Prawns and frugal. Not two words you’ll often hear bungled into the same sentence. But there they are. And while this recipe may exist at the very edge of what I’d consider frugal, it is nonetheless a fantastic way to enjoy these tasty crustaceans without overspending. The key? As with any expensive ingredient, don’t consume too much. Savour the flavour of just a few.
Living in Bristol, I’m lucky enough to have access to some truly wonderful produce, with a number of bakeries, grocers and butchers within walking distance. However, what has been lacking – and I think this is the case across the UK – is the presence of a fishmongers. Happily, a few months ago a fishmongers set up shop not 5 minutes away. We’ve been visiting ever since.
Your opinion on the price of prawns will likely vary based on your location. We don’t often buy them as they are expensive, but when you see 10 advertised for £3.99 it’s hard to say no. Even more so when an 11th is thrown in free of charge.
Having said that if you can’t find reasonably priced prawns, you could also attempt this recipe with pre-shelled and cooked prawns from the freezer section. But be careful not to cook these for very long; you wouldn’t want a chewy starter!
But what of the recipe itself? Well, there’s not much to say other than it’s my favourite way to cook prawns. Simple, exquisite brilliance on a plate.
Garlic Prawns with Chilli
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, mashed
- 10-12 large, fresh prawns
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- juice of ½ a lemon
- a pinch of salt
Method:
- Heat the oil in a large pan and quickly fry the garlic before throwing in the prawns. Cook the prawns until just done. They should be opaque and firm.
- Add the chilli, parsley lemon and salt to the pan and toss a few times. Serve immediately with a little bread to mop up the juices.
Cost: Ok, so prawns aren’t frugal. But if you enjoy them simply and for what they are, then you shouldn’t have to spend much more on turning them into a fantastic starter or lunchtime treat – £4.20.
17 replies on “Garlic Prawns with Chilli”
I agree with what you say – a little of a foo that is normally considered to be a luxury item can go a long way. We have access to great fishmongers in both Spain and England – always on the look out for what’s seasonal and on offer! Lovely way of cooking the prawns.
Thank you – we haven’t been for a few weeks, but I think I’ll pick up some fish again soon.
Mmmmmmm! So simple yet so tasty!
Really tasty (quite nice dipped in good mayonnaise too).
It’s hard to consume only a little if it looks this good!!!!
That’s true… 🙂
Nick the recipe is lovely and the frugality puts me to shame. Just one note extra. The recipe calls for a pint of salt. We both know you mean ‘pinch’. Pint is funny. Probably the rugby related depression making me find such trivia entertaining.
Ah yes, thanks for that Conor. I’d dread to think of the results should people not have realised the error…
Or…as with anything. Save on most things, and then splurge on the good stuff, and enjoy it 🙂 Because, YUM!!! LOVE SHRIMP!!
Yes, exactly! you still end up better off.
Looks great! Consider investing in the chilli peppers called “Moruga Scorpion” or “Carolina Reaper” if you can find it. They are some of the hottest out there so you would only need to use a teeny tiny piece for any dish. In terms of heat, it’s totally worth the price!
I’ll keep an eye out! Thanks 🙂
Exquisite!
They were delicious!
Lovely and simple!
Thank you!
Great simple recipe. I lived in Andalusia for some time and always hunted down the best Gambas pil pil.
May I suggest a half teaspoon on sweet paprika before the prawns go in.
One of my fav tapas……👏