Our Best Prawn Recipes for the Festive Season
We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite prawn based recipes for you to try. But first, we share the best ways to buy and store your prawns, and how to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
HOW TO BUY PRAWNS
Prawns can be purchased either cooked or green (raw) and either shelled or unshelled. In 1kg you should get around 25-30 medium-sized prawns, approx. 500g of meat. In both cooked or green prawns, avoid buying any that have signs of blackness around the head and legs.
HOW TO STORE PRAWNS
It is always best to use prawns as soon as possible, but if necessary, store them with shell on in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Prawns can be frozen for up to three months. To do this, place unpeeled prawns into containers, cover with water and freeze. To defrost, rinse under cold water to get the defrosting started, and allow to finish defrosting in the fridge over a day or two.
HOW TO PREPARE PRAWNS
To peel cooked or green prawns, pull off head then remove shell and legs. Leave the tail on if you wish. To devein, pull away the dark digestive tract–make this easier by using a sharp skewer to pick beneath the vein .Or, remove by slitting the back of the prawn with a sharp paring knife. Save heads and shells to make a delicious prawn stock.
HOW TO COOK PRAWNS
Use green prawns in dishes that require cooking. They can be grilled, pan-fried, baked or boiled. Reheating cooked prawns will make them dry and tough. Prawns don’t take long to cook–generally 3-5minutes. It is better to undercook, as the residual heat will finish them off. When cooked, prawns become orange and white in colour. Overcooking will result in a dry, rubbery texture. Use cooked prawns in dishes that don’t require cooking, such as a prawn cocktail or with a squeeze of lemon juice
Our Best Prawn Recipes for the Festive Season
These prawn recipes are perfect for every occasion and bursting with flavour!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Prawns with Mango Salsa (above)
With flavours of garlic and lime, these prawns are wrapped in prosciutto, then cooked on the barbecue and paired with a vibrant mango, lime and chilli salsa.
Tempura Prawns With Wasabi Mayonnaise
This classic ultra-light batter made with self-raising flour, cornflour, chilled soda water and egg is perfect with juicy sweet prawns. For a light snack or as part of a Japanese feast, Tempura Prawns With Wasabi Mayonnaise ticks all the boxes.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Prawns
Creamy garlic prawns are comfort food at its best.
Find this delicious Italian prawn dish here
Prawn and Avocado Cocktail
Fresh prawn and avocado cocktails are a quintessential festive starter
Try this fresh and seasonal dish here
Zesty Prawn and Mango Served on Betel Leaves
Looking for an impressive starter? These Zesty Prawn and Mango Served on Betel Leaves are sure to do the trick.
Check out the recipe here.
Prawns with Garlic and Pepper Sauce
Garlic Prawns
Deliciously, easy garlic prawns with white wine sauce. Serve with tasty aioli and lemon.
Find this garlic take on prawns here
Prawn and Green Mango Salad
This salad is full of fresh summer flavours and loads of texture and crunch.
Try this crowd pleaser here
Garlic Chilli Prawns with Lemon Flatbread
Spice up your weeknight with these delicious chargrilled prawns. Serve with zingy lemon flatbreads and a fresh green salad.
Click here to try this BBQ favourite
