Flash-Fried Prawns with Chilli, Lemon & Parsley Recipe
Introduction
This flash-fried prawn recipe bursts with vibrant flavors from chilli, lemon, and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful appetizer. Ready in just minutes, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 300g large raw prawns, butterflied
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Season the prawns with salt and pepper, then set them aside while you prepare the pan.
- Step 2: Add the garlic to the pan and cook gently until it just starts to color, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to high, then add the prawns and chilli flakes. Stir quickly and keep turning the prawns in the pan to cook evenly.
- Step 4: After about 1 minute, pour in the lemon juice. Continue tossing the prawns until they turn opaque, which should take about another minute.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle over the lemon zest and chopped parsley, then serve immediately with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add fresh chopped chilli alongside the flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- If you prefer, substitute prawns with shrimp or scallops for a different seafood option.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh zing.
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple mixed salad to make a fuller meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prawns are best eaten fresh, but if needed, gently reheat in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawns rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they fry quickly and evenly without excess moisture.
What can I serve with flash-fried prawns?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the juices, a crisp green salad, or simple steamed rice for a light meal.
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Flash-Fried Prawns with Chilli, Lemon & Parsley Recipe
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant and quick recipe features flash-fried large prawns seasoned with garlic, chilli flakes, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a flavorful, easy-to-prepare seafood dish served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 300g large raw prawns, butterflied
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the prawns: Season the butterflied prawns with salt and pepper and set aside while you heat the oil.
- Cook the garlic: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced or chopped garlic cloves and gently cook until the garlic just starts to color, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Flash-fry the prawns: Increase the heat to high and add the seasoned prawns along with the chilli flakes into the pan. Stir rapidly and keep turning the prawns to ensure even cooking and a quick sear.
- Add lemon juice: After about 1 minute, pour in the lemon juice. Continue tossing the prawns until they turn opaque, which should take around 1 more minute.
- Finish with zest and parsley: Sprinkle the lemon zest and chopped flat-leaf parsley over the cooked prawns. Give one final gentle toss to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- Use large raw prawns for best texture and flavor; butterflying them helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Don’t overcook the prawns as they can become tough; they cook very fast in this flash-frying method.
- The garlic should be lightly colored but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust chilli flakes to taste according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: prawn recipe, quick seafood, chilli prawns, lemon parsley prawns, easy prawn dish, flash-fried prawns
