Savory Prawn Cakes with Zesty Dipping Sauce

Prawn (Shrimp) Cakes with Dipping Sauce

Delight in the culinary charm of Australia with these Prawn (Shrimp) Cakes that come beautifully paired with a refreshing dipping sauce. Ideal for a quick yet exquisite dish, this recipe serves two as a main course or four as tantalizing appetizers, making it perfect for intimate dinners or festive gatherings. You may also consider substituting half the prawns with white fish for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients

Here is a detailed table outlining the ingredients you’ll need to create these succulent prawn cakes:

Nutritional Information

Before diving into the preparation, here’s the nutritional information per serving:

Instructions

Now, let’s guide you through the process of crafting these delightful prawn cakes and their accompanying dipping sauce. The preparation is straightforward, requiring only a small food processor and a bamboo steamer for a gentle steaming method that ensures moist, flavorful cakes.

1. Prepare the Prawn Mixture:
   Begin by placing the fresh prawns, coriander leaves, kaffir lime leaves, garlic cloves, grated ginger, chopped lemongrass, and finely chopped red chile into a small food processor. Pulse the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a cohesive and fragrant blend. Be careful not to over-process; a chunky texture enhances the final cakes.

2. Form the Patties:
   With wet hands (to prevent sticking), take portions of the prawn mixture and form them into approximately 12 patties, ensuring each one is compact yet not overly dense. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare for steaming.

3. Set Up the Steamer:
   In a large wok, pour in about 5 centimeters of water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Meanwhile, line two bamboo steamer baskets (30 cm in diameter) with non-stick baking paper to ensure that the cakes do not stick during cooking.

4. Steam the Prawn Cakes:
   Carefully place the formed prawn cakes into the prepared bamboo steamer baskets. Cover each basket with its respective lid and position them over the boiling water in the wok. Reduce the heat to medium-high and steam the cakes for 5 minutes.

5. Check and Swap:
   After the first 5 minutes, swap the baskets to ensure even cooking, and continue steaming for an additional 5 minutes. Monitor the water level, adding more if necessary to maintain the steaming process.

6. Final Cooking:
   Steam the prawn cakes for another 5 minutes, or until they are just cooked through, with a firm yet tender texture that retains their moisture.

7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
   While the cakes are steaming, it’s time to whip up the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors meld harmoniously. This zesty and savory sauce will perfectly complement the prawn cakes.

8. Serve:
   Once the prawn cakes are steamed to perfection, serve them warm alongside a handful of baby rocket leaves, which add a peppery bite. Drizzle with the dipping sauce or serve it on the side for your guests to enjoy as they please.

Conclusion

This Prawn (Shrimp) Cakes with Dipping Sauce recipe encapsulates the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients characteristic of Australian cuisine, while also allowing for delightful variations. With just a half-hour from prep to plate, you can create an impressive dish that dazzles both in taste and presentation. Enjoy your cooking adventure and relish the joyous flavors with family and friends!

Keywords

Prawn cakes, shrimp cakes, Australian recipes, seafood appetizers, quick meals, stove top cooking, bamboo steamer