Introduction
Indulging in a delicious seafood dish doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe for garlic king prawns showcases fresh, sustainable ingredients to create a light, flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these prawns are quick to prepare and offer a delightful combination of flavors with a hint of spice from the Easy green chilli salsa.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cloves of garlic
8 raw shell-on king prawns, from sustainable sources
Olive oil
A few sprigs of oregano
½ a lemon
3 tablespoons of Easy green chilli salsa
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Method
1. Peel and slice the garlic.
2. Peel the king prawns, leaving the heads and tails intact.
3. Run a small sharp knife down the back of each prawn to butterfly it, removing the vein.
4. Place the prawns in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
5. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the prawns are just cooked, shaking the pan constantly.
6. Add the sliced garlic and the leaves from a few sprigs of oregano during the final minute of cooking.
7. Squeeze over the lemon juice.
8. Serve the prawns on top of the Easy green chilli salsa.
Enjoy the burst of flavors and freshness in each bite of these succulent garlic king prawns!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Peel the 2 cloves of garlic and slice them thinly. Set aside for later use in the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the King Prawns
Peel the 8 raw shell-on king prawns, ensuring that you leave the heads and tails intact. This helps with presentation and flavor.
Step 3: Butterfly the Prawns
Using a small sharp knife, run it down the back of each prawn to butterfly it. Be careful to remove the vein as you do this.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Place a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up.
Step 5: Cook the Prawns
Add the prepared prawns to the heated pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to shake the pan constantly to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Add Garlic and Oregano
During the last minute of cooking, add the sliced garlic along with the leaves from a few sprigs of oregano. Stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Add Lemon Juice
Squeeze the juice from ½ a lemon over the prawns, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
Step 8: Serve with Salsa
Serve the cooked prawns on top of 3 tablespoons of Easy green chilli salsa, ready for enjoyment.
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure that the prawns are sourced from sustainable sources to support responsible fishing practices.
Note 2:
Adjust the amount of olive oil according to your preference for richness.
Note 3:
You can substitute the easy green chilli salsa with your favorite salsa or sauce if desired.
Note 4:
For added flavor, consider marinating the prawns in olive oil, oregano, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
Cook techniques
Garlic Preparation
Peel and slice the garlic cloves. Slicing garlic helps release its flavor and aroma more effectively during cooking.
Butterflying Prawns
Peel the king prawns while leaving their heads and tails intact. Use a small sharp knife to make a cut down the back of each prawn and remove the vein. This technique allows for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.
Cooking Prawns
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the prawns for 3 to 4 minutes while shaking the pan constantly to ensure even cooking. Look for the prawns to turn pink and opaque.
Additions During Cooking
Introduce the sliced garlic and oregano leaves during the final minute of cooking to infuse the dish with their flavors without burning them.
Lemon Juice Finishing Touch
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked prawns just before serving. This adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Serving on Salsa
Serve the prawns on a bed of Easy green chilli salsa. The salsa adds a spicy and tangy contrast that complements the prawns beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking to achieve the best texture.
What can I substitute for oregano?
If you don’t have oregano, you could use dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to keep the heads and tails on the prawns?
While keeping the heads and tails on adds presentation and flavor, you can also remove them if you prefer a more convenient eating experience.
Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute king prawns with other seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets, but cooking times may vary.
How can I adjust the spice level with the salsa?
You can adjust the spice level by using less salsa or selecting a milder version. Adding some avocado or yogurt can also temper the heat.
Conclusion
This dish of garlic king prawns served on a bed of Easy green chilli salsa is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delightful fusion of flavors. The sweetness of the prawns, enhanced by the aromatic garlic and the freshness of the oregano, pairs beautifully with the zesty kick of the salsa. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe stands out for its taste and presentation.
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