Butterfly prawns are a delicious and visually appealing appetizer that showcases the natural flavors of tiger prawns. This recipe features tiger prawns marinated in a blend of spices, lime juice, and vegetable oil before being grilled to perfection. The result is tender and flavorful prawns with a touch of tanginess from the lime juice and a warm, aromatic spice profile.
The prawns are prepared by cutting them in half lengthways and flattening them out to create a butterfly shape. They are then threaded onto skewers and marinated to infuse them with the rich flavors of cardamom, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Grilling the prawns under a hot grill adds a delicious smoky char and enhances their natural sweetness.
This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on the serving size. It’s perfect as an appetizer or as part of a larger seafood feast.
INGREDIENTS:
- 16 raw tiger prawns, peeled and deveined, with tails intact
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Bamboo skewers (if using, soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes)
PREPARATION:
- Prepare the prawns: Cut the tiger prawns in half lengthways down to the tail, creating a butterfly shape. Flatten out the prawns to achieve a symmetrical shape.
- Skewer the prawns: Thread a prawn onto two skewers, positioning the tail in the middle. Repeat this process with three more prawns, using the same two skewers. Continue until you have four sets of four prawns on each two skewers. If using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before threading the prawns.
- Marinate the prawns: Arrange the skewered prawns in a glass or ceramic dish. Sprinkle the lime juice over the prawns. In a small bowl, combine the cardamom seeds, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, crushed garlic, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create a marinade. Coat the prawns evenly with the marinade. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Grill the prawns: Preheat the grill to a high heat. Line a grill pan with foil. Place the marinated prawns on the foil-lined grill pan. Grill the prawns for approximately 6 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until they are cooked through and have a slightly charred appearance.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the grilled prawns to a serving platter. Serve the butterfly prawns immediately as a flavorful and enticing appetizer.
YIELD: This recipe yields 2-4 servings, depending on the serving size.
TIPS:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the grilled prawns before serving.
- Make sure to preheat the grill to a high heat to achieve a nicely charred exterior while keeping the prawns juicy and tender.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the prawns on a hot griddle pan or in a preheated oven under the broiler.
- Soaking bamboo skewers in cold water helps prevent them from burning during grilling.
Butterfly prawns are a delightful and flavorful appetizer that showcases the natural sweetness and delicate texture of tiger prawns. This recipe takes the prawns to the next level by marinating them in a fragrant blend of spices, lime juice, and vegetable oil before grilling them to perfection. The result is succulent and aromatic prawns with a touch of tanginess and a hint of warmth from the spices.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer for a special occasion or as part of a seafood feast, these butterfly prawns are sure to impress your guests with their visual appeal and fantastic flavor. Enjoy the succulent prawns, with their slightly charred exterior, alongside a refreshing dipping sauce or as they are, letting the natural flavors shine through. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking to elevate their prawn game.
