Panko Prawns with Wasabi Mayonnaise Recipe

eatliveescape

April 25

Crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, and paired with a zesty kick of wasabi mayo, these Panko Prawns are a delightful treat that's sure to impress at any gathering. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal, this Japanese-inspired recipe combines the crunchy texture of panko breadcrumbs with the subtle heat of wasabi, balanced beautifully with the creamy tang of kewpie mayonnaise. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a new weekend snack, this dish promises a burst of flavors and textures. The addition of fresh lemon wedges adds a refreshing zest, enhancing the rich flavors of the prawns. Ready to dive in? Follow this straightforward method for perfect Panko Prawns every time, with options for both frying and air-frying to suit your cooking preference.

Recipe and Images by Jo O'Keefe for ele Magazine

Ingredients

4 -5 per person peeled and deveined prawns, with tails on
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 plain flour
Salt and pepper
Panko breadcrumbs
Kewpie mayonnaise (or any mayonnaise you have available)
Wasabi paste
Fresh lemons, quartered
Vegetable oil for frying (or you can use an air fryer)

Method

Begin by preparing the egg wash. In a bowl, whisk together one egg and a splash of milk, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. For larger batches of prawns, simply adjust the quantities by adding more milk and an additional egg as needed.
If you prefer, skewer the prawns for easier handling. Lightly coat each prawn with plain flour, ensuring it's fully covered. Then, dip the floured prawns into the egg wash, making sure they're well moistened.
Next, roll the prawns in panko crumbs until they are evenly coated on all sides. Place the coated prawns in the refrigerator to chill and set the coating until you're ready to cook.
For the wasabi mayo, mix kewpie mayonnaise with a small amount of wasabi paste in a bowl. Start with a tiny bit of wasabi and keep tasting and adding more until it reaches your preferred level of heat. Plan on using approximately 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for each serving.
When ready to cook, pan-fry or air-fry the prawns in a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take a few minutes on each side, depending on the size of the prawns.
Serve the crispy prawns hot with the wasabi mayo and fresh lemon wedges on the side. They pair wonderfully with Japanese-style slaw and some crispy potato chips for a complete meal.