Authentic Thai Garlic Prawns Recipe - Flavorful & Simple

Garlic Prawns

Authentic Thai Garlic Prawns Recipe - Flavorful & Simple
Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garlic Prawns
Garlic Prawns

Garlic prawns are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of garlic, shrimp, and spices creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Garlic prawns have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The use of garlic and shrimp in cooking can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where these ingredients were prized for their flavor and health benefits. Over time, different variations of garlic prawns have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until garlic is translucent, for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Stir in shrimp, fish sauce, cilantro, black pepper, and white pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until shrimp is opaque, for about 3 minutes.

Variations

  • You can customize the recipe by adding additional spices or herbs, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or parsley. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking garlic prawns, it is important to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Make sure to devein the shrimp properly and remove any shells before cooking. To enhance the garlic flavor, you can add more garlic or use garlic-infused oil. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic prawns can be served as a main dish with rice or pasta, or as an appetizer with crusty bread. You can also serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to cooking garlic prawns is to cook them quickly over high heat to prevent them from becoming tough. Make sure to stir the shrimp often to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor. You can also use olive oil or butter instead of vegetable oil for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the shrimp in the garlic and spices ahead of time to save time when cooking. Simply cover and refrigerate the shrimp for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

To make garlic prawns look more appetizing, you can garnish them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also serve them in a decorative dish or on a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Garlic prawns pair well with white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve them with a light beer or a citrusy cocktail for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover garlic prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of garlic prawns contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of garlic prawns contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a low-carb option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Fats

Garlic prawns are a rich source of healthy fats, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil used for cooking and the natural fats present in the shrimp.

Proteins

Shrimp is a high-protein food, making garlic prawns an excellent source of protein. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic prawns are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Garlic prawns contain shellfish (shrimp), which can be a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a shellfish allergy, it is best to avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, garlic prawns are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. With a moderate amount of carbohydrates and calories, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Garlic prawns are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a rich flavor and a variety of health benefits, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for garlic prawns. It was many years ago, during a summer visit to my friend Maria's house in the quaint village of Portofino. Maria was an incredible cook, known far and wide for her delicious seafood dishes. I had always admired her culinary skills and jumped at the chance to learn from her.

One evening, as we sat on Maria's terrace overlooking the sparkling blue sea, she brought out a platter of perfectly cooked garlic prawns. The aroma was intoxicating, and my mouth watered at the sight of the glistening, pink prawns. Maria caught my expression and chuckled.

"You like what you see, don't you?" she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly nodded, and Maria led me into her kitchen, where she proceeded to show me the steps to creating this mouthwatering dish. She explained that the key to the recipe was in the simplicity of the ingredients and the precision of the cooking process.

First, she instructed me to marinate the prawns in a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The prawns absorbed the flavors of the marinade, creating a symphony of tastes that would explode in my mouth with each bite.

Next, Maria showed me how to heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet until it shimmered. She carefully added the marinated prawns, allowing them to sizzle and brown on each side. The garlic infused the oil, creating a fragrant aroma that filled the kitchen.

As the prawns cooked, Maria talked me through the importance of timing and attention to detail. She stressed the need to cook the prawns just until they turned opaque, ensuring they remained tender and juicy. Overcooking them would result in rubbery, flavorless prawns, a fate we both agreed was unacceptable.

Once the prawns were cooked to perfection, Maria removed them from the skillet and placed them on a serving platter. She drizzled them with a bit of fresh lemon juice and sprinkled them with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared stories of how she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She spoke of the joy of cooking for loved ones and the satisfaction of seeing their faces light up with delight at each bite.

I listened intently, absorbing every word and savoring every bite of the delicious garlic prawns. It was a meal I would never forget, a moment that sparked a passion for cooking within me that would last a lifetime.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for garlic prawns. I practiced tirelessly, experimenting with different variations and techniques until I had mastered the dish to my satisfaction.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of garlic prawns that I learned from Maria that summer evening in Portofino. It has become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and delight those who taste it.

The memory of that magical evening with Maria still lingers in my mind, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And every time I make garlic prawns, I am transported back to that terrace overlooking the sea, where the taste of fresh seafood and the warmth of friendship combined to create a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Categories

| Main Dish Seafood Recipes | Seafood Appetizer Recipes | Shrimp Recipes | Thai Appetizers | Thai Recipes |

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