| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 20g | 3g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 8g | 22g | 1.75g |
When I think of the Spicy Fingerroot and Garlic Prawn Stir Fry—my personal symphony of vibrant flavors and robust textures—I can’t help smiling. You see, this sensory dance reflects the beautiful marriage of two cuisines very close to my heart—those of my Southern home and West African heritage. I distinctly remember the first time I let these exotic fingerroot threads dance with succulent, pan-seared prawns. The result? A melody of flavors as vibrant and dynamic as the cities of Atlanta and Lagos.
A Burst of Healthful Goodness
More than just a feast for your taste buds, the Spicy Fingerroot and Garlic Prawn Stir Fry is brimming with nutritious elements. Bursting with the natural sweetness of pineapple chunks, the dish is a rich source of vitamin C, bromelain, and antioxidants. Add to this the antimicrobial properties of garlic, the dietary fiber from bell peppers and snap peas, and the protein-rich prawns, and you’ve got an ensemble that does as much good for your waistline as for your palate. A recent study also highlights fingerroot’s potential for combating inflammation and cancer—how’s that for a power ingredient?
Fusions and Complements
This sumptuous recipe drizzled with the umami of soy and oyster sauces, shares an uncanny resemblance to the popular Nigerian stir-fry known as Gizdodo, a delightful concoction of chicken gizzards and plantains. But my version here, the spicy prawn stir fry, introduces the subtle heat of red chilies and the zing of fingerroot—just the thing to warm up an alluring southern night.
As for possible dishes to share the table with our star, why not consider a side of classic Cornbread or a robust Jollof rice? Their heartiness would complement the liveliness of this dish, contributing to what I’d like to call a true culinary mosaic.
Whipping up this storm in a pan is not just about gathering ingredients and following steps—it’s a celebration of art, culture, health, and of course, delectable flavor. I hope you’ll enjoy every bite of this exquisite fusion as much as I have creating and savoring it. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 fingerroot, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
- 1 cup of snap peas
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
Method
Step One:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. While the pan is heating, prepare your prawns if they aren’t already peeled and deveined.
Step Two:
Add the finely chopped fingerroot and minced garlic to the heated oil. Stir and cook for about a minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Three:
Add the prawns to the pan and cook them until they turn pink which may take about 3 to 5 minutes. Ensure to constantly stir to distribute the heat evenly.
Step Four:
Add the chopped red chilies, sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, and snap peas to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step Five:
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, white sugar, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step Six:
Include pineapple chunks to the pan and then pour the sauce mixture over the prawns and vegetables. Add half a cup of water to the mixture, stir and allow to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step Seven:
Toss fresh basil leaves into the stir-fry and stir until they are wilted. After that, turn off the heat and your Spicy Fingerroot and Garlic Prawn Stir Fry is ready to be served.
Enjoy this deliciously spicy and flavorful dish with a serving of steamed rice!
