5 Easy Prawn Recipes for Seafood Lovers

In the world of culinary delights, few ingredients spark as much joy as prawns. With their sweet, tender meat and versatile nature, prawns offer an endless array of culinary possibilities. This post will guide you through five simple yet flavorsome prawn recipes that are perfect for seafood enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the traditional grilled or boiled methods. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just sprucing up a weekday meal, these recipes will help you elevate your prawn dishes with ease.

1. Lemon Garlic Butter Prawns

Start with the classic Lemon Garlic Butter Prawns for a dish that’s easy to make but rich in flavors. This recipe is all about simplicity and letting the prawns shine.

• Ingredients: Large prawns, lemon, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, parsley.
• Instructions:
  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add prawns, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
  4. Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

🍋 Note: Do not overcook the prawns to maintain their juiciness and prevent them from becoming tough.

2. Thai Green Curry Prawns

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of spice, Thai Green Curry Prawns are your go-to. This dish transports you to the vibrant streets of Bangkok with every bite.

• Ingredients: Prawns, green curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, lime leaves, Thai basil, veggies (like zucchini and bell peppers).
• Instructions:
  1. In a pan, heat some oil and fry the green curry paste until aromatic.
  2. Add coconut milk and stir well. Let it simmer.
  3. Add prawns, fish sauce, sugar, and lime leaves. Cook until prawns are done.
  4. Include vegetables, cook until tender but still crisp.
  5. Serve garnished with Thai basil.

3. Garlic Prawn Sizzler with Honey

For an interactive and impressive dish, try the Garlic Prawn Sizzler with Honey. This recipe not only looks good but also has an enticing aroma that will tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

• Ingredients: Large prawns, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate prawns with garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and honey.
  2. Heat butter in a cast-iron skillet until smoking hot.
  3. Add prawns, cook until they sizzle and change color.
  4. Serve immediately on the hot skillet for an authentic sizzler experience.

4. Prawn Fried Rice

Transform a simple fried rice into an exceptional meal with the addition of prawns. This Prawn Fried Rice is both comforting and delightfully flavorful.

• Ingredients: Day-old rice, prawns, eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, spring onions.
• Instructions:
  1. Start by stir-frying eggs, then set aside.
  2. Add garlic, prawns, and vegetables to the pan, stir-frying until prawns are cooked.
  3. Add rice, tossing to combine and heat through.
  4. Include soy sauce, sesame oil, and cooked eggs. Mix well.
  5. Garnish with spring onions before serving.

🔥 Note: Using day-old rice helps achieve the perfect texture for fried rice, as it is less moist and fries better.

5. Spicy Prawn Tacos

Round up your prawn feast with an exciting twist on taco night - Spicy Prawn Tacos. This dish combines juicy prawns with spicy flavors, wrapped in soft tortillas.

• Ingredients: Prawns, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, corn tortillas, avocado, cabbage, cilantro, lime, sour cream.
• Instructions:
  1. Season prawns with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
  2. Cook prawns in a hot skillet until they are cooked through.
  3. Warm the tortillas and assemble tacos with prawns, avocado, cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of sour cream.
  4. Squeeze lime juice over the tacos for a zesty finish.

In summary, prawns are truly a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Each of these recipes showcases the inherent flavor and texture of prawns, enhanced by the right combination of spices, herbs, and sauces. Whether you're seeking a quick meal or an elaborate dish to impress, prawns provide an easy and delicious option for seafood lovers.

Can I use frozen prawns for these recipes?

+

Yes, frozen prawns work wonderfully for all these recipes. Just ensure they are properly thawed in the fridge or under cold running water to preserve their texture.

What are some good side dishes to pair with these prawn recipes?

+

Consider pairing the prawns with rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance out the meal. The Lemon Garlic Butter Prawns can be served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How do I ensure my prawns are not overcooked?

+

Prawns cook very quickly; they’re done once they turn pink and slightly firm. Remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery.

Can I substitute prawns with shrimp in these recipes?

+

Absolutely, shrimp can be used as a substitute in these recipes as they share a similar flavor profile and cooking time with prawns.

What’s the best way to devein prawns?

+

The easiest method is to use a paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the prawn, then lift the vein out with the tip of the knife or a skewer.