Il Cucinologo
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Seared King Prawns

17/11/2023

Seared king prawns are a simple yet refined dish that highlights the delicate flavor and crisp texture of the prawns. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • King prawns, fresh or frozen, as many as you desire for your guests
  • Garlic, 1 or 2 cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon juice, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
  • White wine, a splash (optional)

Preparation

  1. If using frozen king prawns, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Rinse under cold running water and remove the shell, leaving the tail on if desired. Then make a cut along the back and remove the intestine, a dark vein if present.

  2. Pat the king prawns dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a perfect sear.

  3. In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves, allowing them to turn golden to flavor the oil.

  4. When the oil is hot, add the king prawns. Let them cook without moving for 1-2 minutes, until they start to turn pink on the bottom.

  5. Flip the king prawns and cook for another minute. At this point, if desired, you can deglaze with a splash of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a little lemon juice for a tangy note.

  7. When the king prawns are ready, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serve the seared king prawns immediately, perhaps accompanied by slices of crusty bread and a fresh seasonal salad.

Trivia

King prawns are rather large sea prawns and are prized for their firm, flavorful meat. Their simplicity of preparation makes them ideal for a quick yet elegant meal.