An indelible memory of a warm afternoon still lingers inside me, where my grandmother’s kitchen was a bustling hub of activity, humming with lively family conversation, the rhythm of utensils, and a captivating scent that quietly wafted from the stove. It was a blend of sea and earthy fragrances, a gentle hint of my grandmother’s secret recipe of citrus-steeped creamy prawns in the making. The sizzling of the pan as the prawns frolicked in the creamy butter was like a melody of gastronomic joy that echoed. The steady fizz, the spicy sizzle, followed by a calming hum as the heat tenderly embraced the sea delicacies. The butter would smoothly dissolve, casting a radiant glow as the bright prawns took on a peachy pink color. As a spritz of fresh lemon juice met the pan, a powerful aroma would permeate the house, paving a way of delightful anticipation. Each summer, as the days grew warmer, my grandmother would reignite this routine, greeting the season with her citrus-steeped creamy prawns. This was her way of bringing the ocean to our inland home, a tradition that instilled in me the importance of commemorating the providence of each season with elegance and thankfulness. However, the dish never tasted the same. There would always be a minor hitch, a last-minute ingredient change, a slightly overdone prawn, or an extra dash of lemon. But these minor alterations added to its allure, continually reminding us that the affection we pour into our food is the most vital ingredient. This recipe wasn’t a family heirloom. It was, in fact, influenced by the Mediterranean cuisine my grandmother had grown to love during her travels. She admired the culture, their preference for seafood, fresh vegetables, and herbs, and brought a piece of the Mediterranean back home through this dish. The first taste, the explosion of tangy, savory delight is something you’ll treasure. The excitement before the first bite, the cherished memory after the last, this citrus-steeped creamy prawn recipe is more than a meal, it’s a trip down memory lane, and a tribute to affection served in a dish.
Ingredients
- 500 grams of medium-sized prawns
- 60 grams of unsalted butter
- 2 large, ripe lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
- A dash of fresh black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons of white wine
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
Instructions
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Start by cleaning the prawns and removing the veins. Retain their shells as they will infuse flavor into the sauce.
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Heat a large skillet over a medium flame and drizzle in the olive oil, ensuring it uniformly covers the bottom.
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Add the prawns to the pan, neatly arranged. Allow them to sear for about two minutes on each side until they become a pleasant pink color. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Now, reduce the flame and melt the butter in the same skillet, stirring gently to relish the soft bubble.
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Mix in the finely chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them steep in the butter for about a minute, until the garlic achieves a golden color and the air is filled with the enticing aroma of spices.
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Zest the lemons over the pan, avoiding the white pith to prevent a bitter taste. Squeeze the juice of both lemons into the pan, stirring well to combine.
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Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, letting them simmer together for about three minutes to merge all the flavors.
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Add the prawns back to the pan. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper, along with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently for about two minutes, allowing the prawns to absorb the sauce.
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As a final touch, turn off the flame and let the dish rest for a moment before serving, allowing the flavors to intensify and blend perfectly.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
Final Result
