serve
- Use a slotted spoon to remove crispy fried prawns.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges.
6️⃣ Enjoy!
- Serve with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a spicy mayo dip.
- Perfect as an appetiser or seafood snack!
💡 Tips for the Perfect King Prawn Butterfly
✔ For extra crunch: Add 1 tbsp cornflour to the batter.
✔ For a smoky flavour: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter.
✔ For a healthier option: Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of deep frying.
✔ For extra spice: Increase red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen prawns?
✅ Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
Q: How do I store leftover fried prawns?
✅ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Q: Can I bake instead of deep-frying?
✅ Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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