This is an easy recipe for how to pan fry prawns. Serve these prawns and peppers as a starter or use a simple trick to turn it into the best chilli garlic prawn pasta!
Clean and devein the prawns, leaving the tail intact. (If using frozen ones thaw them according to note1). Pat dry with paper towels.
Toss the prawns, diced onions and bell peppers with chopped garlic, chili powder and salt. Add lemon juice and mix well.
Heat olive oil in a pan and add the seasoned prawns, onions and bell peppers. Saute on medium -high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping and turning in between. Ensure that you flip all the prawns so they cook on both sides. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro.
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Notes
Usingfrozen prawns: Thaw them by washing the prawns a few times with tap water until they reach room temperature, or soaking in tap water (room temperature) for 20 minutes.
How to cook the prawns: Use a large pan to avoid overcrowding. Make sure you quickly flip all the prawns to sear them on both sides.
How long to cook the prawns: Stick to the timings specified in the recipe. The prawns should not be overcooked. Transfer to a serving plate as soon as you turn off the flame, to ensure that the prawns don't get cooked in the residual heat.
Serving suggestions: Serve these pan fried prawns as bite-sized appetizers or as topping on bruschetta or as a main dish with pasta/rice.
How to make chilli garlic prawn pasta out of these garlic prawns (or with leftovers):
Cook 1 cup of pasta/rice for 3 servings. (For pasta, toss cooked and drained pasta with 2 teaspoons olive oil.)
Transfer the cooked garlic prawns to a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of vegetable or chicken stock to the saute pan. Optionally, add 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder for more heat. Bring it to a boil.
Add cooked rice/ pasta and garlic shrimps. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add a handful of any herb or a combination of herbs: cilantro, thyme, oregano or parsley.
Turn off the flame and serve.
The nutrition facts are for pan fried prawns only.