Prawns are one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in the kitchen. They cook in minutes, pair well with a wide range of flavours, and work just as well for a weeknight dinner as they do for entertaining.
From pasta and tacos to curries and summer rolls, here are seven recipes that highlight the adaptability of prawns.
This content is for general information only. Recipes may vary in taste and results depending on ingredients, preparation, and equipment. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Garlic Butter Prawn Scampi
This Italian-American favourite combines prawns with a simple sauce of butter, garlic, and lemon. A splash of white wine brings balance, while fresh parsley adds colour.
Serve with linguine for a main course or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. The dish can be made in around 15 minutes, making it an easy option for busy evenings.
2. Coconut Crusted Prawns With Sweet Chilli Dip
Prawns coated in panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut fry to a crisp exterior while remaining tender inside.
Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, the combination balances heat with sweetness. These are best cooked in small batches to keep them crunchy and work well as a starter or light meal.
3. Spicy Prawn Tacos With Avocado Salsa
Marinated in lime juice, garlic, and chipotle paste, grilled prawns bring heat and flavour to soft corn tortillas.
A salsa made from avocado, red onion, lime, and coriander adds freshness, while a spoonful of sour cream softens the spice. This is a simple dish that works well for casual meals or gatherings.
4. Creamy Garlic Prawn Linguine
A rich pasta dish that can be prepared in 20 minutes, this recipe pairs sautéed prawns with a sauce of butter, garlic, white wine, and cream.
Adding a little pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Grated Parmesan, black pepper, and lemon zest provide a balanced finish.
5. Prawn And Mango Summer Rolls
Light and refreshing, these no-cook rolls use rice paper wrappers filled with prawns, mango, cucumber, carrot, and herbs such as mint and coriander.
A dipping sauce of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey completes the dish. They can be prepared ahead and served cold, making them practical for lunches or picnics.
6. New Orleans-Style BBQ Prawns
Despite the name, this Louisiana dish involves simmering prawns in a sauce of butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun spices, and black pepper. Lemon juice brightens the flavour at the end.
Traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping, it is best enjoyed informally, as it can be messy to eat.
7. Thai Prawn Green Curry
Prawns cook quickly in a coconut-based curry flavoured with green curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil.
Vegetables such as aubergine, bamboo shoots, or sugar snap peas add body and colour. Served with jasmine rice, this curry offers a fragrant, mildly spiced option for a complete meal.
