When it comes to culinary delights from the sea, prawns are a popular choice among seafood lovers. These succulent crustaceans are known for their delicate flavour and firm texture, making them versatile ingredients in various cuisines around the world.
While classic prawn recipes, such as prawn cocktail or garlic butter prawns, are well-known, there are plenty of unconventional prawn recipes that likewise deserve attention. Let’s explore some unique and delicious prawn recipes from different corners of the globe.
Note: If you plan on making any of these dishes, be sure to use top-quality seafood. Prawns from Manettas, for example, are known across Australia for their quality and sustainability.
Spicy Mango Prawn Tacos (Mexico)
Tacos, the beloved street food of Mexico, are taken to new heights with this unconventional twist that adds a burst of flavours with the addition of juicy prawns and tangy mango. To make these tantalising tacos, marinate prawns in a mixture of chilli powder, cumin, paprika and lime juie. Sauté them until they are pink and cooked through.
Toss in some diced ripe mango for a burst of sweetness and acidity. Serve the prawns and mango in a warm tortilla, and top with fresh cilantro, red onion and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a truly unique and mouthwatering taco experience.
Coconut and Lemongrass Prawn Soup (Thailand)
Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours and aromatic spices, and this prawn soup is a perfect representative. The dish combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the zesty freshness of lemongrass, making for a harmony of flavours that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok.
To prepare, simmer prawns with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves until the flavours meld together in a fragrant and comforting broth. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro for an authentic taste of Thailand in a bowl.
Prawn and Pineapple Fried Rice (Hawaii)
Hawaiian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavours, combining influences from Polynesia, Japan and the United States. This prawn and pineapple fried rice is a prime example of the fusion of different culinary traditions. Begin by stir-frying prawns with garlic, ginger and soy sauce until they’re cooked through. Add in diced pineapple, cooked rice and a splash of fish sauce for a burst of umami flavour.
Stir-fry everything together until the flavours meld, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and sesame seeds for a tropical twist on a classic fried rice dish.
Spicy Tamarind Prawn Curry (India)
Combining the tanginess of tamarind with the heat of spices, this dish is a flavour explosion in every bite. To make this type of curry, sauté prawns with a mixture of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and chilli powder. Then, simmer them in a sauce made from tamarind paste, coconut milk and tomatoes. The result is a luscious and tangy curry that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or naan bread.
Prawn and Avocado Ceviche (Peru)
Prawn and avocado ceviche is a variation of the classic ceviche, which is a traditional dish that typically consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juices. In this unconventional twist, we use prawns instead of fish.
To prepare prawn and avocado ceviche, the prawns are marinated in a mixture of lime or lemon juice, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno or other chilli peppers, and salt. The acidic citrus juice ‘cooks’ the prawns, causing them to turn opaque and firm. The marination process infuses the prawns with tangy flavours and enhances their natural sweetness.
Avocado, which is rich and creamy, is then added to the ceviche to balance the tanginess and add a smooth and luxurious texture.
