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There is something truly magical about the combination of succulent prawns, fragrant garlic, and smoky paprika that makes the Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe an absolute must-try for seafood lovers everywhere. This dish comes together quickly yet delivers bold, vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coasts of Spain. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, these garlic prawns are bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s unforgettable flavor and texture. From the rich olive oil to the bright bursts of lemon, every component lends something special.
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, offering juicy, tender seafood flavor that soaks up all the seasonings beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to infuse the garlic and spices evenly while cooking.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that iconic aromatic punch that defines this recipe’s character.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky depth that complements the prawns perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Offers subtle zest and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Injects a fresh, herbaceous note and brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives an irresistible tang that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: The perfect finishing touch for extra citrusy brightness at the table.
How to Make Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is your flavor base, and warming the oil slowly ensures it becomes infused with all the aromatic spices you’ll add next.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell its intoxicating fragrance. Be careful not to let it brown, as you want that sweet, mellow garlic flavor without any bitterness.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let these spices mingle in the warm oil for about a minute, infusing it with their wonderful colors and bold flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Prawns
Turn your heat up to medium-high and lay the prawns out in a single layer in the skillet. Cooking them in one layer ensures each prawn gets perfectly seared on one side for 2 to 3 minutes, locking in juices and developing a slight caramelization.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the prawns carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they turn beautifully pink and opaque throughout. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy—overcooked prawns can get rubbery, so timing is everything here.
Step 6: Brighten with Parsley and Lemon
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. These final ingredients brighten the dish with fresh herbaceous notes and a lively citrus zing that balances the richness of the garlic oil.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Transfer your prawns to a serving dish, drizzle with a little more olive oil if you like, and garnish with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top. Serving immediately ensures you experience the full vibrancy and warmth of this classic Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe.
How to Serve Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and add lemon wedges so everyone can add a fresh citrus burst that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the texture and flavor as well.
Side Dishes
These garlic prawns pair beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the garlic-infused olive oil. You can also serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside roasted vegetables to keep the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the prawns sizzling straight from the skillet or arrange them artfully on a platter with colorful chopped tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean vibe. Setting out small bowls with aioli or a simple yogurt dip invites guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. Because the prawns cook quickly and are best fresh, try to enjoy any leftovers soon for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked prawns is generally not recommended as they tend to become rubbery once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if you must freeze, place prawns and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags and consume within a month.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the prawns gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through to avoid overcooking. You can add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice during reheating to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
Is this dish very spicy?
You can control the heat with the red pepper flakes—add less for a milder dish or omit them altogether if you prefer no spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free bread.
What wine pairs well with Spanish Garlic Prawns?
A crisp, chilled white wine like Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, as their acidity complements the lemon and garlic flavors.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just cook the prawns in batches to ensure they cook evenly and retain their delicious texture.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that the Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. I encourage you to give this dish a try—it comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and brings that bright, Spanish sunshine right to your table. Once you experience the garlicky, smoky, and lemony layers of flavor, I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to seafood dishes!
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Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spanish Garlic Prawns is a classic and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent prawns sautéed in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice, this quick and easy recipe delivers a deliciously vibrant meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking an authentic taste of Spain.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Warm the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and let it warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened, being careful not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
- Infuse the Oil with Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the spices to gently infuse into the oil for about one minute, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Prawns (First Side): Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cleaned prawns in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the undersides develop a nice pink color and start to turn opaque.
- Flip the Prawns (Second Side): Turn the prawns over using tongs or a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley along with the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the prawns to a serving dish, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality prawns for the best taste.
- Do not overcook the prawns as they can become tough and rubbery; they cook quickly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic and paprika oil.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
