National Dish Singapore: Salted Egg Prawns (Recipe)
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Meet Salted Egg Prawns, one of Singapore’s most crave-worthy seafood dishes. Plump prawns are tossed in a rich, buttery sauce built around a creamy, savoury egg yolk that clings to every bite. It is the kind of dish that turns heads at the table — a little indulgent, gloriously moreish and surprisingly quick to bring together at home. Whether you serve it as a show-stopping main or a shareable starter, it carries the bold, comforting flavours of Southeast Asia straight to your plate.
About Salted Egg Prawns
Salted Egg Prawns are a much-loved Singaporean dish that has won admirers far beyond the island’s shores. The pairing of fresh prawns with a creamy, salty egg-yolk sauce delivers the flavours of Asia in a single, satisfying mouthful. It is a fine example of how contrasting tastes and textures can come together in perfect harmony — the sweet snap of the seafood set against the rich, savoury coating. Enjoyed as a main course or a tempting appetiser, it is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, generous food and a hallmark of Singaporean cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g fresh prawns
- 2 egg yolks
- 50 g butter
- 1–2 teaspoons salt
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar
- 2–3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1–2 chillies, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best Salted Egg Prawns, it pays to choose fresh, good-quality ingredients. Pay particular attention to the prawns, which should look bright and firm and smell of the sea. The remaining items — butter, garlic and salt — are easy to find in any supermarket. For fresh coriander to garnish the dish, try a local market or an Asian grocery, where you will also often spot cured salted egg yolks if you want a more traditional touch.
Preparing the dish
The preparation is straightforward and takes only a few steps. First, clean the prawns thoroughly and remove the dark vein along the back. Finely chop the garlic cloves, and slice the chillies into rings — more or fewer depending on how much heat you like. Getting these tasks done in advance means every component is ready to go and cooks evenly once you start.
Step-by-step instructions
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and chillies and fry briefly until fragrant.
- Add the fresh prawns and cook for around 3–4 minutes, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the salt and sugar.
- Pour the egg-yolk mixture into the pan with the prawns and stir well to combine.
- Let everything simmer for a further 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve straight away.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Salted Egg Prawns are naturally gluten-free, as none of the core ingredients contain gluten. Do check, though, that any packaged products or seasonings you use are labelled accordingly, since hidden additives can creep in. For a lactose-free version, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. These small adjustments make the dish accessible to anyone with an intolerance without changing its character.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
There are lovely alternatives to Salted Egg Prawns for vegans and vegetarians. In place of the prawns you might use firm tofu or grilled vegetables, tossed through the sauce so they soak up all its flavour. Coconut cream or another plant-based option can stand in for the butter and egg yolk to recreate that signature creamy texture. These tweaks keep the dish every bit as tasty and distinctive.
More tips and tricks
To take the flavour of Salted Egg Prawns even further, try adding a splash of sesame oil or a little grated ginger. Fresh herbs and extra spices can bring an exciting new dimension too. Feel free to experiment with the quantities until you land on your own favourite balance. A squeeze of lemon juice at the very end of cooking adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the whole dish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit yours. If you like things milder, reduce the number of chillies or leave them out altogether. For a hotter version, reach for extra chilli oil or a punchy paprika. That way you can shape the dish exactly to your own taste — much as you would with a fiery plate of Chilli Prawns.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients for Salted Egg Prawns are hard to come by, there are plenty of alternatives. Frozen prawns work just as well as fresh ones and are usually every bit as flavourful. In the sauce, coconut milk can offer an interesting variation, though it needs good seasoning to let all the flavours shine. Substitutions like these keep the recipe flexible, whatever you happen to have on hand.
Drink pairing ideas
Asian drinks are a natural match for Salted Egg Prawns. A fresh jasmine tea or green tea makes an excellent companion, complementing the flavours of the dish beautifully. For a non-alcoholic choice, a sparkling drink with lime works nicely too. Either pairing rounds off the meal and keeps the flavours from being overwhelmed.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in serving Salted Egg Prawns. Use a handsome, shallow plate and garnish generously with fresh coriander and perhaps a few slices of lime. A pretty bowl for any extra sauce, or individual serving dishes, can add interest as well. Think about colour and shape to create a spread that looks as tempting as it tastes.
A bit of history
Salted Egg Prawns have their origins in Singapore and form part of the country’s rich culinary tradition. The dish reflects the many cultural influences that have taken root in the region over the years. Using egg yolk to lend flavour and texture to food is a practice found across many Asian kitchens. As the dish has grown in popularity, restaurants have put their own spin on it, giving rise to a wealth of variations — including versions made with crab, such as Salted Egg Crab.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Salted Egg Prawns
Salted Egg Prawns are a must-try dish that captures the sheer variety of Singaporean cooking. The pairing of fresh prawns with a savoury egg-yolk sauce brings together flavours that are as delicious as they are memorable. Served as a main or an appetiser, they are simple to prepare and the ingredients are usually easy to find. Let this special delicacy inspire you and conjure up a taste of Singapore in your own kitchen.
