Spot prawns are often described as the “poor man’s lobster,” because they offer a unique flavor and texture that is unlike any other seafood.
They also have an enticing price tag thanks to their high cost (Spot prawns can be more expensive than lobsters), sustainable seafood choice, and high nutritional value.
This spot prawn recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its combination of flavors while providing a healthy and delicious meal.
Let’s look at what you need to know before diving into this recipe.
What ingredients are needed to make a spot prawn recipe ?
Spot prawns are plentiful during the summer months, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them at your local market.
However , if you can’t find them, feel free to substitute any shell fish or other seafood in your recipe for spot prawns.
Shrimp
You can use any type of shrimp as a substitute for spot prawns.
You may even be able to swap shrimp for lobster meat if you prefer.
Try using medium shrimp if you want to avoid over-cooked shrimp or making sure to remove their shells before cooking.
These types of shrimp are also known as “tail on” shrimp and can be found in most grocery stores.
Rice Wine Vinegar
You need a good combination of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.
If you don’t have these two ingredients on hand , you can purchase a premixed Asian dressing at your local grocery store.
Star Anise
Star anise is widely considered to be the star spice of Chinese cuisine and is used in various recipes that call for ginger.
It comes in the form of a dried star shape with a hollow center.
This ingredient should look like the following image:
(Image credit: http://www.thepoisonteapot .com)
Garlic
You will need garlic to sauté the onions before adding the prawns.
You don’t need a lot of garlic to produce a savory flavor; however , you do need it for this recipe’s flavors to come together.
Lemon
(Image Credit: http://www.angrycook .com)
Is it easy to find spot prawns in stores ?
Spot prawns start to show up in grocery stores more often during the summer months, but this delicacy is generally easier to find in the fall and winter.
This is when most of the prawns are caught , so it makes sense that they would be in season during this time.
Any other time of year, you may have a hard time finding spot prawns.
You can typically purchase these delicacies at Asian or Indian markets.
If you don’t live near an Asian market , try searching for them on Amazon or eBay.
You could also request a free sample box from your local seafood supplier to see if you can find them at a reasonable price.
What are some of the most popular spot prawn recipes ?
Spot prawns are as versatile as they are delicious.
There are a number of different recipes that call for these special sea creatures, differing on both the seasonings used and whether or not they contain any fillers or extra ingredients.
Whether you enjoy the taste of this fish in steamed or fried form or prefer it sautéed, there is no shortage of spot prawn recipes to choose from.
When shopping for spot prawns, be sure to check out your local grocery store or a restaurant menu before grabbing one.
Are there any special preparation techniques for spot prawns ?
Spot prawns are a delicacy that offer a unique flavor and texture unlike any other seafood.
They should be cooked quickly because they have a short shelf life.
These prawns have a firm texture and can also be chewy, so they won’t break apart in the pan or when you eat them.
You may use kitchen shears to remove the shell on the spot prawns, as well as any other soft-shell fish like mahi mahi.
However , if you plan on cooking these spot prawns, it is recommended that you do not remove the central vein.
You should avoid buying live spot prawns if possible because the market is often inundated with dead spot prawns that have been stored too long.
You can mimic a live spot prawn by placing a damp cloth through the head hole (where the brain would be) , and then tying it around the tail end of your prawn using kitchen string.
Once your spot prawns have been washed, cut them in half lengthwise similar to halibut and then season them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to help tenderize them.
Once seasoned, place them in a hot pan with oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
You’ll notice that you need to turn frequently to help get all sides of the prawn evenly cooked, until the spot prawn is flaky.
What types of seasonings work best for spot prawns ?
Spot prawns are much like lobster, but they tend to be slightly less expensive.
The main difference between the two is that spot prawns have a sweeter flavor and have softer meat, which makes them more suitable for cooking at high temperatures.
This recipe calls for basic seasonings such as salt, pepper and lemon juice.
How long does it take to cook spot prawns ?
Spot prawns are fairly fast (under 15 minutes) to cook if you know how to season them properly.
This is where the recipe below will help, so let’s look at how long it should take.
- Preparing the ingredients
- Rinse the prawns
- Cook your prawns on high heat for four minutes
What types of dishes can spot prawns be used in ?
Spot prawns can be used in any dish that you would use lobster or shrimp in.
They are perfect additions to your favorite recipes and make a great presentation when served on a cocktail coaster.
You can also use spot prawns in stir fries, casseroles, or on top of pizza as toppings.
But what kinds of dishes do spot prawns make the best additions? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Are there any health benefits to eating spot prawns ?
Spot prawns are a delicacy that offer a unique flavor and texture unlike any other seafood.
They are a sustainable seafood choice because they are harvested on sandbanks in the Pacific Ocean without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
Spot prawns also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids , which is great for heart health.
Due to their high oil content, spot prawns contain more omega-3 fats than most fish you can buy in the store or grill , so they may be a great addition to your diet if you’re trying to be healthier.
Spot prawns also offer higher levels of vitamins and minerals than more commonly available types of seafood , including more vitamin A and B vitamins and selenium.
What are some of the best side dishes to pair with spot prawns ?
Spot prawns are a delicacy that offer a unique flavor and texture unlike any other seafood.
Their taste , though subtle, is enhanced by the contrasting flavors of the aromatic vegetables or pasta .
These prawns are best served with a classic Italian dish of caponata, or a Spanish dish like calamari with salsa verde.
Spot prawns are traditionally served in two ways: dry-fried or steamed.
Dry-fried spot prawns can be accompanied by rice, fried spaghetti, and even grilled corn on the cob all loaded with butter.
The second way to cook spot prawns is to steam them with sautéed vegetables in some sort of sauce.
Whether you choose to prepare this dish as a starter or main course, whatever you decide to serve with it will make for an amazing experience.
Are there any rules for handling spot prawns safely ?
Spot prawns are often referred to as “poor man’s lobster.”
They are considered a sustainable seafood choice—meaning that they do not require too much energy to produce in the wild, and they can live quite a long time.
However , because they are so tender and small, they are more susceptible to disease than other large fish.
When handling spot prawns , it is crucial to avoid keeping them in cold water.
The temperature of the water should not drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Do not keep your spot prawns in the fridge if you will be cooking them immediately.
This will allow bacteria to grow, causing food poisoning or even death.
However, if you have spot prawns for dinner tomorrow night, freezing them for a day or two (between 3-4 days) will help kill any bacteria that may be present.
It is also important to make sure that you only buy spot prawns from reputable sources and not from places like China or India.
If you keep your spot prawns in the freezer for too long (more than a week), ice crystals will form inside their bodies and slow down their swimming ability.
In extreme cases, this can cause them to die before you can cook them up.
Equipment
- The bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound spot prawns
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 ounces unsalted butter
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs
Instructions
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt should be added to a bowl with the shrimp before tossing. Set apart.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan. Add the shrimp in one layer once the butter has melted (but before it starts to brown).
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and pink on both sides.
- The shrimp should be taken out of the pan and put in a serving plate (if using).
- When adding the lemon juice and capers, if used, let them boil in the pan for approximately a minute.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with the melted butter mixture. If using, sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the shrimp before serving.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.