Garlic Prawns Sweet Chilli Fried Rice

My tiny apartment kitchen smelled like garlic butter heaven the first time I attempted this dish after a long shift at work. I was exhausted and craving something restaurant-quality but didn't want to wait for delivery. That night became the start of a weekly tradition.

Last summer my sister came over skeptical about fried rice for dinner. She took one bite of this version and immediately asked for the recipe. Now she makes it every Sunday for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) large raw prawns: Fresh prawns give the best results but frozen thawed ones work perfectly fine
• 2 tbsp olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Freshly minced garlic releases more oils than pre-minced jar versions
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: This creates that luscious silky coating on the prawns
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh squeezed cuts through the richness beautifully
• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice: Day-old cold rice is essential for achieving that perfect fluffy texture
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: A neutral oil lets the other flavors shine without competing
• 1 small onion: Finely diced so it cooks evenly and disappears into the rice
• 2 garlic cloves: Because everything is better with more garlic
• 1 medium carrot: Adds sweetness and texture that contrasts the soft rice
• 1 red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a slight crunch to every bite
• 100 g (1 cup) frozen peas: These little green gems add pops of sweetness throughout
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten: The protein that makes fried rice feel complete and satisfying
• 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: This Thai-inspired sauce creates that gorgeous glossy finish
• 2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides the essential umami base that ties everything together
• 1 tsp sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds that wonderful nutty aroma at the end
• 2 spring onions: Fresh green onion brings a bright sharp finish to each serving
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper has so much more depth than pre-ground
• 1/4 tsp salt: Adjust based on your soy sauce preference
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: A beautiful garnish that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy

Instructions

Sear the perfect garlic prawns:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for exactly 30 seconds until that incredible aroma fills your kitchen.

Cook the prawns to perfection:

Add prawns and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque throughout. The key is not to overcrowd the pan.

Add the buttery finish:

Stir in butter and lemon juice, letting the butter melt and coat each prawn in a glossy sauce. Remove from heat immediately and set aside.

Start the fried rice base:

Heat vegetable oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Create those golden egg bits:

Push all vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set, then mix everything together.

Build the flavor layers:

Add cold rice, peas, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes, breaking up clumps until every grain is coated and heated through.

Finish with fresh touches:

Fold in sliced spring onions right at the end. The residual heat will soften them slightly while keeping their bright flavor intact.

Plate it beautifully:

Mound the sweet chilli fried rice onto plates and top generously with those gorgeous garlic prawns. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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This recipe saved me during university exam week when I needed something comforting but quick. My roommates would drift into the kitchen following the incredible smells.

The Secret to Restaurant-Style Fried Rice

Cold rice is absolutely essential for that perfect texture. The grains need to be firm and separate so they can absorb all those delicious sauces without becoming mushy or clumpy.

Making It Your Own

My friend adds diced pineapple to hers for a Thai-inspired twist. Another swears by a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat. The base recipe is incredibly forgiving to creative additions.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp cold beer or chilled white wine cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I serve it with simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast.

• Make extra rice the night before specifically for this recipe
• Keep your wok or skillet smoking hot for the best sear
• Serve immediately while everything is still piping hot and fragrant

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I hope this brings as many joyous weeknight moments to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh prawns instead of frozen?

Fresh prawns work beautifully. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture. Fresh prawns typically have slightly better texture and sweetness, but both options yield delicious results when properly prepared.

→ Why is day-old rice recommended for fried rice?

Day-old rice has dried out slightly, which prevents it from becoming mushy during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and tends to clump together. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to dry slightly before cooking.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The sweet chilli sauce provides mild to medium heat depending on the brand used. For those sensitive to spice, reduce the sweet chilli sauce to 2 tablespoons. For extra heat, add chilli flakes to the prawns or use a spicier chilli sauce variety.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The components can be prepared separately in advance. Cook the fried rice up to a day ahead and store refrigerated. The prawns are best cooked just before serving for optimal texture. Reheat the fried rice in a hot wok, then quickly cook the prawns fresh for the best results.

→ What can I substitute for prawns?

Diced chicken breast, firm tofu cubes, or even scallops work well as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken needs about 5-6 minutes to cook through, while tofu only needs 2-3 minutes to brown and heat through. The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with all these proteins.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Standard soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on sweet chilli sauce as some brands may contain wheat-based thickeners.