Cajun BBQ Prawns

Cajun BBQ Prawns Recipe - A Taste of Southern USA Cuisine

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cajun BBQ Prawns are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the smoky goodness of BBQ. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat and spice in their meals.

History

Cajun cuisine originated in Louisiana and is known for its bold flavors and unique spice blends. Cajun BBQ Prawns are a modern twist on traditional Cajun dishes, combining the flavors of Cajun seasoning with the smoky goodness of BBQ.

Ingredients

For the seafood base

3 tbsp chopped garlic
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tbsp seasoning mix (recipe follows)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1.25 lb (567 g) peeled and deveined, 21 – 25-count prawns
0.75 cup unsalted butter

Seasoning mix

0.25 cup cayenne
0.25 cup ground black pepper
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp dried whole thyme
2 tbsp dried rosemary leaves
1 tsp dry oregano

How to prepare

Prepare all the seasoning-mix ingredients in a food processor and set them aside. Store the mixture in a sealed container for future use.
In a bowl, blend the garlic, olive oil, 2 tbsp of the seasoning mix, lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce.
Add the prawns and chopped parsley to the mixture and toss well to coat. Refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 500° F. Place the prawns with the marinade in a large, heavy skillet (large enough to fit prawns in a single layer or cook in batches) and place it in the oven.
After about 2 to 3 minutes, shake the pan to ensure even cooking, and repeat after another 2 to 3 minutes. At this point, the mixture should be bubbling, and the prawns will be turning opaque.
Transfer the pan to the stove over medium heat. Begin adding the butter in 1 to 2 tbsp increments, shaking the pan continuously. Allow the butter to emulsify into the mixture before adding more butter. This process should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Once completed, pour the prawns onto a platter and serve immediately with plenty of good, crispy bread, as well as rice.

Variations

Substitute shrimp for prawns for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced bell peppers and onions to the marinade for added flavor and texture.
Use Cajun seasoning with different levels of heat to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the prawns overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a heavy skillet to cook the prawns in the oven for even cooking.

- Shake the pan periodically while cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

- Emulsify the butter into the mixture slowly to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun BBQ Prawns with crispy bread and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the prawns overnight for maximum flavor.

- Cook the prawns in a hot oven to quickly cook and develop a smoky flavor.

- Emulsify the butter into the mixture slowly to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use shrimp instead of prawns for a similar flavor and texture.

- Substitute olive oil for another neutral oil like vegetable oil.

- Use a store-bought Cajun seasoning mix if you don't have the ingredients to make your own.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the prawns overnight for maximum flavor.

- Prepare the seasoning mix in advance and store it in a sealed container for future use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cajun BBQ Prawns on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley. - Arrange the prawns on a bed of rice for an elegant presentation. - Serve the prawns with lemon wedges for a pop of freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cajun BBQ Prawns with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer.

- Serve the prawns with a side of coleslaw or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cajun BBQ Prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the prawns in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 9g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 32g per serving

Saturated Fat: 14g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains shellfish (prawns) and soy

Summary

Cajun BBQ Prawns are a high-protein dish with a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Summary

Cajun BBQ Prawns are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the smoky goodness of BBQ. With a bit of heat and spice, these prawns are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cajun BBQ Prawns. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a yellowed piece of paper fell out, covered in handwritten notes and splatters of sauce. The title at the top read "Cajun BBQ Prawns."

I had never tried Cajun cuisine before, but something about the combination of spicy flavors and smoky barbecue sauce intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe itself was quite simple, calling for prawns marinated in a blend of Cajun spices and then grilled to perfection. It seemed like the perfect dish to serve at a summer barbecue.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed together the spices for the marinade, the scent of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic filled the air. It reminded me of the bustling markets I had visited in New Orleans many years ago, where the aroma of spices wafted through the streets.

Once the prawns were coated in the marinade, I let them sit for a few hours to absorb the flavors. As I waited, I thought back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some had been passed down through generations of my family, while others had been shared with me by friends and acquaintances. Each one held a special memory and a story to tell.

I remembered the time I had learned to make my grandmother's famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and cinnamon-infused filling. She had taught me the secret to a perfect pie crust, gently folding in the butter and sugar until it was just right. I could still hear her voice guiding me through each step, her laughter filling the kitchen.

Then there was the recipe for lasagna that my neighbor had shared with me when I first moved into the neighborhood. She had invited me over for dinner one night, and as we sat around the table enjoying the rich layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, she had passed along her family's recipe. It had become a staple in my own kitchen ever since.

As the sun began to set, I fired up the grill and placed the prawns on the hot grates. The sizzle of the prawns as they cooked brought me back to lazy summer evenings spent grilling with friends and family. The laughter and chatter as we gathered around the barbecue, sharing stories and memories.

I brushed the prawns with barbecue sauce, letting it caramelize and bubble over the heat. The sweet and tangy aroma mingled with the spices, creating a mouth-watering scent that made my stomach growl with anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

As I plated the Cajun BBQ Prawns and garnished them with fresh herbs, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe, like so many others in my collection, had brought me joy and connected me to the people and places that had shaped my love of cooking. Each dish was a story waiting to be shared, a memory waiting to be savored.

As I took my first bite of the Cajun BBQ Prawns, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning, the smoky char from the grill, and the tangy sweetness of the barbecue sauce all came together in perfect harmony. It was a taste that transported me back to the streets of New Orleans, to the bustling markets and vibrant flavors that had inspired this dish.

And as I sat at the table, savoring each bite and relishing the memories that the dish brought to mind, I knew that this recipe for Cajun BBQ Prawns would become a new favorite in my collection. A story to pass down to future generations, a taste of the past preserved in the flavors of the present.