Introduction
Discover a delightful seafood dish that brings together the rich flavors of jumbo prawns, aromatic garlic, and a crunchy topping. This easy-to-follow recipe for baked prawns in garlic butter is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With a blend of fresh ingredients and a crispy finish, you’ll want to savor every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g/1 lb jumbo prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup dry white wine (sub chicken broth)
75g/5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
CRUNCHY TOPPING:
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan, finely shredded
1/4 tsp salt
1.5 tbsp olive oil
GARNISH:
Finely chopped parsley
Lemon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This recipe captures the essence of seafood dining with its rich buttery sauce and a delightful crunch from the topping. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon wedges to enhance the flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C/430°F, ensuring that all types of ovens are accommodated.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Pour the dry white wine and half of the melted unsalted butter into a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and allow it to heat for 10 minutes to reduce.
Step 3: Toss the Prawns
In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and deveined jumbo prawns with the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It is acceptable if the butter hardens during this process.
Step 4: Mix the Crunchy Topping
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely shredded parmesan, salt, and olive oil to make the crunchy topping.
Step 5: Add Prawns to the Pan
After 10 minutes, remove the baking pan from the oven. Add the tossed prawns to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer but ensuring they are snugly placed.
Step 6: Top with Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the prawns.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Bake the dish in the oven for 12 minutes, allowing the prawns to cook through.
Step 8: Broil for Extra Crunch
Switch the oven setting to broiler/grill on high and broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to lightly brown the top. Do not exceed this time to avoid burning.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
Note 1: Prawns/Shrimp
For optimal results, use large or jumbo prawns. If using smaller prawns, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are thawed thoroughly and excess liquid is drained off.
Note 2: Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are larger than standard breadcrumbs, providing a superior crunch. They can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets or at Asian grocery stores, where they are often more affordable.
Note 3: Glass and Heat Safety
Both Pyrex and Anchor Hocking glass dishes can withstand temperatures up to 240°C/450°F, which is suitable for this recipe. If you have concerns about using glass, opt for a metal pan. Make sure the shrimp fit snugly rather than being spread out to prevent breadcrumbs from falling into the sauce.
Note 4: Nutrition Information
The nutritional values provided are based on the assumption that all of the sauce is consumed.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Before cooking, it’s essential to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking. Set the oven to 220°C (430°F) and allow it to reach the desired temperature.
Reducing Liquids
Pour the white wine and half the melted butter into the baking pan and heat in the oven for 10 minutes. This process reduces the liquid, concentrating the flavors which enhances the dish.
Tossing Ingredients
When preparing the prawns, toss them with the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Ensure the prawns are well coated for maximum flavor infusion.
Mixing Toppings
Combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely shredded parmesan, and salt with olive oil to create the crunchy topping. This mixture adds texture and flavor to the dish.
Layering Ingredients
Spread the tossed prawns in a single layer in the baking pan to allow for even cooking. Ensure they are snug but not overcrowded to promote even browning.
Broiling for Finish
After baking, switch to broiler/grill mode and broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes. This final step helps achieve a beautifully browned topping.
FAQ
What type of prawns/shrimp should I use?
It is best to use large or jumbo prawns/shrimp for this recipe. If smaller sizes are all you have, reduce the cooking time as needed.
Can I use frozen prawns/shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns/shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain off any excess liquid before cooking.
What is the difference between panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are larger, lighter, and provide a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for toppings.
Can I use a glass baking dish?
Yes, glass baking dishes such as Pyrex are fine at high temperatures, but ensure they can withstand broiling if you choose to broil the top.
How do I prevent breadcrumbs from dropping into the sauce during cooking?
Ensure the prawns fit snugly in the baking pan to minimize the breadcrumbs from falling into the sauce while cooking.
Conclusion
This baked prawn dish is an impressive yet simple recipe that brings out the flavors of the sea with a delicious crunchy topping. The combination of succulent prawns, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a crispy breadcrumb crust creates a delightful meal that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with lemon wedges and crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the savory sauce.
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