Prawns are a delicious and versatile seafood option that can be cooked in various ways to bring out their natural sweetness and tender texture. Whether you prefer them pan-fried, air-fried, or grilled, each method enhances their flavor in a unique way. Below are three detailed recipes to cook prawns perfectly.
1. How to Cook Prawns on Stove
This method creates juicy, flavorful prawns coated in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the prawns: Pat dry the prawns with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better in the pan.
Heat the butter: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the prawns: Place the prawns in the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
Season and flip: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the prawns. Flip each prawn using tongs and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Add lemon juice: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and give everything a quick stir.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
2. How to Cook Prawns in an Air Fryer
Air frying is a quick and healthy method that results in crispy, flavorful prawns with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw prawns ( large, peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the prawns: Pat dry the prawns with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season the prawns: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the prawns in this mixture until evenly coated.
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook the prawns: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check for doneness: The prawns should turn pink and opaque. If needed, cook for an additional minute.
Serve immediately: Enjoy the air-fried prawns on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
3. How to Cook Prawns on the Grill
Grilling prawns enhances their natural sweetness with a delicious smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.3 pound raw prawns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 4-5 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon mozzarella cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
Prepare the prawns: Cut off the antennae and hard rostrum on the prawn’s head. Next, using a sharp knife or scissors, de-vein the prawn by cutting about halfway through the prawn from its head to its tail on the back. Wash them and pat dry with paper towels. Thread one prawn onto each skewer
Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Preheat the grill: Heat an outdoor or stovetop grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Coat & Grill the Prawns: Brush the prepared butter mixture evenly over the prawns. Next, place the skewered prawns on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the prawns turn pink and opaque.
Remove from the grill and enjoy immediately.
Cooking raw prawns to perfection depends on the method used, but each technique brings out their natural flavors beautifully. The garlic lemon butter prawns create a rich and tangy dish, air-fried prawns offer a crispy and quick alternative, and grilled prawns provide a smoky, cheesy delight. Try these recipes and enjoy perfectly cooked prawns every time!
