Instructions: Peel the prawns and if you are using large uncooked ones cut them to remove the fine digestive cord.

Wash them and pat them dry with kitchen paper.

Combine the batter ingredients in a small bowl and beat them well until they are all thoroughly blended.

Put the oil into a deep fat fryer or large wok and heat it until it almost smokes.

Put the prawns into the batter.

Then using a slotted spoon remove them from the batter leaving them with just a light coating. Now deep fry them for about 2 minutes and then drain on kitchen paper.

Serve the cooked prawns with Roasted Salt and Pepper or with lemon wedges.

One of the things I most dislike about deep fried foods in many Chinese restaurants outside China is the use of a dense batter coating. Such a thick coating soaks up the oil and makes the food very greasy. I prefer a light almost transparent coating of batter. This way prawns will be tender and sweet and the flavour will not be obstructed. Try to obtain uncooked prawns for this recipe if you can as the flavour will be much better.

Serves 4

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