Quick Summary
In this blog post, we explore the art of braaiing prawns, a popular South African delicacy. We provide different recipes and methods for braaiing prawns, including peri-peri prawns, lemon garlic prawns, and grilled garlic butter prawns. We also share tips on choosing, preparing, and cooking prawns to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a braai or simply craving a delicious seafood dish, this post has everything you need to know to braai prawns like a pro.
Introduction
South Africans love a good braai, and one of the most popular dishes to grill is prawns. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious seafood meal, braaied prawns are a must-try. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a unique touch to the succulent prawns, making them a favorite among seafood lovers.
In this blog post, we will explore different ways to braai prawns and provide you with some mouthwatering recipes to try. Whether you prefer a spicy peri-peri flavor, a tangy lemon garlic twist, or a classic garlic butter marinade, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to impress your guests or indulge in a delightful seafood feast with these braai prawn recipes.
Why Braai Prawns?
Braaing prawns is a popular cooking method in South Africa, especially during the summer months. The smoky flavor and charred texture that the braai imparts on the prawns adds a unique and delicious taste to this seafood delicacy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a flavorful meal, braai prawns are a must-try dish.
Not only are braai prawns delicious, but they are also a versatile option for any occasion. They can be served as a main course, a starter, or even as part of a salad. The simplicity of the dish allows the natural flavors of the prawns to shine through, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for seafood lovers.
Additionally, braai prawns are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot braai, you can have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
Different Ways to Braai Prawns
Peri-Peri Prawns
Recipe from braai.com
Ingredients:
- 1 kg prawns with the shell and head intact
- Peri-peri sauce
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation method:
- In a bowl, mix peri-peri sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the prawns to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly.
- Cover the bowl and let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the braai to medium-high heat.
- Place the prawns on the braai and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve hot with additional peri-peri sauce on the side.
Nutritional information:
The nutritional information for this recipe is not provided on the source website.
Lemon Garlic Prawns
Recipe from whatsfordinner.co.za
Ingredients:
- 1 kg prawns with the shell and head intact
- 250 ml Knorr Creamy Garlic and Herb Salad Dressing
- 3 lemons, halved
- Fresh parsley
- Robertsons paprika
Preparation method:
- Preheat the braai to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the Knorr Creamy Garlic and Herb Salad Dressing with the juice of 1 lemon.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
- Place the prawns on the braai and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemons over the prawns while they are still on the braai.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Robertsons paprika.
- Serve hot as a snack or as a starter for a dinner party.
Serving suggestions:
These lemon garlic prawns can be served on their own or in a salad. They pair well with a fresh green salad or a citrusy coleslaw.
Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns
Recipe from simply-delicious-food.com
Ingredients:
- 1 kg prawns with the shell and head intact
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 100g butter, melted
Preparation method:
- In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
- Cover the bowl and let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the braai to high heat.
- Thread the prawns onto skewers or place them on a grill pan.
- Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Brush the prawns with melted butter while they are still on the braai.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish.
Cooking tips and serving suggestions:
To prevent the prawns from falling through the grill grates, you can use a grill pan or thread them onto skewers. These garlic butter prawns are delicious on their own or served with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Tips for Braaiing Prawns
Braaiing prawns can be a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy seafood. To ensure that your prawns turn out perfectly cooked and full of flavor, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choosing the right prawns
When it comes to braaiing prawns, it’s important to choose the right type of prawns. Look for fresh, high-quality prawns with the shell and head intact. This will help to lock in the flavors and ensure that the prawns stay juicy and tender during the cooking process.
Preparing the prawns
Before braaiing the prawns, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by rinsing the prawns under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each prawn to remove the vein. This step is optional but can help improve the texture and appearance of the prawns.
Marinating the prawns
Marinating the prawns can add an extra layer of flavor to your braai. You can use a variety of marinades, such as peri-peri sauce, garlic and herb dressing, or a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cooking time and temperature
When it comes to cooking prawns on the braai, timing is crucial. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery prawns, while undercooking can lead to a raw and unpleasant texture. Cook the prawns over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the braai grid to ensure even cooking.
Avoiding overcooking
To avoid overcooking the prawns, it’s important to keep a close eye on them while they are on the braai. Prawns cook quickly, so be sure to flip them as soon as they start to turn pink. Once the prawns are cooked, remove them from the heat immediately to prevent them from becoming dry and overcooked.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your braai prawns turn out perfectly cooked, flavorful, and delicious. So fire up the braai and enjoy this South African seafood delicacy!
References
- https://braai.com/peri-peri-prawns/
- https://www.whatsfordinner.co.za/recipe/shellfish/212758-lemon-garlic-prawns-on-the-braai/
- https://simply-delicious-food.com/grilled-garlic-butter-prawns/