Garlic Prawns Recipe

Prawns: These should be peeled and deveined for ease of cooking and eating.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a rich, fruity flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy element that complements the prawns.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.

When sautéing the garlic, be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color to ensure a fragrant and flavorful base for your prawns.

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

• prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: For a non-seafood option, chicken breast can be used, though the flavor will be different.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it is less pungent.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs well with seafood.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a slightly sweet and tropical flavor to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine: White wine can add acidity and depth of flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the dish's profile.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spice.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that can brighten the dish.

• parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil provides a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that complements seafood.

• Allow the prawns to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy prawns.
• 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 garlic prawns within 2-3 days. This keeps the prawns fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the garlic 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 ensures they defrost evenly and maintain their texture.
• Reheat the garlic prawns gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavors.
• Avoid microwaving the prawns as it can make them rubbery. A gentle reheat on the stove preserves their tenderness.
• If you have leftover garlic prawns and want to repurpose them, consider adding them to a pasta dish, a salad, or a stir-fry. This adds variety to your meals while minimizing waste.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the leftover garlic prawns.
  • Stir occasionally, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the prawns are heated through.
  • Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the prawns rubbery.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Place the garlic prawns in an oven-safe dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  • Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are warmed through but not overcooked.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the garlic prawns in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or a small amount of olive oil to keep them moist.
  • Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  • Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Check the prawns and continue heating in 30-second intervals if needed.

• Steaming Method:

  • Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  • Place the garlic prawns in a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  • Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  • This method helps retain the prawns' moisture and flavor.

• Sous Vide Method:

  • Preheat your sous vide machine to 130°F (54°C).
  • Place the garlic prawns in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
  • Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  • This gentle reheating method ensures the prawns remain tender and flavorful.

• Pan: A flat-bottomed cooking vessel used for frying, searing, and browning foods.

• Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift food.

• Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry.

• Knife: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting or chopping ingredients.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present and serve the cooked prawns.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, useful for turning prawns in the pan.

Pre-mince garlic: Mince the garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save prep time.

Use pre-peeled prawns: Buy peeled and deveined prawns to avoid the hassle of cleaning them yourself.

Measure ingredients in advance: Measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.

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

Garnish last minute: Chop the fresh parsley while the prawns are cooking to save time.