Phoenix Prawns

This dish is believed to have been a creation of the Muslim Hui people, who number some 4.5 million and are scattered throughout the northern provinces. Their cuisine is regarded as a distinct entity, since Islam forbids the eating of pork, which is the main meat in China, and also alcohol. The name of the recipe is symbolic, because prawns, when cooked with their tails on, are likened to the mythical bird!