Nourilo

Home-Style Dishes

Tangy Stir-Fried Prawns with Bell Pepper (Xi Ha Da Xiao)

a flavourful, protein-rich festive dish with a tangy citrus-tomato sauce

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
30 min
Cook
10 min
Total
40 min
Makes
2–3 servings
Everyday Balance
Tangy Stir-Fried Prawns with Bell Pepper (Xi Ha Da Xiao)

Why people make this dish

This cheerful stir-fry is one of Nourilo’s Chinese New Year table favourites — its name, Xi Ha Da Xiao (嘻哈大笑, meaning “laughing out loud”), is intended to bring a sense of joy and festivity to the family table. The combination of large, golden prawns and bright tri-colour bell peppers creates a visually striking dish that looks celebratory without being difficult to make. The tangy lemon-tomato sauce sets this apart from a standard oyster-sauce stir-fry, adding a refreshing brightness that works particularly well after a rich festive meal. For the best texture, Nourilo recommends quickly blanching the prawns in hot water rather than deep-frying them — a lighter and equally delicious approach.

Members only

Unlock the full method & Nourilo's tips

One payment, lifetime access to every one of our 2,303 recipes — step-by-step methods, preparation tips and serving notes.

  • Full step-by-step method for this and all 2,303 recipes
  • Nourilo's Tips — sourcing, substitutions and serving notes
  • One-time payment via PayPal · no subscription, no renewals

Checking your access…

Frequently asked questions

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 to 3 servings.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?

Preparation takes 30 minutes — including the prawn marinating time — and cooking takes around 10 minutes, for a total of about 40 minutes.

Why does the recipe call for blanching the prawns instead of deep-frying them?

Blanching the prawns in hot water rather than passing them through oil produces a result that is equally tender and satisfying but considerably lighter. If you prefer the classic restaurant texture, velveting the prawns through warm oil gives a slightly silkier result.

Is this dish associated with any particular occasion?

Yes. This stir-fry is described as a popular Chinese New Year dish. Its name, Xi Ha Da Xiao (嘻哈大笑, meaning "laughing out loud"), is intended to bring a sense of joy and festivity to the family table.

Can I substitute the fresh lemon juice with something else?

Yes. If fresh lemon juice is not available, a tablespoon of white vinegar works as a substitute.

You might also like

Related recipes

More home-style dishes →

Comments

Loading comments…