If you’re craving a quick and flavorful dinner that’s both simple and satisfying, these Sticky Teriyaki Prawns are the way to go! They’re coated in a deliciously sticky sauce, packed with flavor, and pair perfectly with rice and greens. Whether you’re using prawns or swapping in your favorite protein, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Method
Marinate the Prawns
To start, you’ll want to marinate the prawns to infuse them with all the flavorful ingredients. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. To add depth of flavor, crush 2-3 garlic cloves and add them to the mixture, along with a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick of heat. Stir the mixture to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors blend together. Once your marinade is ready, add the raw prawns into the bowl, making sure they are evenly coated in the sauce. Let the prawns marinate for about 5–10 minutes. This marinating time is crucial as it helps the prawns absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce, making each bite perfectly seasoned.
Cook the Prawns
Once your prawns are marinated, it’s time to cook them to perfection. Heat a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, and add about 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. The sesame oil gives the prawns a nice, rich flavor and helps them cook without sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated prawns. Cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important to avoid overcooking the prawns, as they can become rubbery if left on the heat too long. After the prawns are cooked through, pour any remaining marinade sauce into the pan, allowing it to cook and thicken. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it becomes sticky and coats the prawns evenly, adding a sweet and savory glaze that makes the dish irresistible.
Prepare the Sides
While the prawns are cooking, you can quickly prepare your sides. Start by sautéing Pak Choi in a separate pan. Heat a little oil and toss in a bit of garlic. Sauté the Pak Choi until it becomes tender and fragrant, usually taking about 2–3 minutes. The garlic adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the prawns. If you’re serving rice, now’s the time to get it ready, ensuring it’s cooked and fluffy to pair with the prawns and veggies. You can choose to serve the rice as a side dish or use noodles if you prefer a different texture.
Serve
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to plate up! Serve the sticky prawns alongside your fluffy rice and sautéed Pak Choi for a balanced and flavorful meal. If you have any leftover sauce from cooking the prawns, drizzle it over the rice for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the sweet and savory prawns, the rice, and the garlic-fried greens makes for a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Sticky Teriyaki Prawns Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl for marinating
- Frying pan or wok
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- For the Sauce and Prawns:
- 200 g raw prawns
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
- Pinch of chili flakes
- Optional Additions for Serving:
- Rice as a side
- Pak Choi fried with garlic
Instructions
- Marinate the PrawnsIn a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, light brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes.Add the raw prawns to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the sauce. Let them marinate for 5–10 minutes.
- Cook the PrawnsHeat a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp of sesame oil to the pan.Add the marinated prawns to the hot pan, cooking for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.Pour any remaining sauce into the pan and cook until it becomes sticky and coats the prawns evenly.
- Prepare the SidesWhile the prawns are cooking, prepare your sides.For the Pak Choi, sauté it in a separate pan with a bit of garlic until tender and fragrant.
- ServePlate the prawns with a side of fluffy rice and garlic-fried Pak Choi. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the rice for extra flavor!
Notes
- Marinating Time: Don’t skip the marinating step! It helps the prawns soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the prawns; they can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- Sticky Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer for a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.








Serving Suggestions
- Pair with jasmine or basmati rice for a classic combination.
- Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables for a healthier, colorful plate.
- Use noodles instead of rice for a fun twist!
Fun Fact
Did you know that prawns are low in calories but packed with protein? They’re a great option for a quick and healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Conclusion
Sticky Teriyaki Prawns are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce pairs beautifully with tender prawns, making it a dish everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—try it tonight and let me know what you think! 🥢🍤