Silky Steamed Prawns with Tofu & Glass Noodles in Tangy Plum Sauce
Succulent prawns and delicate glass noodles mingle in a bright, sweet, and savory plum sauce.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the delicate sweetness of prawns while infusing them with subtle aromatics. This dish, inspired by Cantonese flavors, elevates the simple technique with a vibrant plum sauce that perfectly complements the prawns' natural sweetness. The addition of silky tofu and translucent glass noodles creates a light yet satisfying meal that's both elegant and easy to prepare. It's a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated brunch.
- •Effortless Elegance - Steaming ensures the prawns remain incredibly tender and juicy, minimizing the risk of overcooking.
- •Bright and Balanced Flavors - The plum sauce offers a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance on your palate.
- •Light and Refreshing - Glass noodles and tofu provide a light and healthy base, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- •Quick and Easy - From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- •Beautiful Presentation - The vibrant colors and textures create a visually appealing dish that's sure to impress.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 lb Large Prawns (peeled and deveined, tail on optional)
- 2 tbsp Dry Sherry
- 1 inch Ginger (minced)
- 2 Scallions (thinly sliced, green parts only)
- 1/4 cup Plum Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)
- 14 oz Firm Tofu (drained and cubed)
- 4 oz Glass Noodles (soaked in hot water for 5 minutes, drained)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, marinate the prawns with dry sherry, half of the minced ginger, and half of the sliced scallions. This will infuse the prawns with a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, creating a delicious foundation for the dish. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
~10 min
Tip: Don't marinate the prawns for too long, as the sherry can start to 'cook' them. - 2
While the prawns marinate, prepare the plum sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the plum sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, balancing the sweet, sour, and savory elements. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so take the time to get it just right.
~5 min
Tip: Add a touch more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or a dash more rice vinegar for extra tang. - 3
Arrange the cubed tofu and soaked glass noodles in a heatproof dish or steamer basket. The tofu provides a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce, while the glass noodles add a delicate texture.
~2 min
Tip: Make sure the dish or basket is large enough to hold the prawns in a single layer. - 4
Place the marinated prawns on top of the tofu and noodles, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This allows the steam to cook them evenly and prevent them from sticking together. The aroma of sherry and ginger will start to fill the air.
~2 min
Tip: Don't overcrowd the steamer, as this can lower the temperature and prolong the cooking time. - 5
Bring water to a boil in a steamer or large pot. Once boiling, carefully place the dish or basket inside, ensuring the water doesn't touch the prawns. Covering the steamer will trap the heat and cook the prawns quickly and efficiently.
~1 min
Tip: Use a steamer insert if you don't have a dedicated steamer. - 6
Steam the prawns for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. The cooking time will depend on the size of the prawns. Check for doneness by cutting into one of the prawns; it should be firm and no longer translucent.
~6 min
Tip: Overcooked prawns will be tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. - 7
Carefully remove the dish or basket from the steamer. Be cautious of the hot steam. The aroma of cooked prawns and the subtle scent of the plum sauce will be incredibly enticing.
~1 min
- 8
Pour the prepared plum sauce evenly over the prawns, tofu, and noodles. Make sure everything is well coated with the delicious sauce. The steam will help the sauce penetrate all the ingredients.
~1 min
- 9
Garnish with the remaining sliced scallions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional) for an extra pop of color and flavor. The fresh scallions add a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the sauce.
~1 min
- 10
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The prawns should be tender and juicy, the tofu silky, and the noodles perfectly coated in the tangy plum sauce. This dish is best enjoyed hot, so don't let it sit for too long.
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How Do I Know It's Ready?
Prawns are perfectly done when they turn opaque pink and are firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking them, as they will become rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Silky Steamed Prawns with Tofu & Glass Noodles in Tangy Plum Sauce as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!