How to Cook Prawns: A Guide

Jumbo sized Prawns from the Market

A World of Delicious Prawn Dishes Awaits

Prawns are a delightful and versatile seafood, perfect for everything from BBQs to fancy dinner parties. With their delicate texture and rich flavour, it’s no wonder that prawns are a favourite dish for many. But for those who have never cooked prawns before, the process may seem a little daunting. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to cook prawns like a pro. From selecting the freshest prawns to mastering different cooking techniques, we’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Right Prawns

Before you start cooking prawns, it’s essential to prepare them correctly. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Rinse the prawns under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. To remove the intestinal tract, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn. Carefully pull out the tract and discard.
3. If you prefer shelled prawns, gently pull off the head and legs, then peel the shell away from the body. Leave the tail intact for presentation, if desired.

Cooking Methods for Perfect Prawns Every Time

Now that your prawns are prepped, let’s explore different ways to cook them:

Pan Frying

Pan Fried Shell-less Prawns

Pan frying is a popular method to cook fresh prawns, and it’s quick and easy:

1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, and add a little olive oil or butter.
2. Add the prawns to the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they change colour to a pinkish-orange hue and are cooked through.
4. Remove from the pan and serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Stir Frying

Stir fried Noodles with Prawns

Stir frying is perfect for incorporating prawns into dishes like fried rice or a tasty seafood stir fry:

1. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat, and add a little oil.
2. Add your favourite vegetables and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the prawns.
4. Cook the prawns for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re cooked through.
5. Combine the prawns with the vegetables, add your favourite sauce, and serve over rice or noodles.

Grilling or BBQ

Prawns cooked in a hot grill

Grilling or BBQ is an excellent way to enjoy prawns during the warmer months:

1. Preheat your grill or BBQ to a medium-high heat.
2. Skewer the prawns, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
3. Cook the prawns for 3–4 minutes on each side, basting with a marinade of your choice.
4. Serve hot off the grill with a side salad and some crusty bread.

Boiling

Boiled Prawns with Shells

Cooking prawns by boiling is a simple and traditional way to enjoy this delicious seafood:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt, a squeeze of lemon, and any other desired seasonings.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the prawns.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the prawns for 3–4 minutes or until they change colour and are cooked through.
4. Remove the prawns from the pot using a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
5. Once cooled, drain the prawns and serve with your favourite dipping sauce or in a chilled seafood salad.

Tips for Cooking Prawns to Perfection

Perfectly cooked prawns over pasta

To ensure your prawns are cooked to perfection, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid overcooking: Prawns cook quickly, and overcooked prawns can become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
• Cook evenly: To ensure even cooking, make sure your prawns are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the pan, wok, or on the grill.
• Flavour boost: Enhance the flavour of your cooked prawns with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or a drizzle of melted garlic butter.
• Presentation: For an impressive presentation, leave the tails on when peeling the prawns or skewer them for easy grilling and serving.

Frozen pre-boiled prawns ready for storage

If you have any leftover cooked prawns, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness:

• Allow the prawns to cool completely.
• Place the cooked prawns in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap.
• Store the prawns in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Prawn Recipes to Inspire Your Next Seafood Feast

Appetising prawn cocktail

Now that you know how to cook prawns, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

1. Prawn and garlic pasta

   Toss cooked prawns in a simple sauce made from olive oil, garlic, white wine, and parsley, then served over spaghetti or linguine. Get the complete recipe here.

2. Prawn cocktail

   Arrange cooked, chilled prawns on a bed of shredded lettuce, then drizzle with a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Get the complete recipe here.

3. Prawn tacos

   Serve cooked prawns in warm tortillas with a zesty slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and delicious twist on taco night. Get the complete recipe here.

Conclusion

Cooked prawns with shells

Learning how to cook prawns is a simple and rewarding skill that opens up a world of delicious seafood possibilities. With a variety of cooking methods and countless recipes to try, you’re sure to find the perfect prawn dish to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, visit your local fishmonger, pick up some fresh prawns, and get cooking!