Do you love Italian pasta dishes but are tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs? Look no further than prawn carbonara! This easy dinner idea is a delicious twist on the classic carbonara recipe, featuring succulent prawns and a creamy sauce that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
To make this dish, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, bacon, and of course, prawns. The preparation process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few easy steps. Once you've tried this recipe, it's sure to become a new favourite in your household.
So why not shake up your dinner routine and give this prawn carbonara recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients and Preparation
Essential Ingredients
To make a delicious prawn carbonara, you will need a few essential ingredients. These include pasta, prawns, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper. You can also add bacon, cream, and parsley to enhance the flavour.
Preparation Overview
To prepare the prawn carbonara, start by boiling the pasta in salted water until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink. Remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, add the cooked pasta and a few spoonfuls of starchy pasta water. Then, add the whisked eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously until the eggs are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Finally, add the cooked prawns back to the pan and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Your prawn carbonara is now ready to serve!
Cooking Process
Cooking the Pasta
To start with, you need to cook the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add kosher salt to the water and stir it. Add the spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a colander and drain it. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
Preparing the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the prawns and cook them until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside.
Add garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant. Pour in the reserved starchy pasta cooking water and bring it to a simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
Combining Ingredients
Now it's time to combine all the ingredients. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the garlic and pasta water mixture.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the egg yolk mixture to the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Add the cooked prawns and bacon to the skillet and toss everything together.
Garnish the dish with chopped Italian parsley and serve it hot.
Recipe Tips:
- Don't overcook the pasta, it should be al dente.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it's too thick.
- Use guanciale instead of bacon for a more traditional carbonara.
- Have all your ingredients ready and in place before you start cooking (mise en place).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a simple and creamy prawn carbonara?
To make a simple and creamy prawn carbonara, you can use a combination of fresh prawns, cream cheese, and half and half. First, sauté the prawns in a pan with garlic and some olive oil.
Then, add the cream cheese and half and half to the pan and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Garnish with some chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, and your delicious prawn carbonara is ready to serve!
What's the best way to cook prawn carbonara without using cream?
If you want to make a prawn carbonara without using cream, you can use eggs instead to create a creamy sauce. Beat some eggs in a bowl and set aside. Cook the pasta and prawns in a pan, then remove from heat. Add the beaten eggs to the pan, stirring quickly to combine and create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta and prawns will cook the eggs, creating a rich and creamy sauce without the need for cream.
What are the secrets to achieving the perfect carbonara sauce consistency?
The key to achieving the perfect carbonara sauce consistency is to use the right amount of pasta water. When you cook the pasta, reserve some of the starchy water, which you can use to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. Another secret is to add the eggs to the pasta off the heat, so they don't scramble and create a lumpy sauce.
Can I prepare a delicious prawn carbonara without adding wine?
Yes, you can prepare a delicious prawn carbonara without adding wine. Instead, you can use chicken or vegetable broth to add some flavour to the dish. If you don't have broth, you can also use water and some salt to cook the pasta, which will add some flavour to the dish as well.
What ingredients should I avoid when making a traditional carbonara?
When making a traditional carbonara, it's important to avoid adding cream, garlic, or onions to the sauce. These ingredients are not typically used in authentic carbonara recipes and can change the flavour and texture of the dish. Stick to the classic ingredients of eggs, pancetta or bacon, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper for a true carbonara experience.
What's the golden rule for cooking an authentic carbonara dish?
The golden rule for cooking an authentic carbonara dish is to keep it simple. Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh eggs and good-quality pancetta or bacon, and let the flavours speak for themselves.
Don't overcomplicate the dish with too many ingredients or unnecessary steps. And remember to always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper for the best flavour.