David Thompson's prawns baked with vermicelli

Step 1

For marinated noodles, soak noodles in a bowl of cold water until just softened (about 1 hour). Drain well, then cut with scissors into manageable lengths, about 10cm or so, and set aside in a colander. Lightly bruise spring onions, garlic, ginger and coriander root, then combine in a bowl with remaining ingredients and noodles. Turn to coat and combine well, then refrigerate tomarinate (6 hours or overnight).

Step 2

Preheat oven to 250C. Warm a 1.5 litre Chinese claypot or 1.5 litre flameproof casserole (see note) for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, reincorporate the marinade into the noodles by turning with your hands. Melt lard in claypot then add a piece or two of ginger and some spring onions from the marinade and stir until coloured (2-3 minutes). Add half the noodle mixture, followed by prawns, then add remaining noodles, stir, then cook without stirring, until sizzling and coloured (2-3 minutes). Cover with a lid and bake in oven, without lifting the lid, until prawns are pink and cooked (12-15 minutes).

Step 3

Turn and stir the noodles; don't worry if they have stuck to the pot – these crunchy, charred bits are the best part. The finished dish should be quite dry and the prawns should be cooked through and tempting. Serve sprinkled with chopped coriander.