Are you looking for a new and exciting ingredient to add to your cooking repertoire? Look no further than prawn paste! Prawn paste, also known as shrimp paste, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine and is made from fermented ground up prawns.
When used in cooking, prawn paste adds a depth of umami flavour to dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes. From stir-fries to curries, prawn paste can be used to enhance the flavour of seafood and vegetable dishes alike.
If you're new to using prawn paste in your cooking, don't worry! We've got you covered. In this article, we'll cover essential ingredients and preparations, diverse prawn paste recipes, and frequently asked questions to help you get started on your prawn paste cooking journey.
Key Takeaways
- Prawn paste is a fermented ingredient made from ground up prawns that adds a savoury umami flavour to dishes.
- Prawn paste can be used in a variety of recipes, from stir-fries to curries, to enhance the flavour of seafood and vegetable dishes alike.
- Essential ingredients and preparations, diverse prawn paste recipes, and frequently asked questions can help you get started on your prawn paste cooking journey.
Essential Ingredients and Preparations
Choosing the Right Prawns
When it comes to making prawn paste, choosing the right prawns is crucial. You can use either raw or frozen prawns, but fresh ones are always preferred. Look for prawns with a bright and translucent shell, firm flesh, and a sweet smell. If using frozen prawns, make sure they are properly thawed before use.
Pasta Selection
The type of pasta you use can make a big difference in the final dish. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or any other long pasta. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the prawn paste.
Preparation Techniques
To make prawn paste, you'll need to devein and peel the prawns. This can be a bit time-consuming, but it's an essential step to ensure the paste has a smooth texture. You can use a small knife or a deveining tool to remove the black vein running down the back of the prawn. Once deveined, remove the shell and tail.
To add flavour to the prawn paste, you can use a variety of ingredients such as garlic, chilli, parsley, and lemon. Finely chop the garlic and chilli and sauté them in olive oil until fragrant. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink. Season with salt and black pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
To finish the dish, toss the cooked pasta with the prawn paste and some extra virgin olive oil. Top with grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and cherry tomatoes. For a creamier sauce, you can add a knob of unsalted butter to the prawn paste before mixing it with the pasta.
Diverse Prawn Paste Recipes
If you're a fan of seafood, you must try these diverse prawn paste recipes. They are easy to make and packed with flavour. Here are three of our favourite prawn pasta recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Classic Garlic Prawn Pasta
This classic garlic prawn pasta recipe is a favourite for a reason. It's simple, yet delicious, and perfect for a quick and easy meal. To make it, cook your pasta of choice (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine) until it's al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add in your prawns and cook until they are pink and juicy. Add in some pasta cooking water, cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta and you're ready to serve.
Creamy Prawn Linguine
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try this creamy prawn linguine recipe. Cook your linguine until it's al dente, and in a separate pan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add in your prawns and cook until they are pink and juicy. Add in white wine, double cream, and lemon juice to create a rich and creamy sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta and finish with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Spicy Tomato Prawn Pasta
For those who like a bit of heat, this spicy tomato prawn pasta is the perfect dish. Cook your pasta of choice (penne works well) until it's al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and chilli flakes in olive oil until fragrant. Add in chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down.
Add in your cooked prawns and some pasta cooking water to create a sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta, finish with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple way to prepare prawn paste?
Preparing prawn paste is easy and straightforward. All you need are fresh prawns, salt, and sugar. You can also add other spices or ingredients, depending on your preference. Simply blend the prawns with the salt and sugar until you get a smooth paste. You can also use a food processor or mortar and pestle to make the paste.
How can I make a creamy prawn paste dish?
If you want to make a creamy prawn paste dish, you can add coconut milk or cream to your recipe. This will give your dish a rich and creamy texture. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables, meat, or seafood to make your dish more flavourful.
What are some top-rated prawn paste recipes?
There are many prawn paste recipes out there, but some of the top-rated ones include prawn paste chicken, Thai red prawn curry, and homemade Haidilao prawn paste. These dishes are easy to make and delicious.
Can you suggest an easy method for making prawn paste?
To make prawn paste, you can use fresh or frozen prawns. Simply blend the prawns with salt and sugar until you get a smooth paste. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger or chilli to enhance the flavour. Once you have made the paste, you can use it in a variety of dishes.
How should I store prawn paste in the fridge?
Prawn paste should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to a week. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in small portions. Simply thaw it before using it in your recipe.
What's the best method for cooking frozen prawn paste?
If you have frozen prawn paste, you can thaw it before using it in your recipe. Simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once it's thawed, you can use it in your recipe as you would with fresh prawn paste.