5 Mouthwatering Prawn Recipes You Must Try

If you're a seafood enthusiast, you know that prawns are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you're in the mood for something quick and simple or a dish that requires a bit more finesse, prawns won't disappoint. Here are five mouthwatering prawn recipes that you simply must try:

Prawn Cocktail

The Prawn Cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s easy to make but always impresses guests. Here’s how:

• Ingredients:
  • 400g prawns, cooked and peeled
  • 1 lettuce head, shredded
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Marie Rose sauce (mix mayonnaise, tomato sauce, and a dash of lemon juice)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Arrange lettuce on serving glasses or plates.
  2. Layer the avocado on top of the lettuce.
  3. Top with prawns, drizzle over the Marie Rose sauce.
  4. Garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.

Garlic Prawn Pasta

For a heartwarming main course, Garlic Prawn Pasta is a delight:

• Ingredients:
  • 400g linguine or spaghetti
  • 600g prawns, shelled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red chili flakes for heat (optional)
• Steps:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add prawns, cook until they turn pink.
  4. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer, then add cheese.
  5. Toss in cooked pasta, mix well to combine.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Grilled Prawns with Mango Salsa

For something with a tropical twist, try Grilled Prawns with Mango Salsa:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g king prawns, with shell on
  • Marinade (olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper)
  • Mango Salsa: mango, red onion, coriander, lime juice
• Steps:
  1. Marinate prawns for 30 minutes to an hour.
  2. Grill prawns on high heat until they are charred and cooked through.
  3. Prepare salsa by combining mango, red onion, coriander, and lime juice.
  4. Serve grilled prawns with salsa on the side.

Prawn Laksa

If you enjoy a bowl of comfort food, Prawn Laksa will hit the spot:

• Ingredients:
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 500g prawns, peeled
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
  • 1 small eggplant, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • Laksa noodles
  • Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and bean sprouts for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Sauté curry paste and lemongrass until fragrant.
  2. Add coconut milk and bring to a boil.
  3. Add eggplant and cook until tender.
  4. Add prawns, cook until done.
  5. Stir in fish sauce.
  6. Serve over cooked laksa noodles, garnish with fresh herbs.

Prawn Tempura with Dipping Sauce

For a taste of Japanese cuisine, Prawn Tempura is a must:

• Ingredients:
  • 12 large prawns, deveined and shelled
  • 1 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Ice cubes
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Dipping Sauce: dashi, soy sauce, mirin, grated daikon, and grated ginger
• Steps:
  1. Whisk egg yolk with cold water, add flour, and mix lightly (some lumps are okay).
  2. Heat oil to 340°F (170°C) for frying.
  3. Dust prawns in flour, dip into the batter, and fry until golden and crispy.
  4. Prepare dipping sauce by combining dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.

👨‍🍳 Note: Prawns are best when fresh. Always ensure your prawns are fresh or defrosted correctly to bring out the best flavors.

These five prawn recipes showcase the versatility and irresistible taste of prawns. From the elegant Prawn Cocktail to the comforting Laksa, there's a dish for every occasion. Not only are these recipes delicious, but they're also fairly simple to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Experiment with these dishes, tweak them to your taste, and impress your family and friends with your seafood culinary skills!

Can I substitute prawns with shrimp in these recipes?

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Yes, you can certainly use shrimp instead of prawns. Just keep in mind that while both are from the same family, prawns are typically larger with a sweeter flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What are some health benefits of eating prawns?

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Prawns are low in calories but high in protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, cognitive function, and immune support.

How can I tell if prawns are fresh?

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Look for prawns that are shiny, have a firm texture, and smell mildly like the sea. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor or signs of discoloration.