Last updated: 16 December, 2024 @ 14:40
Growing up, the only prawns we ever saw came frozen out of a bag once a year at Christmas. That was then, and this is now – when you can find an excellent range of prawns at your fishmongers.
Prawn again (and again)
The choice of prawns available now can at times be confusing, we have jumbo prawns, king prawns, tiger prawns, North Atlantic prawns and common prawns. But hold on, we also have crevettes, red prawns, brown shrimp…. and more. So, when it comes to prawns, there’s now plenty of options!
Prawn recipes with pasta and other things!
We love prawns served as a tapas dish. Quick, easy and super delicious. There’s two great recipes in Kaye Plunkett-Hogge’s super little book, A Sherry & A Little Plate of Tapas. Grilled prawns with garlic, preserved lemon and parsley, and Gambas al Pil Pil. Both will have you dreaming of a hot, lazy Spanish evening in seconds.
Our review of the book can be found here, or you can buy it at Amazon. It’s a great little book.
Rick Stein’s Spain also has some wonderful tapas-style prawn recipes, including our own favourite, Sizzling prawns with garlic, chilli and olive oil. We’ve also reviewed this book, or you can buy it at Amazon here.
There’s plenty of other options when it comes to prawn recipes. Larger prawns are great on the barbecue. I like to marinate them in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, chilli and preserved lemon before whacking them on the heat.
Prawn recipes with pasta are always a winner, and who doesn’t love a good seafood linguine – like this easy dish by Hattie Ellis.
Some of our other favourite prawn recipes can be found in Yotam Ottolenghi’ Jerusalem (Prawns, scallops & clams with tomato & feta), Mitch Tonks, Fish (Spaghetti with garlic, parsley and fresh prawns) and another wonderful dish in Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes (Grilled prawns with ouzo, tomatoes, chilli and feta).
Seasonality
Most prawns are available year-round, although avoid during the spawning season of any species.
Sustainability
Read more on the latest Marine Conservation Society Good Fish Guide ratings.