Imagine the explosion of flavors offered by prawns infused with the tanginess of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the smokiness of paprika. This recipe is a quick and simple dish that delivers an unforgettable taste sensation. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, these prawns will surely be a hit among seafood lovers.
This recipe uses fairly common ingredients, but the star of the show is definitely the king prawns. When purchasing king prawns, ensure they're fresh and don't have a strong fishy smell. Also, sweet paprika is used in this recipe, so make sure not to confuse it with hot or smoked paprika as they each provide different flavors.
Lemon, Paprika and Garlic Infused Prawns Ingredients
Garlic olive oil: A flavor-infused oil that has the mild and savory taste of garlic, which aids in enhancing the overall flavor of the prawns.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the prawns, blending perfectly with the tanginess of the lemon.
Sweet paprika: This gives a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the kick from the garlic.
Lemon juice: Its acidity helps to balance the strong flavors of the garlic and paprika whilst also helping to tenderize the prawns.
King prawns: The main ingredient of the dish, they're juicy and have a distinct, sweet flavor that's enhanced by the other ingredients.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, slight peppery flavor that complements the prawns and adds color to the dish.
One reader, Byrom Childs says:
This lemon paprika garlic prawns recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the prawns turn out succulent and flavorful. The combination of garlic, paprika, and lemon creates a burst of deliciousness. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Cooking Techniques for Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
How to marinate the prawns: Combine garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and prawns in a bowl and mix well to combine the ingredients. Add salt to season to your taste.
How to cook the prawns: Drizzle garlic oil onto a large frying pan or skillet and heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the parsley, and cook for a further 2 minutes until the prawns change color. Set aside.
How To Make Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)
Treat your family to an exquisite meal with this amazing garlic prawns! Infused with lemon and paprika for mouth-watering blend of flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspgarlic olive oil
- 3clovesgarlicminced
- 1tspsweet paprika
- 2tbsplemon juice
- 1lbking prawnsno tail, peeled and deveined
- ¼cupfresh parsleyfinely chopped
Instructions
-
Combine garlic, paprika, lemon juice and prawns in a bowl and mix well to combine the ingredients. Add salt to season (to your tastes). Drizzle garlic oil onto a large frying pan/skillet. frying pan.
-
Heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add the parsley and cook for a further 2 mins until prawns change colour. Set aside.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95.02kcal
- Fat: 4.47g
- Saturated Fat: 0.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 5.10g
- Fiber: 2.12g
- Sugar: 0.65g
- Protein: 9.62g
- Cholesterol: 71.44mg
- Sodium: 355.01mg
- Calcium: 116.37mg
- Potassium: 411.50mg
- Iron: 3.94mg
- Vitamin A: 290.30µg
- Vitamin C: 81.63mg
Pro Tip for Cooking Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
To ensure your prawns are cooked perfectly, avoid overcooking them as they can become tough and lose their sweet flavor. The moment they turn pink and start to curl, they are done. Also, marinating them in the garlic, paprika, and lemon juice mixture not only infuses them with flavor but also helps to keep them tender during cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Shrimp Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the garlic, paprika, and lemon juice mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to cook the prawns.
Use pre-peeled prawns: Buying pre-peeled prawns will save you the time and effort of peeling them yourself, allowing you to focus on the cooking process.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are organized and easily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Quick cooking: Prawns cook quickly, so make sure your pan is hot and ready to go before adding the prawns to ensure they cook evenly and efficiently.
Multi-task: While the prawns are cooking, use that time to prepare any side dishes or garnishes to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe
garlic olive oil - Substitute with regular olive oil: Regular olive oil can be used as a substitute for garlic-infused olive oil. You can add minced garlic separately to achieve a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
sweet paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar depth of flavor to the dish, with a hint of smokiness.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in the recipe.
king prawns - Substitute with large shrimp: Large shrimp can be used as a substitute for king prawns in this recipe. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Presentation Tips for Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the lemon paprika garlic prawns, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Consider using a large, white, or glass plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the prawns and garnish. The goal is to create a visually stunning presentation that immediately captures the attention of the judges.
Incorporate artistic garnishes: Utilize fresh parsley as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Additionally, consider incorporating thinly sliced lemon wheels for an elegant touch. The garnishes should be strategically placed to enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Pay attention to plate composition: Carefully arrange the prawns on the plate, ensuring that each element is positioned thoughtfully. Consider creating height and dimension by layering the prawns and garnishes. The plate composition should be visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and instead, focus on creating a clean, sophisticated presentation that highlights the main components of the dish.
Consider the use of complementary serving vessels: To add an extra element of sophistication, consider serving the lemon paprika garlic prawns in individual chic serving bowls. This approach can elevate the dining experience and showcase attention to detail.
Highlight the vibrant colors of the dish: Emphasize the rich, vibrant colors of the prawns and garnishes by ensuring that they are showcased prominently on the plate. The visual impact of the dish should be striking and visually enticing.
Incorporate elegant plating techniques: Use precision and finesse when arranging the prawns on the plate. Consider incorporating elegant plating techniques, such as using tweezers to delicately position garnishes or creating intricate sauce drizzles to add a touch of artistry to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Recipes
- Garlic olive oil: A flavorful oil infused with garlic, perfect for adding depth to the dish.
- Frying pan/skillet: Used for cooking the prawns over medium-high heat, allowing for even cooking and browning.
- Bowl: Used for mixing the garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and prawns to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavors.
- Tongs: Helpful for turning and flipping the prawns while cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and cutting the fresh parsley for garnish.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the garlic and parsley.
- Citrus juicer: Useful for extracting the fresh lemon juice to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the prawns.
- Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the sweet paprika and lemon juice to ensure the right balance of flavors.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
- To store leftover lemon paprika garlic prawns, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When ready to reheat, warm the prawns gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through, taking care not to overcook them as they can become tough and rubbery.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked prawns:
- Place the cooled prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the prawns to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen prawns can be stored for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen prawns, transfer the container to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
- Reheat thawed prawns gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Be cautious not to overcook, as the prawns may become tough and lose their delicate texture.
- While freezing is an option, keep in mind that the texture of the prawns may change slightly after thawing and reheating. For the best quality and flavor, enjoy the lemon paprika garlic prawns fresh, within a few days of cooking.
Reheating Leftover Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
Reheat the prawns in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor. Stir occasionally until the prawns are heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the prawns to become tough and rubbery.
For a quick and easy method, microwave the prawns in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the prawns from drying out. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the prawns are heated through. This should take about 1-2 minutes total, depending on the quantity of prawns and the power of your microwave.
If you have leftover lemon paprika garlic sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed through, then pour it over the reheated prawns. This will help to maintain the texture of the prawns while ensuring that the sauce is hot and flavorful.
For a tasty twist, transform your leftover prawns into a new dish. Chop them up and add them to a salad, pasta, or rice dish. The prawns will add a delicious burst of flavor and protein to your meal, and you won't even notice that they're leftovers.
If you have access to an air fryer, this can be a great way to reheat your prawns while maintaining their texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then place the prawns in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the prawns are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Interesting Fact About Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It adds a rich, smoky flavor to dishes and is a staple in many cuisines, including Spanish, Hungarian, and Moroccan.
Budget-Friendly Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
The cost-effectiveness of this lemon paprika garlic prawns recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as garlic olive oil, sweet paprika, and king prawns, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and can be prepared without breaking the bank. For a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $20. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy?
The lemon paprika garlic prawns recipe is relatively healthy, as it incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Garlic, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Paprika, a spice rich in antioxidants and vitamin A
- Lemon juice, an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants
- Prawns, a lean protein source that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12
- Fresh parsley, which is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for garlic olive oil, which may be high in saturated fats. Consider using a healthier oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil instead.
- The salt content is not specified, and adding too much salt can lead to high sodium intake, which is linked to various health issues.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, you could:
- Serve the prawns with a side of vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh salad to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
- Use whole grain bread or quinoa as a base to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
- Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving to boost the vitamin C content and add a bright, fresh flavor
- Experiment with other herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, or cumin to introduce more antioxidants and depth of flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Opinion on Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns
This lemon paprika garlic prawns recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The garlic olive oil adds a rich aroma, while the sweet paprika and lemon juice provide a zesty kick. The prawns are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, and the addition of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness. Overall, this dish is a wonderful balance of savory and citrusy flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Lemon Paprika Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Shrimp Recipe
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