Summer, I declare, is seafood season for me. You have seen several seafood posts appear lately, and more to come I promise!
The recipe featured today is an unusual variation from the most-loved prawn tempura. Here, dried coconut is added, giving a richer note to the crunchy batter. Better still, to complete the tropical theme, these delicious looking prawns are served with a fruity salsa made from papaya, mango and lime juice. I was cautious at first on how all these flavours combined together. But it works! The salsa not only enhances the sweetness of the prawns but also gives the whole dish a refreshing zest. Perfect to start a summer party!
I am bringing this dish to Peabody´s Virtual Housewarming Party. There will be a lot of delicious food around, so be sure to come by. I think my dish will be a good start for the party since there will be a lot of to-die-for desserts and sweet treats from all out talented bakers. Can´t wait to try!
Coconut Prawn Tempura with Mango and Papaya Salsa
Recipe adapted from here
Ingredients
500ml Tempura Batter (recipe below)
20 raw tiger prawns
Oil, to deep-fry
Corn flour, for dusting
70g unsweetened desiccated coconut
Salsa:
1 ripe mango, medium size
½ ripe papaya (ratio of mango and papaya should be 1:1)
1 red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime
1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar
1-2 tbsp castor sugar
Some sliced chili (optional)
Method:
- Prepare the tempura batter. Chill properly.
- For the salsa: peel and deseed the fruits. Cut into 1cm cubes. Combine the fruits with the rest of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir gently. Cover and place the salsa in the fridge to chill for at least 30 mins.
- Remove head and jackets of the prawns (save for making stock). Slit each prawn along its back and lift out the intestinal thread.
- Heat oil to 180C. Place flour and desiccated coconut in separate dishes. Remove the cold batter from the fridge.
- Dip the prawn in the flour, batter, then roll in coconut before frying. Fry until golden. Drain on kitchen towel.
- Serve immediately with fruit salsa.
Tempura Batter – halve the recipe for the prawn tempura
500ml ice-cold water, 1 egg yolk, 40g corn flour, 250g self-raising flour, a pinch of salt
Whisk egg yolk into the water. Add flour to the water (not the other way around). Gently whisk ingredients together until the batter has consistency of double cream. It is ok to have lumps since they make the tempura crispier. Place the batter in the fridge for 30 mins to set and chill.
Those prawns are beautiful!
Do you still have some for me please? ^_^
I don’t have a doubt that it’s good! I’m even salivating at the relish. Long live seafood!
Fantastic, so beautiful and I am sure they were delish. I love shrimp a lot and I will bookmark this so I can make them in the future…and enjoy your summer down under.
My god, they looked awesome,
Oh yeah! I love prawns, and these look fantastic…thanks for coming to the party!!!
I want to make seafood all seasonal for myself! This is so good on its own *munching…munching* oops…excuse me while i do the greedy thing *munching munching munching*
what a lovely concoction: tempura with coconut accompanied by mango salsa..its definitely a tropical paradise! fantastic photos too, i will definitely try this recipe
Lydia, thanks. They were very fresh, too.
Wow, that looks absolutely amazing! Those prawns are GORGEOUS!
I would love this dish
Now that is delectable!
prawns are my favorite seafood. I forced myself to conquer my fear of deep frying so I can make tempura. Your coconut prawns are so mouthwatering.
This photo is brilliant! I’m so glad I found your blog – I am going to have a wonderful time looking through your recipes.
Simply delish. I love pairing it with that fruity salsa! Gorgeous!
These prawns would be delicious Anh!!! Some with mango salsa please?????
I really don’t like Seafood, Anh, but I can certainly appreciate it’s greatness.
Anh, my my what good looking prawns! I love how you’ve used dessicated coconut with the flour I bet they were nice and crunchy!
Coconut Prawns look delicious! Enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving, see you on Monday!:))
I absolutely love coconut prawns! Yum!!
I would eat some of these and do not care for my allergy – that’s how great they look , Anh!
I love prawns and the mango papaya salsa looks like the perfect complement.
Being south like we are, I have shrimp at least once a week. The coconut is a great idea! I must try next week. Beautiful salsa to accompany!
those are gorgeous prawns. love the salsa, so fresh and summery. will try this one, for sure.
Katie, they are local prawns, big and juicy! A bit $$$ but worth it :D
Those look fabulous! I love coconut on prawns!
Coconut prawn tempura sounds great! The salad looks tasty as well.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm beautiful prawns. Where is the lamb biryani…wanted to see it…with your shots it must have been real glam
whoa!!! that is some serious food porn.
This dish is a ray of sunshine in a November cold day (here) and looks delicious!
aiyo, these are definitely my favourite minus the coconut (wink)
A delicious way to bring a little sunshine into these gloomy days (in the UK anyway!)!
THis looks scrumptious, Anh. I’m imagining sinking my teeth into those succulent prawns just about now while still hung over your mussel mariniere …:)
I have a weakness for tempura with sweet and sour sauce, coconut and seafood. This is a winner!
The vibrant colors of your coconut shrimp really caught my eye on Tastespotting plus the dish just looks so tasty!
Hi Anh, I have you are bringing lots to the party because I will be having more than one!
Hi Anh,
Mmm, mm, mm. They look great, I can just taste your coconut addition, lovely. Don’t invite me along…there’ll be none left!
Beautifully done and presented! Keep the seafood coming.
My favorite way to eat prawns. Love it! Thanks for reminding me that I have all the ingredients necessary in the house!
These look beautiful and very very moreish.
Thank you for visiting my foodblog. I am so pleased that you did, now I have discovered lots of beautiful food and photographs. My husband will love having a look this evening! Mx
Beautiful picture and looks so delicious also
Those prawns took my breath away! Looks fabulous!
This combo is always a winner. I made it one Christmas wanting to serve something different and it disappeared as fast as it was put on the table.
These prawns look delicious. Tempura anything is a weakness of mine!