Prawn Cutlets
Butterflied king prawns crumbed and deep-fried until crisp and golden, with the tails left on to hold. The Australian pub and fish-and-chip shop favourite, with lemon and tartare sauce.
How to Make Prawn Cutlets
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Peel the prawns, leaving the tails and the last section of shell on. Cut down the back of each one from head to tail and lift out the dark vein.
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Open each prawn out flat and press it gently with the heel of your hand so that it forms a butterfly shape.
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Season the flour with the salt and pepper. Put the flour, the beaten eggs and the breadcrumbs in three shallow dishes in a row.
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Dip each prawn into the flour, shake off the excess, dip it into the egg, then press it firmly into the breadcrumbs to coat both sides. Set the prawns on a tray.
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Chill the crumbed prawns for 20 minutes so that the coating sets.
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Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pan to 180°C / 355°F. Deep-fry the prawns in 3 batches for 2 to 3 minutes each, turning once, until deep golden and cooked through.
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Lift out onto a wire rack, sprinkle with a little salt, and let the oil come back to temperature between batches.
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Serve hot with lemon wedges and the tartare sauce.
Tips for Making Prawn Cutlets
- Use a dry hand for the flour and egg and a dry hand for the crumbs. Working with one hand for each stops your fingers from becoming clumpy with crumb.
- Do not skip the chill. It lets the egg dry slightly and the coating stay put during frying.
- Fry for no more than 3 minutes. Prawns go rubbery quickly, and they are done as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
What to Serve with Prawn Cutlets
- Chunky chips
- A crisp green salad
- Tartare sauce
Storing & Reheating Prawn Cutlets
Best eaten immediately. The crumbed, uncooked prawns keep on a tray in the fridge for up to 4 hours, or can be frozen for up to 1 month and fried from frozen for 1 minute longer.
Prawn Cutlets FAQ: Common Questions
How long does Prawn Cutlets take to make?
About 40 minutes in total — 30 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Prawn Cutlets?
Use a dry hand for the flour and egg and a dry hand for the crumbs. Working with one hand for each stops your fingers from becoming clumpy with crumb. Do not skip the chill. It lets the egg dry slightly and the coating stay put during frying. Fry for no more than 3 minutes. Prawns go rubbery quickly, and they are done as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
What should I serve with Prawn Cutlets?
Chunky chips; A crisp green salad; Tartare sauce.
Is Prawn Cutlets suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Prawn Cutlets?
About 311 kcal per serving, with 21 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate and 15 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Prawn Cutlets Nutrition
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.