Prawns could be on the level of superfoods – they have very low fat and calories per serving compared to lean chicken (so that’s saying a lot!), and they’re richer in vitamins and minerals than poultry and meats. But, they’ve got more sodium and are pricier per serving than them too – so that’s something to consider.
Nutrition aside, prawns are like a culinary dream – by their nature, they’re automatically fun finger foods, but can also be the main attraction of an extravagant five-star entree!
Here are four quick recipes for prawns that you can make at home in less than an hour:
Garlic Butter Prawns
Peel and devein a pound of prawns. Thinly slice four cloves of garlic. Cut into small cubes three tablespoons of unsalted butter. Salt and pepper the prawns. Simmer two tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan using medium to medium-high heat. Throw in the prawns and let simmer for one minute, then flip them. Add the garlic, 1/4th teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and a half cup of dry white wine.
Turn off the heat when the prawns are curled, pink, or opaque. Stir in the butter until it’s melted and sprinkle with a 1/4th cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Enjoy!
Full recipe here
Prawns Pasta
Chop half of a red onion and mince five cloves of garlic. Chop a cup of parsley and two or three vine ripe tomatoes. Start boiling spaghetti pasta.
Devein and peel the prawns and fry using medium-high heat on a skillet for five minutes (until pink) with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Then remove the prawns and set aside.
Add more olive oil and lower to medium-low heat, add the onion, garlic, a teaspoon of Aleppo red pepper flakes, and a teaspoon of dry oregano. Let simmer for two minutes. Add one cup of dry white wine and let simmer for an additional minute. Add one lemon zested and juiced, then toss in the parsley and tomatoes and continue to toss for 40 seconds. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Introduce the spaghetti and prawns and toss around until you’re satisfied. Season with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Full recipe here.
Prawns Gumbo
In the U.S., gumbo originates from the Louisiana area. It’s a meat or seafood-based stew with heavy seasoning. It’s an all-American original dish with roots from French, Caribbean, Cajun, African, and Spanish cuisine that’s only started gaining popularity starting in the 1970s. Mastering gumbo would impress the friends and acquaintances you cook for, giving you the air of being well-rounded and cultured.
Using a saucepan that can accommodate 64 oz, sautee celery, green bell pepper, and onions using medium heat in extra virgin olive oil for five minutes or until the onions become see-through.
Throw in diced tomatoes, frozen okra, garlic powder, dried thyme, bay leaves, lemon pepper, black pepper, salt, chicken bouillon, and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for half an hour. Then add deveined and peeled prawns and re-cover and let cook for 15 minutes.
Mix flour and water and slowly add it in until your gumbo has the consistency of gravy. Serve and enjoy!
Full recipe here.
Pepper Prawns
Devein three pounds of prawns, but don’t remove the shell. Remove stems and seeds from one fresh Scotch bonnet chile. Mince together five large cloves of garlic and 1.5 teaspoons of fresh ginger and the chile. Using medium heat, melt half a cup of unsalted butter in a large pot. Throw in the minced mix and stir for about five minutes.
Add half a cup of distilled, white vinegar and fresh lime juice. Throw in one sprig of thyme and bring to a simmer. Raise to medium-high heat and throw in the prawns. Stir for five minutes or until prawns turn opaque. Sprinkle a teaspoon of Kosher salt and enjoy!
Full recipe here.
Whether you’re trying to find alternative healthier protein sources, making a semi-quick health snack, or making a scrumptious dinner – these recipes for prawns can be your go-to!