Imagine transforming simple prawns into a mouthwatering Middle Eastern delicacy that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Mediterranean. Ottolenghi's Charred Prawns with Lime Leaves is not just a recipe; it's a quick, elegant escape that promises restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes. With its aromatic lime leaves and perfectly charred prawns, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 500g large prawns
- 6 lime leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the prawns. If they are not already cleaned, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for presentation. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Next, prepare the lime leaves. Stack the leaves on top of each other, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin strips. This will help release their aromatic oils and flavors.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the prawns, minced garlic, lime leaf strips, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently to ensure the prawns are well-coated with the mixture.
- Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it is hot enough to achieve a nice char on the prawns.
- Once the grill is ready, place the prawns on it in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Grill the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. The prawns should have a nice char and be slightly caramelized.
- While the prawns are grilling, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They cook quickly, so as soon as they are opaque and firm to the touch, they are ready to be removed from the grill.
- Once cooked, transfer the prawns to a serving platter. You can garnish them with additional lime leaves or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
- Serve the charred prawns immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as rice, salad, or flatbread. Enjoy your Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pat the prawns completely dry before grilling to ensure a beautiful char and prevent steaming.
- Use a very hot grill or grill pan to achieve those perfect caramelized marks.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give each prawn enough space to develop a nice sear.
- Cook prawns quickly (2-3 minutes per side) to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- For extra flavor, try using fresh kaffir lime leaves if available, as they provide an intense, citrusy aroma.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the prawns at their peak texture and temperature.
- For a complete meal, pair with a light, zesty salad or fragrant rice to complement the prawns' rich flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 250mg
