Prawn Fritters with Spicy Sriracha Mayo

These crispy prawn fritters are packed with juicy seafood, fresh herbs, and a light, airy batter. Served with a creamy, spicy sriracha mayo, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s fast, simple, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The fritters are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right balance of spice and freshness. The sriracha mayo adds a bold, creamy kick that perfectly complements the prawns. It’s also a versatile recipe that works for casual dinners, gatherings, or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the prawn fritters:

1 lb (450 g) raw prawns, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup cold water, plus more if needed
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for shallow frying

For the spicy sriracha mayo:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, adjusted to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
A pinch of salt

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and baking powder. Add the minced garlic, chopped red chili if using, scallions, and cilantro, and mix well.

Add the chopped prawns to the bowl and stir to coat them evenly with the dry ingredients. Crack in the egg and pour in the cold water. Mix gently until a thick, spoonable batter forms. If the batter feels too dry, add a little more cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, leaving space between each fritter.

Fry the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.

To make the spicy sriracha mayo, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Serve the prawn fritters hot with the spicy sriracha mayo on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Approximate calories: 370 kcal per serving

Variations

For a milder version, omit the red chili and reduce the amount of sriracha in the mayo.
For extra crunch, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the batter.
For a citrusy twist, add grated lime zest to the fritter batter.
For an herby flavor, substitute cilantro with parsley or add a small amount of chopped dill.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fritters soft. The sriracha mayo should be stored separately in the refrigerator and used within 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before chopping and mixing into the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the batter just before frying to keep the fritters light and crisp, as the batter can loosen if it sits too long.

What oil is best for frying the fritters?

Neutral oils such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil are ideal for shallow frying these fritters.

How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked?

The fritters should be golden brown on both sides and firm to the touch, with opaque prawns inside.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) on a lightly greased tray for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is the red chili necessary?

No, the red chili is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make the sriracha mayo less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of sriracha or add a bit more mayonnaise to balance the heat.

What can I serve with prawn fritters?

They pair well with a fresh salad, steamed rice, or additional dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce.

Why is my batter too thin or too thick?

If it’s too thin, add a little more flour. If it’s too thick, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Prawn fritters with spicy sriracha mayo are a simple yet impressive dish that combines crispy texture, fresh flavors, and a creamy, spicy dip. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal or serving them to guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again.

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