What if the store only has shrimp?

Shrimp and prawns are actually different animals. Would I know the difference if I was looking at them - NO! BUT - DO THEY TASTE DIFFERENT? NO! Most of us can't tell the difference when eating them. So, buy prawns, buy shrimp, buy what the store has. The important thing is to get the size that works for the dish you are making. We wouldn't want to use a LARGE JUMBO shrimp if we are putting it on a small polenta cake.

What size prawns (or shrimp) should I use?

This depends on how you are going to serve these. If you want them to be one bite, use somewhere around a 30-40 size. This is great for a stand-alone appetizer, topping small appetizers (crostini, polenta cakes), adding to pasta or salads. If 1-2 bites is what you are looking for use a 15-40 size. This size is great for stand-alone ( multiple bite size ) or adding to pasta or salad.

Can cooked prawns be used for this dish?

Yes. If using cooked prawns all that is really needed is a sauce. Heat about 1/2 teaspoon oil in a small skillet. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and lemon or lime juice. Heat until it is hot and slightly reduced. Add shrimp to skillet just to heat. Serve.

Spicy Prawns - Appetizer Bliss

Description

The simplicity of these spicy prawns is almost overwhelming. Ready in under 10 minutes and delicious! Serve as an appetizer or as part of another dish.

Ingredients

Scale

24 raw prawns peeled, deveined, tail removed (use anything between 30-40 size)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 lime or lemon
Parsley, chopped for garnish (OPTIONAL)

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Instructions

Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Give a quick stir to combine.
Add prawns in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute per side. The prawns will begin to turn light pink. Turn prawns over. NOTE: These times are for a 30-40 size prawn. Larger prawns will take a little more time on each side.
Add juice from 1/2 lime (or lemon) and cook another minute. NOTE: it is easy to overcook prawns and make them tough. Keep a close eye on them. This size really takes just a minute on each side. They will be a nice pink color and curl up as they cook.
Remove from the skillet to a serving plate.
Pour remaining sauce from the pan over the shrimp.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve warm, chilled, or room temperature.

Notes

Tails Off. Cooking with the tail on helps them stay juicy, adds some flavor, and provides a nice 'handle' if eating shrimp cocktail! However, we remove them from this dish. These prawns aren't dipped, don't need a 'handle', they are just eaten. SO - tails off for us! Feel free to leave them on if you like, they will still be delicious.

How to Serve Spicy Prawns. We love these spicy prawns as an appetizer but they are also great as a topping for grilled polenta cakes, tossed with pasta, mixed with a salad, or in a taco.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 prawn
Calories: 12
Sugar: 0.1 g
Sodium: 13.6 mg
Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
Protein: 2.3 g
Cholesterol: 18.2 mg