Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will whisk you away to the sun-soaked shores of Southeast Asia with this extraordinary prawns recipe! Imagine succulent, tender prawns bathing in a creamy coconut milk bath, infused with fiery red chillies and aromatic coriander - a dish so tantalizing, it promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an exotic gastronomic adventure. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or an adventurous home cook looking to impress, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 2 red chillies, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the prawns by ensuring they are completely peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better flavor absorption.
- In a large shallow pan or steamer, pour the coconut milk and add sliced red chillies. The coconut milk will create a rich, aromatic base for steaming the prawns.
- Season the coconut milk mixture with salt to taste. Gently stir to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Arrange the cleaned prawns in a single layer within the coconut milk mixture. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
- Cover the pan or steamer and place over medium heat. Steam the prawns for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and immediately drizzle fresh lime juice over the prawns. The lime juice will add a bright, citrusy note to the dish.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves, which will provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color.
- Serve hot directly from the steamer, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful coconut milk sauce.
Tips
- Choose the freshest prawns possible - look for a clean, ocean-like smell and firm, translucent flesh.
- Pat prawns completely dry before cooking to ensure they steam rather than boil in the coconut milk.
- Don't overcook! Prawns become tough and rubbery if steamed too long. 6-8 minutes is your sweet spot.
- Use medium heat to maintain a gentle, consistent steam.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a bruised lemongrass stalk or a few kaffir lime leaves to the coconut milk while steaming.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the prawns at their most tender and flavorful moment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg