King Prawn Katsu is a delectable art of Japanese food, the perfect balance of succulent king prawns and a crispy golden brown covering. Large, juicy prawns are prepared in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. The dish was loved for its insatiable crunch and tender inside. With a creamy Japanese curry sauce or simply a bed of plain rice, Prawn King Katsu is a comforting and elegant dish.
But why it is so special? In this blog, we take you behind the scenes to explore its origins and the best ways to prepare it. As well as how to pair it with sides like salad, leaves, or curry sauce. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and learn everything about this delightful dish!
What is King Prawn Katsu?
King Prawn Tempura Katsu is a Japanese dish that brings the sweetness of king prawns against the crunch of panko Japanese breadcrumbs. Deep-fried into golden brown perfection, this is one dish that’s remarkable for both its flavor and texture. With rice and Katsu sauce, this turns into a comfort food indulgence.
Origins and History of King Prawn Katsu
Crispy Japanese prawn katsu finds its roots in Japan’s Meiji era, a time when Western food trends started providing inspiration for Japanese chefs. Katsu, which means “cutlet,” was initially a dish of breaded and fried pork or chicken. Love of fresh seafood finally gave the world Prawn King Katsu, where succulent prawns meet crispy coating. These days, it’s enjoyed by people all over the world, offering a seafood twist on the long-loved katsu tradition.
Note: You can also explore the crispy delight of “Tofu Karaage,” which is the perfect vegetarian counterpart to this dish.
Nutritional Value of King Prawn Katsu
This dish is not only delicious but also has great nutritional value. Filled with the goodness of prawns, this dish is rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
Nutritional Information:
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Prawn Katsu Curry Calories
A 100-gram serving of prawn katsu contains around 250-300 calories, depending on how it’s prepared.
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Protein Content
Prawns contain about 20–25g of protein in one serving, thus providing a powerhouse of lean protein that supports the growth and repair of muscles.
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Healthy Fats
Prawns are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
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Vitamins & Minerals
Rich in vitamin B12, which helps in energy production, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health.
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Low in carbs
It is an excellent dish for low-carb diets, such as keto diets.
Health Benefits of King Prawn Katsu
King Prawn not only tantalises your taste but also offers several health advantages, hence being very significant for inclusion in your diet. Here’s why:
Supports Weight Loss
Prawns are low-calorie and high-protein foods, hence one of the best options in case of weight loss. With just 115 calories in 100g, they enhance metabolism, improve satiety, and regulate fat storage while helping you lose weight.
Builds Muscles
Prawns are rich in high-quality protein and essential amino acids, which are important for muscle repair and growth. Regular consumption supports lean muscle development, helping you stay fit and strong without excess fat.
Prevents Cancer
As one of the richest sources of antioxidants, prawns protect your cells against free radical damage. These antioxidants may prevent cancer by supporting the immune system and fighting oxidative stress.
Promotes Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids in prawns support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. Magnesium also helps maintain heart function, making prawns an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet.
Supports Brain Health
The omega-3 fatty acids in prawns can help maintain cognitive function and improve memory. Consuming prawns regularly may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, keeping your brain sharp.
How to Make Crispy King Prawn Katsu
Prawn King Katsu is a popular Japanese dish that includes juicy prawns in a crispy panko coating, usually served with a delectable curry sauce. This recipe will walk you through making it to perfection with detailed steps.
Equipment Used
- Hob/Stovetop
- 28 cm (11″) frying pan
- 30 cm (12″) frying pan
- Blender
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
- Colander (for defrosting prawns)
- Kitchen knife and chopping board
- Stirring spoons, serving spoons, and kitchen tongs
- Weighing scales, measuring jugs, cups, and spoons
- Dishes/plates for dredging the prawns
King Prawn Katsu Ingredients: For the Panko Prawns
- 10–12 (300–325g) large king prawns
- 2–3 tablespoons flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- 75g (¾ cup) panko breadcrumbs
- Sunflower Oil for frying
Ingredients: For the Katsu Curry Sauce
- 100g (⅔ cup) onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 250ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Additional Ingredients for Katsu Prawn Filling
- 6 large king prawns blitzed
- 70g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 cm piece of ginger,
- minced ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
King Prawn Katsu Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Prawns
Peel the prawns, but leave the tails to make them easy to handle. Devein them, then make crisscross cuts on the underside to prevent them from curling while frying. Precision will make your prawns look and taste great.
Seasoning
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture. Season with an adequate amount of salt and black pepper to bring out the natural flavors without overwhelming the light taste of the prawns.
Coating
Prepare a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each prawn in flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs. This triple coating results in a perfectly crispy exterior.
Frying
Heat vegetable oil to 350ºF (180ºC). Fry small batches of prawns for 2-3 minutes, golden and crispy. Drain by placing them on a wire rack to keep them light and crisp perfectly.
Making the Sauce
Soften the spring onions and garlic in a sauté. Add curry powder, turmeric, and flour; whisk in chicken stock. Simmer with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar for 20 minutes until smooth, then blend until smooth and creamy.
Methods of Preparing King Prawn Katsu
Katsu King Prawn can be prepared through various methods that introduce different textures and flavors. Whether deep-fried, air-fried, oven-baked, shallow-fried, or grilled, these methods assure crispy, golden prawns with a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Deep-Frying
Using a frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (180°C). Fry the breaded prawns in hot oil in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
Air-Frying
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange breaded prawns in one layer. Once the prawns are golden and crispy, spray with oil and cook for 8–10 minutes.
Oven-Baking
Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Line breaded prawns on a baking tray that has been lined with either parchment paper or a Silpat. Lightly brush with oil and bake for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Shallow-Frying
Place a shallow amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry breaded prawns for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Grilling
Preheat grill to medium-high. Place breaded prawns on a greased grill rack. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side or until crispy and cooked through, lightly brushing with oil.
Difference Between King Prawn and Other Prawn Katsu
The major differences between prawn king katsu and other varieties, like tiger prawns, white leg prawns, and pink shrimp, are size, texture, flavor, and cooking times. Because king prawns are so much larger and firmer than their smaller cousins, one gets a far more robust and meaty mouthful in each bite.
Size and Texture
King prawns are much larger and meatier than the generic white-leg prawns or pink shrimp. Their denser texture holds up better to deep-frying, whereas the thinner ones become delicate and often only briefly fry into a soft bite.
Flavor
King prawns have a sweet, rich flavor contrasting with the more briny or subtle taste of other varieties like tiger prawns or pink shrimp. This stronger flavor of king prawns works particularly well with the bold, crispy coating of katsu, while smaller prawns may be less pronounced in flavor.
Cooking Time
King prawns take a little longer to cook compared to other prawns, which are small in size, such as white leg prawns or tiger prawns, that cook in an instant. The larger size of king prawns requires a bit more time to ensure they are fully cooked and crispy on the outside without being undercooked inside.
Presentation
King Prawns Katsu offers a more striking presentation due to its larger size, making it a show-stopping dish. In comparison, smaller prawns like pink shrimp or white leg prawns, while delicious, create a more bite-sized, casual dish that doesn’t have the same visual impact as king katsu.
How to Source Fresh King Prawns for Cooking
For the best king prawns, a visit to a local seafood market is necessary. Fresh prawns should appear in their gloss and firmness without being limp or discolored; they should smell clean and ocean-fresh, not fishy. Always ask the vendor about his sourcing practices and sustainability for quality and the environment.
Whether you like your prawns wild-caught or farm-raised, just make sure they have been kept cold right up until they reach the market. Also, packaging is important; any signs of leaks or damage should be looked out for. Properly sourced and stored, fresh King Prawns will elevate your cooking experience every time.
Where You Should Find the Best King Prawn Katsu
For those in search of the ultimate experience in king prawn katsu in London, Negi & Nori is the place to go. Being a specialist in halal Japanese cuisine, this lively eatery brings forth a menu filled with a set of traditional dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. King Katsu Prawn at this place is the real star, having large succulent prawns covered with crispy golden breadcrumbs. That accompanying flavorful curry sauce is rich, comforting, and a pure delight in every single bite.
More than anything, Negi & Nori differs from other restaurants with their truly authentic Japanese cuisine that could be served at standards to have this considered halal-permissible dining.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking forward to an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, look no further than King Prawn Katsu, a real masterpiece that perfectly balances crispy textures with rich, flavorful layers. Being one of the most ordered dishes in Negi & Nori, our version of this classic features carefully sourced halal prawns, skillfully coated and fried to perfection. But it stands out not only with its strong flavor, but it serves with versatility, too whether as a main dish or with sides. It will surely impress always. So don’t hesitate to try your chance of savoring this so-loved bold and unique taste.
Frequently Asked Question
How is the king prawn different from the tiger prawn?
Generally, king prawns are bigger, have a firmer texture, and are sweeter than tiger prawns, which are slightly smaller and more flavorful. Thus, both are fit for different culinary applications.
Are king prawns healthy to eat?
King prawns are extremely low in fat and calories. Hence, they can be healthy and full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other key nutrients that may contribute to a healthy diet when taken in moderation.
Are prawns considered Halal in Islam?
Yes, prawns are generally considered halal in Islam. Since they are seafood and thus not subject to restrictions that are in place for other types of meat. It is always best to make sure they are sourced and prepared properly.
What type of sauce does it go well with for the prawn katsu?
Prawn katsu demands the traditional katsu sauce, which is just a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Against the crispy texture of the prawns, maybe a creamy curry sauce or a tangy tamarind dip would do the job.
What are good side dishes that would go well with katsu king prawns?
This dish is good with steamed rice, some shredded cabbage, pickled vegetables, or a light salad. The freshness of vegetables balances out the heaviness in the sides with the richness of the prawn katsu.
