Piri Piri Prawns

Piri piri prawns are a spicy and flavorful dish that features tender, marinated prawns cooked to perfection. This recipe combines the heat of dried red chilli flakes with the richness of garlic and the zing of lemon butter, creating a tantalizing combination of flavors. The prawns are marinated in a mixture of oil, chilli flakes, garlic, and salt, allowing the flavors to infuse the seafood before grilling. The result is a dish that is both spicy and succulent, with a burst of tanginess from the lemon butter. Piri piri prawns are a popular dish in Portuguese cuisine and are perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the fiery flavors of piri piri prawns.

INGREDIENTS:

• 100ml/3½fl oz tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons dried red chilli flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 900g/2lb medium raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 75g/3oz butter
• 50ml/2fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

PREPARATION:

1. In a large glass bowl, combine the oil, dried red chilli flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Stir the prawns into the oil and chilli mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 hours, stirring and turning the prawns occasionally to ensure even marination.
3. Preheat the grill to a high temperature.
4. Place the marinated prawns in a single layer on a baking tray. Brush any remaining oil and chilli mixture over the prawns.
5. Grill the prawns for approximately 5 minutes or until they turn tender and are cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
6. In a small pan, melt the butter. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir until well combined.
7. Pour the lemon butter into a serving jug.
8. Serve the grilled piri piri prawns hot, drizzled with the lemon butter. Accompany the prawns with boiled rice or your preferred side dish.

YIELD:

This recipe serves 4.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the amount of dried red chilli flakes according to your preference for spiciness. You can increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.
• Ensure that the prawns are peeled and deveined before marinating and grilling.
• Use medium-sized prawns for this recipe, as they are the perfect size to absorb the flavors of the marinade and cook quickly on the grill.
• Be cautious when grilling the prawns, as they can easily become overcooked and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn tender and opaque.
• Serve the piri piri prawns immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture.

TIPS:

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a fresh red chilli pepper to the marinade.
• Garnish the piri piri prawns with freshly chopped parsley or coriander for added freshness and visual appeal.
• Serve the prawns with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the spiciness of the dish.
• Customize the lemon butter by adding minced garlic or a sprinkle of dried herbs such as thyme or oregano.
• Experiment with different types of seafood, such as scallops or squid, using the same marinade and grilling method.

Piri piri prawns are a fiery and delicious dish that showcases the bold flavors of dried red chilli flakes, garlic, and tangy lemon butter. This recipe allows the prawns to marinate in a flavorful mixture before being grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and succulent seafood with a spicy kick. The combination of heat and tanginess creates a harmonious balance that is sure to excite your taste buds.

To prepare piri piri prawns, the prawns are coated in a marinade made with oil, dried red chilli flakes, crushed garlic, and salt. After marinating for a few hours, the prawns are grilled until tender and cooked through. The lemon butter, made by melting butter and adding freshly squeezed lemon juice, adds a burst of freshness and complements the spicy prawns.

Serve the piri piri prawns hot, drizzled with the zesty lemon butter, and accompany them with boiled rice or your preferred side dish. The combination of the spicy prawns and tangy butter creates a delightful flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.

Piri piri prawns are perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes. The recipe is simple yet delivers a bold and satisfying flavor experience. It’s an excellent choice for a dinner party or a special family meal, as it’s sure to impress guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

So, fire up your grill and prepare to enjoy the spicy and tantalizing flavors of piri piri prawns. With their zesty kick and succulent texture, they are bound to become a favorite dish in your repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this mouthwatering seafood delight and savor every bite. Bom apetite!