This is my third crustacean recipe.

You may recall my lament on how crustacean-like the aliens are in Hollywood movies. Prawns can look downright scary. My second post - fried Assam fully dressed ones - did not fare very well in the looks department either. 

I have to say though, that this particular one looks ravishing. Stripped off from their head gears and gowns, naked for a brief moment and then coated in a spicy red glistening sauce, they are dressed and ready for the dinner ball.

And best of all, if you are like my wife, you will love the fact that you don't need to do any peeling at the dinner table. As all good spouses do, I sometimes have to do that for her. With this, I can focus on my own prawns.

Before I forget, remember this  - after peeling your raw prawn meat, NEVER throw away the heads and shells. Never. It is almost an unpardonable sin in the culinary world, home kitchens included. Heads and shells make for lovely stock, bisque or broth. Keep them in your freezer.

This dish is one of my Mum's favourite. It is simple to make. She has only one "secret" for this dish, if you can call it as such: the blended lemon grass.

Blended lemon grass

Some notes: 

1. Don't leave out the mint leaves: God created it for this dish. 
2. You can add "petai" (smelly beans) to this dish - believe me, the aroma is out of this world :) 
3. Serve this with rice. This is another dish which is eaten best with your hand. 

Did you know that there are etiquette rules to observe when using your hands to eat?

1. When you push the rice into your mouth, use your thumb to shove the rice in. Heard of "thumbdrive"?
2. Lick your fingers if you must, aka Col Sanders. But never suck them or make loud noises as you do so. 
3. If you have painted nails, please remove them first (the paint, not your nails).
4. Never shake your hands with another person while eating.
5. Never use another person's hands for your own food... and never offer to another with yours.
6. Leave your Iphone alone when you feel the urge to reply a SMS. 
7. Don't scratch your head or face while eating with your hands. Come to think of it, the same applies even if you are using a spoon. 

Jokes aside, get your hands on this. It is just a bit of effort for a very appetizing experience.

Don't forget the cucumber and mint leaves.