Devilled Prawns (Sri Lankan Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp)

Method

1. 1

   Pat the shrimp dry and toss with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Sear the shrimp hard in a very hot wok, 60–90 seconds a side, until pink and just cooked; lift out immediately so they don't overcook.

   💡 Pull the shrimp the moment they curl into a C — an O shape means they've gone rubbery.

3. 3

   In the same wok, fry the garlic, ginger and curry leaves until fragrant, then add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry until just softened, 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the ketchup and soy sauce; bubble until glossy and slightly reduced.

5. 5

   Return the shrimp to the wok along with the green chilies and toss hard to coat everything in the sticky sauce, about 1 minute.

6. 6

   Serve immediately over rice or with bread to mop up the sauce.