Prawns, also known as shrimp in some parts of the world, are a popular delicacy consumed in many coastal regions around the globe. These crustaceans are an excellent source of lean protein, essential minerals, and vitamins. They’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, making them a staple ingredient in a variety of cuisines.
But if you’ve never cooked raw prawns before, you might be wondering where to start. Whether you’re planning to fry them, grill them, or add them to a pasta dish, knowing how to cook prawns correctly is crucial to achieve the desired taste, texture, and flavor. In this article, we’ll discuss the various ways you can cook raw prawns to perfection.
Preparing the Prawns for Cooking
Preparing the Prawns for Cooking:
Before cooking raw prawns, they must be washed and deveined properly. To wash the prawns, place them in a colander and rinse them under cool running water. Make sure to handle the prawns with care because they are delicate, and rigorous handling can break them.
Once washed, use a sharp knife to devein the prawns. Start by making a shallow incision along the back of the prawn with a knife’s tip. Then take out the blackish thread-like vein out from the incision carefully with a skewer or the knife’s tip. Alternatively, you can buy prawns that are already deveined. After preparing the prawns, they are ready for cooking.
Simple and Quick Cooking Methods for Prawns
Prawns are best enjoyed when they are cooked fresh. Luckily, cooking prawns is an easy task that can be done in a matter of minutes. Here are some simple and quick cooking methods for you to try.
Firstly, the classic way to cook prawns is by boiling them. Boil 1 liter of water in a saucepan with some salt and a few bay leaves. Once the water reaches boiling point, add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the heat and let the prawns cool for a minute. Once they have cooled down, peel and devein the prawns. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Another simple cooking method for prawns is to sauté them. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, add a diced onion and couple of cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the prawns turn pink. Remove the prawns from the heat and serve them with some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Tips for Grilling or Barbecuing Prawns
Grilling or barbecuing is one of the most popular ways to cook prawns. Before beginning, you need to make sure that the prawns are cleaned and deveined properly. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Marinating your prawns before grilling or barbecuing can enhance their flavor. You can choose to marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. Preheat your grill on high heat and brush it with some oil. Thread the prawns onto the skewers and place them on the grill. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and slightly charred. Remember not to overcook them as they can become rubbery. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and serve them hot with some lemon wedges.
Effective Ways to Fry Prawns
Frying prawns is one of the most popular and delicious ways to cook them. There are several effective methods to fry prawns, but the key is to ensure that they are cooked properly. One effective method is the traditional pan-frying technique, which involves heating oil in a pan and then adding seasoned prawns to the hot oil. The prawns should be cooked for roughly 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Another effective way to fry prawns is by using a deep fryer. This method is great for cooking large batches of prawns at once. The prawns should be seasoned and coated in flour or breadcrumbs before being submerged in hot oil. It is important to ensure that the oil is hot enough to cook the prawns quickly and evenly. Once the prawns turn golden brown and crispy, they can be removed and drained on paper towels to remove any excess oil. These two effective methods can help you fry prawns perfectly every time, making them a tasty addition to any meal.
How to Cook Prawns in a Creamy Sauce
Prawns cooked in a creamy sauce is an indulgent treat for seafood lovers. The key to making a successful creamy prawn dish is to choose the right type of cream. Heavy or double cream works best as it adds a rich texture to the sauce. To start off, heat up a pan with butter and fry some diced onions until they are soft and translucent. Then, add the cleaned and deveined prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink.
Next, add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the pan and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened. You can further enhance the flavour of the dish by adding some minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped herbs. Serve the dish hot with some crusty bread or rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. This creamy prawn dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.
Spicing Up Your Prawns: Ideas for Marinating and Seasoning
Marinating and seasoning your prawns can be a great way to add some exciting flavors to your dish. When marinating raw prawns, it is important to not overdo it as prawns are delicate in flavor and can easily be overwhelmed by excessive seasoning. Some great marinade ingredients for prawns include garlic, lemon, ginger, and chili.
For seasoning your cooked prawns, you can try adding spice blends like Cajun, curry, or paprika for a zesty flavor. Another popular option is to prepare a dipping sauce with lemon and garlic, or simply drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over the prawns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect seasoning for your prawns.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cooked Prawns
Cooked prawns are a versatile and delicious addition to a variety of dishes. They can be served as an appetizer, in a salad, or as the main dish with side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings for cooked prawns:
1. Appetizers – Serve prawns on a bed of lettuce with a dipping sauce of your choice. You could also serve them on skewers with a chili or garlic dip.
2. Salad – Add cooked prawns to a green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a citrus dressing. Or make a prawn cocktail salad with lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy cocktail sauce.
3. Main Course – Create a seafood pasta dish with prawns, pasta, vegetables, and a tomato or cream-based sauce. Or make a prawn stir-fry with vegetables, noodles, and a soy or oyster sauce.
4. Sides – Serve prawns alongside vegetables or a carb of your choice. Grilled prawns pair well with roasted vegetables or a rice pilaf. Garlic butter prawns go great with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
There are endless ways to enjoy cooked prawns. Experiment with different recipes and pairings to find your favorite combination!
Final Verdict
To wrap it up, cooking raw prawns is a fairly simple process that requires basic kitchen tools and ingredients. The key to a succulent and delicious prawn dish is to avoid overcooking them, which can result in a rubbery texture. It is recommended to cook the prawns until they turn pink and curl up, and to serve them immediately while still hot.
In summary, whether you choose to grill, steam, bake, or sauté your prawns, the key is to keep it simple and let the natural flavor of these juicy crustaceans shine through. With a little bit of practice, you can master the art of cooking raw prawns and impress your friends and family with a tasty and healthy meal option. So what are you waiting for? Head to the seafood market and give it a try!