Stir Fried Prawns with Egg Whites

When it comes to using up egg whites, do you immediately think of meringue, pavlova, macarons, or perhaps soufflé?  I had some left over from making custard and remembered a classic Chinese stir-fry using egg whites with prawns.  The dish is picture perfect with delicately flavoured prawns amidst clouds of white, surrounded by a ring of green broccoli florets.  This is often served as part of a Chinese banquet with other opulent dishes.  Very simple to make.  I whisk egg whites with a little chicken stock and cornflour to make the sauce.  You might find similar recipes using egg whites with milk.  Click on the link below this recipe to see how a Singaporean chef does it.

Serves 2 with rice

INGREDIENTS

• 12 medium-size raw prawns
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxin wine
• ½ tablespoon cornflour
• 1 head broccoli
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Egg white mixture:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxin wine
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornflour

METHOD

1. Remove heads and shells from prawns, then make a slit on the back of each prawn to expose and remove the vein.  Marinade prawns with 1 tablespoon Shaoxin wine and ½ tablespoon cornflour.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy.  Add Shaoxin wine, salt, chicken stock, white pepper and cornflour.  Mix to combine.
3. Cut broccoli into large florets.  Trim stems and slice.  In a saucepan of boiling water, add ½ teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon of oil. Blanch broccoli for 1-2 minutes until soften but still green with some crunch.  Drain with a colander and refresh quickly under the cold tap.  Return the broccoli to the saucepan and set aside.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok on medium-low heat.  Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.  Add the prawns and let them cook on one side before turning them to cook the other side.  When the prawns are about 80% cooked, stir and add the egg white mixture.  Gently push the mixture and the prawns around with your spatula until the mixture is just set, by which time the prawns would have also cooked through.  Remove from heat.
5. Arrange broccoli florets in a ring on a round plate and scatter stems in the middle.  Transfer prawns to the plate and pile them up inside the broccoli ring.  Serve immediately.

Source (with adaptations): Spice N' Pans