Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Prawn Fritters?
Spicy Prawn Fritters are a savory Indian-inspired snack made with pulsed raw prawns, aromatic spices, and chickpea flour, deep-fried to a golden crisp.
How many fritters does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 30 delightful prawn fritters.
What type of prawns should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of medium raw prawns, peeled and roughly chopped.
How should I prepare the prawns?
Prawns should be pulsed in a food processor until coarsely chopped, but not turned into a paste.
What is besan flour?
Besan flour is chickpea flour, which acts as the binding agent and provides a nutty flavor to the fritters.
Are these prawn fritters spicy?
Yes, they contain ground red chili pepper, garlic, and ginger for a spicy kick.
Why is bicarbonate of soda used in the recipe?
Bicarbonate of soda helps the fritters become light and airy during the frying process.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
You should wet your hands before portioning and rolling the mixture into balls to prevent sticking.
What is the recommended frying temperature?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat until hot enough for deep frying.
How long do the fritters need to fry?
The fritters should be fried for 4 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown all over.
How many fritters can I fry at one time?
It is recommended to fry 6 to 8 balls at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What should I serve with Spicy Prawn Fritters?
They are best served with a tangy tomato and mint chutney for a refreshing contrast.
How many calories are in one fritter?
Each fritter contains approximately 40 calories.
What is the protein content of these fritters?
Each prawn fritter provides about 5 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per fritter?
There is approximately 2.3 grams of fat in each fritter.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each fritter contains about 1.7 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
One medium red onion, finely chopped, is used for flavor and texture.
Is fresh coriander necessary?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander to add a bright, aromatic flavor.
What kind of oil is best for frying these?
Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying the fritters.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and drain them on paper towels.
Should the tomatoes be seeded?
The recipe calls for one large tomato, finely chopped; seeding is optional but helps control moisture.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before processing to maintain the right consistency.
Is this recipe considered Indian cuisine?
Yes, these are often referred to as prawn pakoras and belong to the Indian culinary tradition.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
Since the recipe uses besan (chickpea) flour, these fritters are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store the rolled balls before frying?
Place them on a plate and cover with cling film to keep them moist until you are ready to fry.
Can I add ginger paste instead of minced ginger?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste can be used instead of fresh minced ginger.
What should the internal texture of the fritters be?
The fritters should be succulent and bursting with prawns on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to taste based on your personal preference.
Are these suitable for party food?
Absolutely, they are ideal for sharing at gatherings and make excellent appetizers.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make approximately 60 fritters for larger crowds.