Welcome to Paulina Cocina! In this installment, we suggest making a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for parties and your niece's 15th birthday: Baked Prawns .
This culinary gem is not only a delicious seafood recipe , but also an easy and economical way to surprise your guests with an elegant presentation.
These succulent crustaceans, with a touch of oven baking and a few ingredients, become a delicacy worthy of any banquet. In this post, I'll tell you about the benefits of this baked prawn recipe , the secrets to cooking them, and the best accompaniments to enjoy them.
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About the baked prawns
Baked prawns are , without a doubt, one of the simplest and most exquisite ways to enjoy this seafood. But what exactly are they? They're similar to shrimp , but larger and with a more pronounced flavor.
Baking them ensures even cooking, enhancing their flavor and preserving their juiciness. The baked prawn technique is perfect for those looking for an easy, affordable, and quick recipe that highlights the natural intensity of the seafood.
How to make baked prawns with garlic and parsley
Simplicity is key when it comes to preparing baked prawns. First, it's important to make sure the prawns are clean , because there's nothing worse than feeling grains of sand when eating seafood!
- After cleaning them, the perfect recipe for baked prawns tells us to season them with a mixture of chopped garlic and a good splash of olive oil .
You can also add a touch of white wine for extra flavor and a little fresh parsley on top . This is a simple recipe, but one that stands out for its flavor and elegance.
5 Reasons to prepare baked shrimp
- Seafood flavor: Baked prawns have an intense flavor that is enhanced by oven cooking. The garlic and parsley provide a perfect contrast, enhancing their salty notes.
- Juicy texture: Unlike other cooking methods, baking shrimp allows them to retain their internal moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Easy to prepare : You don't need much cooking knowledge to prepare baked prawns. With just a few ingredients and an oven, you can have a gourmet dish on the table .
- Versatility: Baked prawns can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables, such as escalivada , to a refreshing country salad , making this dish perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy : In addition to being delicious, baked prawns are an excellent source of protein. Baking them avoids the excess fat that other cooking methods often contain.
Other recipe options with prawns to make
- Grilled : Perfect for a summer barbecue, simply seasoned with salt, garlic and a touch of lemon.
- Garlic Shrimp : A twist on classic garlic shrimp . Cooked in a pan with plenty of garlic and olive oil, they're served with a chili pepper for a spicy kick.
- In cheese sauce : A creamy and tasty option like almogrote is ideal to accompany the baked prawns recipe, with good bread to dip in the sauce.
- Shrimp Paella : A complete and delicious dish where shrimp take center stage alongside rice and other seafood delicacies.
- Shrimp Tacos shrimp taco recipe . The shrimp are quick to cook and served in tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and a yogurt sauce.
6 Side Dishes for Baked Prawns
- Roasted Vegetables : Roasted carrots, peppers, and zucchini make a colorful and healthy side dish to complement this dish.
- Garlic Rice : A simple but tasty side dish. Rice cooked with a little garlic and olive oil perfectly complements the flavor of the baked prawns.
- Green salad : A salad with arugula and granola is a refreshing and crunchy option to complement the seafood flavor of the prawns.
- Mojo Picón : This Canarian sauce is perfect for highlighting the flavors of baked prawns , giving them a spicy and sweet touch.
- Crusty bread : Ideal for dipping in the juices left by the shrimp. A good, crusty homemade bread is always a great choice.
- White wine : Chilled, it is a perfect option to accompany baked prawns, enhancing their flavors and adding a touch of freshness.
- Craft Beer : A light pale ale will complement the flavors of the prawns very well without overpowering them.
Secrets to preparing baked prawns
- Pre-marinating : Marinate the prawns in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and a touch of lemon for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will intensify the flavors.
- Do not overload the oven tray : Each prawn should have its own space so that they cook evenly.
- Control the time : As we mentioned before, 10-12 minutes at 190-200 degrees Celsius is ideal. Keeping an eye on the oven is key to avoiding overcooking.
- Add a spicy kick : A pinch of ground chili pepper to the marinade adds a little extra kick without being overpowering.
- Use fresh prawns : Fresh prawns are best whenever possible, but frozen prawns are a practical option if you can't find them.
How long to cook prawns
Time and temperature are crucial for achieving perfect baked shrimp. Too much time in the oven can result in dry, rubbery seafood, but too little time and you could end up with raw shrimp.
- The ideal temperature is between 190º and 200º C so that they cook evenly and quickly, retaining all their juiciness.
As for cooking time, 10-12 minutes is enough to cook medium to large prawns in the oven. If the prawns are very small, reduce the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. The key is to observe the color and texture: they should be pink and firm to the touch .
How to tell if baked prawns are cooked: 3 steps
- Color : The prawns should be bright pink. If they still have gray or translucent parts, they need more time in the oven.
- Texture : When gently pressed, the meat should feel firm but juicy. If it's too soft, it's still raw; if it's too tough, it's overcooked.
- Shell : The shell should easily peel away from the meat . If you have to struggle to remove it, it means they need a little more cooking.
How to serve baked prawns: A festive dish
Serving this delicacy depends entirely on the occasion. Baked prawns are a classic at Christmas and New Year's dinners for many Spanish families. It's ideal as an appetizer because it's a crowd-pleaser and adds a touch of sophistication to the table.
Baked prawns can be served on a large platter , garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley on top. It's a simple yet attractive presentation. They can also be served on individual plates accompanied by a small portion of your chosen garnish.
Final details for the baked Gabonese dish
To accompany the baked prawn , a selection of sauces such as aioli , yogurt sauce with dill, or a mustard vinaigrette is ideal so that each diner can customize the appetizer to their taste.
For the final decorative touch, a little sweet paprika sprinkled on top is always a good resource because it adds color and a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
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Baked prawns recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg of fresh prawns
- 4 chopped garlic cloves
- Chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 100 ml of white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
How to make baked prawns in 5 steps
- Clean the prawns with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.
- For the marinade , combine the chopped garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and white wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the marinade over the prawns, making sure they're all well coated. Let them rest for about 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and paprika on top and a few lemon slices.
