Garlic Prawns Recipe

Prawns: These are small shellfish that cook quickly and turn pink when done. Look for peeled and deveined ones to make cooking easier.

Garlic: Adds a strong, tasty flavor that makes this dish special. Use fresh cloves and mince them finely.

Olive oil: A healthy oil that helps cook the garlic and prawns while adding a smooth taste.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the prawns.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a little heat and depth to the taste.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor to finish the dish.

One of the most important steps in this Garlic Prawns Recipe is sautéing the garlic just right. When you heat the olive oil in the pan and add the minced garlic, you want to cook it until it’s fragrant, which usually takes about a minute. Here’s how to do it without burning the garlic:

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat, not too hot. If the oil is too hot, the garlic can burn quickly and taste bitter.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir it around gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.
3. Keep an eye on the garlic and cook it just until you can smell that lovely, warm garlic aroma. This usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute.
4. As soon as you smell it, it’s time to add the prawns so the garlic doesn’t overcook.

Getting this step right makes the whole dish taste amazing because the garlic flavor infuses the olive oil, which then coats the prawns. If you cook the garlic too long or at too high a heat, it can turn brown and taste burnt, which isn’t very nice.

When I first tried this, I accidentally left the garlic in the pan too long, and the dish had a bitter taste. Now, I always trust my nose and add the prawns as soon as I smell the garlic. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a big difference!

• prawns - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for prawns.

• prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: For those who prefer poultry, chicken breast can be used, though it will have a different texture and flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is not available.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it will have a slightly different intensity and texture.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can be used to sauté the prawns similarly to olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet and tropical flavor, which can add an interesting twist to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the necessary acidity, though it will have a different flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also introduce a different taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, making it a good alternative.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can complement the dish similarly to parsley.

• parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a sweet and aromatic flavor, which can be a nice variation in the dish.

• Allow the prawns to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy seafood.
• Transfer the garlic prawns to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the prawns.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the prawns within 2-3 days. The cool temperature will keep them fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the prawns in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the prawns have been stored.
• When ready to use, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the seafood.
• Reheat the garlic prawns gently in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the prawns rubbery and overcooked.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover garlic prawns.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  5. Add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the garlic prawns in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the prawns are heated through.
  5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the garlic prawns in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir and check the temperature. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  5. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the garlic prawns in a steamer basket or a heatproof plate.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

• Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the prawns evenly.

• Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift food. Ideal for turning the prawns and stirring the ingredients.

• Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently. Helps in mincing the garlic quickly.

• Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking. Necessary for measuring olive oil and lemon juice.

• Knife: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting. Essential for chopping parsley and any other prep work.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. Used to chop parsley and prepare other ingredients.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present food. Used to serve the garlic prawns once they are cooked.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects. Useful for handling the prawns while cooking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-peeled prawns: Purchase peeled and deveined prawns to save time on preparation.

Heat the pan first: Ensure the olive oil is hot before adding the garlic to reduce cooking time.

Cook in batches: If your pan is small, cook the prawns in batches to ensure even cooking.

Measure seasonings ahead: Pre-measure the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to add quickly when needed.