By Suprita Mitter
November 21, 2024
Cooking prawns perfectly requires attention to detail to ensure they are tender, juicy, and full of flavour. It involves choosing the right freshness, ensuring the right texture, and infusing rich flavours. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
Always opt for fresh prawns with a clean, ocean-like smell. Frozen prawns can also be used, but make sure they are thawed properly before cooking.
While some people prefer to cook prawns with the shell on, peeling them makes for easier eating. Deveining prawns improves the taste and texture.
To enhance the flavour of prawns, marinate them with ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and spices for at least 15-20 minutes. This adds depth and prevents them from becoming bland.
Prawns cook very quickly. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat. Typically, prawns take about 3-4 minutes to cook depending on size.
For a crispy exterior, ensure your pan is hot before adding prawns. Use oil or butter for a rich flavour, but don't overcrowd the pan—this ensures even cooking.
Cooking on medium to high heat ensures the prawns cook quickly and evenly. Low heat will make them rubbery and chewy, so maintain the temperature for perfect results.
Let the prawns rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute inside, keeping them moist and flavourful.