Herbal Drunken Prawns ~ 药材醉虾

 

This seafood prawn dish can be whipped up with some herbs that are easily available in any Chinese household.  The key ingredients are fresh prawns, some herbs and not forgetting the Shaoxing Huatiao  wine that will 'drunk' the prawns, hence the name 'Herbal Drunken Prawns'.  You can go easy on the wine for a slightly milder taste if this is also served to kids.  A super easy dish to prepare, just cook the broth, dump in the prawns but remember not to overcook them.

Herbal Drunken Prawns ~  药材醉虾

Ingredients for seasoning prawns

• 300 gm large prawns
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 to 2 Tbsp Shaoxing Huatiao wine

Ingredients for herbal broth

• 10 gm yu zhu (fragrant solomon's seal)
• 5 gm angelica root (tung kwai)
• 5 slices ginger
• 4 gm dong shen
• 1 seedless red date
• 1 stalk of spring onion (white stem)
• 50 ml Shaoxing Huatiao wine
• 1/2 Tbsp goji berries (to add just before serving)
• 500 ml water
• Salt and sugar to taste

Method

1. Trim and devein the prawns.  Marinate with sugar and wine, set aside.
2. In a pot boil the water with the herbs on medium heat for about half an hour.  Turn off fire and let the broth steep for 20 minutes.
3. Add in the seasoned prawns and cook for about 3 to 5 mins.
4. Add sugar and salt to taste.  Add in the wolfberries and some more wine if desired.
5. Serve immediately.