Thai fried noodles with prawns
Ingredients
150 g (5 oz) dried noodles (sen lek)
300 g (10 oz) raw large prawns (shrimp)
3 tablespoons tamarind purée
2½ tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons palm sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3–4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 eggs
85 g (3 oz) Chinese chives (1 bunch)
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder, depending on taste
2 tablespoons dried shrimp, ground or pounded
2 tablespoons preserved turnip, finely chopped
2½–3 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
180 g (2 cups) bean sprouts
3 spring onions (scallions), slivered
1 long red chilli, seeded and shredded, for garnish
a few coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
lime wedges, to serve
Method
Step 1
Soak the noodles in hot water for 1–2 minutes or until soft, then drain.
Step 2
Peel and devein the prawns and cut each prawn along the back so it opens like a butterfly (leave each prawn joined along the base and at the tail, leaving the tail attached).
Step 3
Combine the tamarind with the fish sauce and palm sugar in a bowl.
Step 4
Heat 1½ tablespoons oil in a wok or frying pan and stir-fry the garlic over a medium heat until light brown. Add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 5
Using a spatula, move the prawns out from the middle of the wok. Add another 1½ tablespoons oil to the wok. Add the eggs and stir to scramble for 1 minute. Add the noodles and chives and stir-fry for a few seconds. Add the fish sauce mixture, chilli powder, dried shrimp, preserved turnip and half of the peanuts. Add half of the bean sprouts and spring onions. Test the noodles for tenderness and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 6
Spoon onto the serving plate and sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top. Garnish with shredded chillies and a few coriander leaves. Place the lime wedges and remaining bean sprouts and spring onions at the side of the dish.
The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.
Sign up
