Hot Prawn Salad Recipe (Shrimp Mayonnaise with Fruit Salad and Broccoli)

Hot prawn salad with Steamed broccoli and candied walnuts!

I don't exactly know where this dish originated from but it's definitely Chinese.  Some say that it's Cantonese.  If you're going to eat at the Shang Palace,  Makati Shangri-la Hotel's mainstay Chinese restaurant serving "authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine" as their website puts it, or if you're planning to eat at Mr. Choi Kitchen,  don't forget to try and order the Hot Prawn Salad.  The sweetness of the fruits and the mayonnaise dressing complements the sweetness of the Prawns, making this dish a favorite among loyal patrons.  However, due to the sweetness of the dish as well, this dish may not be for everyone, especially for those who prefer their meals to be savory.  Regardless, no matter who you serve it to, it never fails to impress.  Here's the recipe for the Hot Prawn Salad or as others might call it, Shrimp Mayonnaise.

Hot Prawn Salad or Shrimp Mayonnaise Recipe

(2 small Servings)

Ingredients:

¼ kilo Prawns or Medium-sized Shrimps (around 14 pieces)

Batter:

1 Large egg

2 Tablespoon Cornstarch

Sauce:

~½ cup mayonnaise (Lady’s Choice Mayo Lite 80ml pouch)

~½ cup condensed milk (Alaska sweetened condensed milk)

1 Tablespoon Calamansi Juice (2-3 calamansi)

Note: Add more Condensed milk if you prefer it a bit sweeter and add more Calamansi (any citrus / acid) juice to balance the sweetness.

Optional Add ons:

-       -Whole kernel corn

-      - Fruit cocktail (Diced fruits like mango, peaches, sweetened pineapple)

-       - Steamed Broccoli

-      -  Candied Nuts (Walnuts, Pili nuts)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare ingredients

-       Peel and devein the prawns or shrimps.  Set aside

-       Mix batter ingredients in a bowl.  Set aside.

-       Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.  Adjust taste.  Set aside.

-       If using add ons, prepare them as well. 

Step 2: Cook Add ons

-       If using add ons, cook them first before frying Prawns.  This is the time to drain your corn kernels and fruit cocktail and to steam or sauté your Broccoli.

Step 3: Deep fry Prawns

-       Heat oil in deep fryer.

-       Dip Prawns in batter.

-       Deep fry for 30 seconds.  Do not overcook the Prawns.  It’s important to do this last to keep your Prawns and your dish warm.  You may also pop your sauce in a microwave oven for 10-15 seconds to warm it a little before proceeding to the next step.     

Simplified version of Shrimp Mayonnaise with Corn Kernels and Candied walnuts!

Step 4:  Assemble and Serve Dish.

-       Mix deep fried prawns and add ons in sauce mixture, arrange in a serving dish and serve.

-       For better presentation, do not mix Broccoli and nuts with the salad.  Arrange Broccoli instead on the sides of the serving dish and around the Prawn salad mixture.  And then top it with candied walnuts. 

There you go!  It's a yummy dish that's very easy to make!  Let me know how it turns out in your own kitchen!  You don't have to be a top chef to create dishes that are worth every bite!  Enjoy!