Gambas Pil Pil Prawns Recipe

Prawns: Fresh, peeled, and deveined prawns are the star of this dish, providing a succulent and tender texture.

Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Red chili: Sliced red chili brings a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the prawns.

Olive oil: A generous amount of olive oil is used to cook the ingredients, infusing them with rich, fruity notes.

Paprika: This spice adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the prawns.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.

When cooking prawns, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents the prawns from steaming instead of searing. For an extra layer of flavor, you can infuse the olive oil with the garlic and red chili for a few minutes before adding the prawns. This will allow the oil to absorb the aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• prawns - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp have a similar texture and flavor profile to prawns, making them an excellent substitute.

• prawns - Substitute with scallops: Scallops offer a slightly different texture but can still provide a rich, seafood flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste but can still add a similar aromatic quality to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar flavor.

• red chili - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat and spice to the dish.

• red chili - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: These can provide a similar spicy kick and are readily available.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and is also suitable for high-heat cooking.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smoky flavor to the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can provide a similar color and a bit of heat, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different texture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar level of heat with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with coriander: Ground coriander can add a different but complementary flavor to the dish.

• Allow the prawns to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain the texture and flavor.
• Transfer the cooled prawns and garlic-chili olive oil mixture into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any contamination.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The prawns will remain fresh and flavorful during this period.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the prawns. Place the prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the prawns into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the prawns gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if needed to refresh the flavors. Avoid overcooking to maintain the prawns' tender texture.
• Serve the reheated prawns hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-chili olive oil sauce.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the leftover prawns.
  • Stir occasionally until the prawns are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Ensure the prawns are evenly heated but avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the prawns in an oven-safe dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  • Heat in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the prawns are warmed through.
  • Check occasionally to ensure they do not overcook.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the prawns in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of water to keep them moist.
  • Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  • Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  • Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the prawns are hot.

• Steaming Method:

  • Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil.
  • Place the prawns in a steamer basket over the boiling water.
  • Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes or until the prawns are heated through.
  • This method helps retain moisture and prevents the prawns from drying out.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the prawns and infusing them with the flavors of garlic and chili.

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

• Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade used for slicing the garlic and red chili.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. It provides a safe surface for slicing the garlic and chili.

• Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking. Necessary for measuring the paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Bowl: A round, deep dish used for food preparation. Useful for holding the peeled and deveined prawns before cooking.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, in this case, to handle the prawns while cooking.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present the cooked prawns for serving.

Pre-prep ingredients: Peel and devein the prawns in advance to save time when cooking.

Use pre-sliced garlic: Buy pre-sliced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the paprika, salt, and black pepper before you start cooking.

Heat oil early: Start heating the olive oil while you prep other ingredients to save time.

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