Prawn Dishes: Delicious Recipes for Seafood Lovers

If you're a seafood lover, you're probably familiar with prawns. These delicious crustaceans are a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world. Prawns are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making them a favourite of many chefs and home cooks alike. If you're looking to try new prawn dishes or want to learn more about cooking with prawns, you've come to the right place.

When it comes to prawns, selecting and preparing them properly is essential to achieving the best flavour and texture. It's important to choose fresh prawns and to clean them thoroughly before cooking. Once you've got your prawns ready, you can start exploring different cooking methods and recipes. From stir-fries to curries, there are countless ways to prepare prawns that will satisfy your taste buds.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at prawn dishes, including how to select and prepare prawns, different cooking methods and recipes, and answers to some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of how to cook with prawns and be inspired to try new prawn dishes.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing fresh prawns and cleaning them properly is essential for the best flavour and texture.
• Prawns can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-fries, curries, and more.
• With some basic knowledge and a little creativity, you can create delicious prawn dishes that will impress your friends and family.

Prawn Selection and Preparation

Choosing the Best Prawns

When selecting prawns, it's important to choose fresh, plump ones with a pinkish-grey hue. Avoid prawns that look grey or have black spots, as they may not be fresh. You can choose between raw or cooked prawns depending on your recipe. If you're buying frozen prawns, make sure they have been properly thawed before cooking.

Preparation Techniques

Before cooking prawns, you need to peel and devein them. To peel, simply grab the head and legs and gently pull them off. Then, hold the prawn by the tail and remove the shell by pulling it off with your other hand. You can also use a pair of scissors to cut the shell down the back and remove it that way.

To devein, use a small sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn. Then, use the tip of the knife to lift out the vein and discard it. This is an optional step, but it can improve the texture of the prawns and make them less rubbery.

Once your prawns are peeled and deveined, you can cook them in a variety of ways. They can be grilled, fried, boiled, or baked, depending on your recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough and rubbery.

Cooking Methods and Recipes

Classic Prawn Recipes

If you are looking for classic prawn recipes, you can't go wrong with prawn cocktail, garlic prawns, or prawn curry. Prawn cocktail is a great starter that is quick and easy to make. Simply mix cooked prawns with a sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of Tabasco. Serve with a wedge of lemon and some crusty bread.

Garlic prawns are a popular dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a romantic meal for two. Cook prawns in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and butter until they are pink and cooked through. Add some lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Serve with some crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic and butter sauce.

Prawn curry is a spicy dish that is suitable for any occasion. Fry some onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with some oil until they are soft. Add some curry powder, tomato puree, and coconut milk to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add cooked prawns to the sauce and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve with rice and naan bread.

Quick and Easy Prawn Dishes

If you are short on time, there are plenty of quick and easy prawn dishes that you can make. Prawn stir fry is a great option that only takes 15 minutes to cook. Fry some garlic and ginger in a pan with some oil until they are fragrant. Add some vegetables such as green beans and snow peas and cook for a few minutes until they are tender. Add some cooked prawns to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve with rice or noodles.

Prawn saganaki is a Greek dish that is quick and easy to make. Fry some garlic and onions in a pan with some oil until they are soft. Add some canned tomatoes, oregano, and feta cheese to the pan and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add some cooked prawns to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve with some crusty bread.

International Prawn Delights

If you are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of international prawn dishes that you can try. Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that is made with stir-fried rice noodles, prawns, vegetables, and a sweet and sour sauce. Goan prawn curry is a spicy Indian dish that is made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of spices. Chinese-style prawn tacos are a fusion dish that is made with grilled prawns, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce.

If you want to try something indulgent but healthier, try creamy garlic prawn pasta. Cook some pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Fry some garlic in a pan with some oil until it is fragrant. Add some white wine, chicken broth, and cream to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add some cooked prawns to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve the sauce over the pasta with some parmesan cheese and parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick and easy dishes to make with prawns?

If you're short on time, prawns are a great option for a quick and easy meal. You can toss them into a stir-fry with some veggies and noodles, or simply pan-fry them with garlic and butter for a tasty appetizer. Prawn tacos, pasta dishes, and salads are also great options for a quick and easy meal.

How can I prepare a prawn dish for a dinner party?

Prawns are a great choice for a dinner party as they are versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. You could serve a prawn cocktail as a starter or prepare a delicious prawn curry as a main course. Another idea is to serve grilled prawns with a dipping sauce or prepare a seafood paella for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Could you suggest some top-rated prawn recipes?

There are plenty of delicious prawn recipes out there, but some of the most popular include garlic butter prawns, prawn curry, prawn linguine, and prawn fried rice. You could also try making prawn kebabs, prawn and avocado salad, or prawn and chorizo stew for something a little different.

Are there any traditional Indian recipes that feature prawns?

Yes, there are plenty of traditional Indian recipes that feature prawns. One popular dish is prawn masala, which is made with a spicy tomato-based sauce. Another popular dish is prawn biryani, which is a fragrant rice dish made with prawns, spices, and vegetables. Prawn vindaloo and prawn korma are also popular Indian dishes that feature prawns.

How do I make a creamy prawn dish that's full of flavour?

To make a creamy prawn dish, start by sautéing some garlic and onions in butter or oil. Add some cream and simmer until it starts to thicken. Then, add some prawns and cook until they are pink and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices for a dish that's full of flavour.

What are some good pairings for prawns in a rice dish?

Prawns are a great addition to any rice dish, but some good pairings include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. You could also add some spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for extra flavour. For a more indulgent dish, try adding some cream or coconut milk to your rice dish.