Garlic Prawns Recipe

Prawns: Peeled and deveined, these seafood delights are the star of the dish.

Garlic: Minced to release its full flavor, garlic adds a pungent and aromatic touch.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it provides a rich and smooth base for cooking.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a zesty and tangy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Freshly ground to add a hint of spice and depth.

Parsley: Chopped and added for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

To ensure your prawns cook evenly and remain tender, make sure they are all similar in size. When sautéing the garlic, be careful not to let it brown too much, as it can turn bitter. Adding the lemon juice towards the end of cooking helps to maintain its fresh, vibrant flavor. Finally, always use fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of earthiness that complements the prawns perfectly.

• prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors well, making it a good alternative for those who do not consume seafood.

• prawns - Substitute with tofu: Firm tofu can be a great vegetarian substitute, absorbing the garlic and lemon flavors effectively.

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

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.

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

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

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

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add the necessary acidity and a slight tang to the dish.

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

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the dish, though it will be more intense.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the dish well.

• parsley - Substitute with basil: Basil can add a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.

• Allow the prawns to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled garlic prawns into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the prawns.
• If you plan to consume the garlic prawns within 2-3 days, store them in the refrigerator. Place the container in the coldest part of the fridge to keep them fresh.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the garlic prawns. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. 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 garlic prawns in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the garlic prawns gently in a skillet 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.
• If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard the garlic prawns to ensure food safety.

• Stovetop Method:

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

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the garlic prawns in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 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 for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the prawns halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• 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 dish.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the prawns are heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the prawns evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool for stirring and flipping the prawns to ensure they cook evenly.

• Garlic press: A device to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Cutting board: A surface for chopping the parsley and preparing the garlic.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.

• Serving dish: A plate or bowl to serve the hot garlic prawns.

• Tongs: A tool to handle and turn the prawns in the skillet.

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

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

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

Measure spices beforehand: Pre-measure the salt and black pepper to add them quickly when needed.

Lemon juice ready: Squeeze the lemon juice before starting to cook so you can add it immediately.