Blog

Giant tiger prawns are a delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Cooking them in the shell enhances their natural flavors and allows them to retain their juiciness. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to impress your guests with a special dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

First, it’s important to choose fresh prawns. Look for prawns that have a bright, shiny shell and a mild sea smell. Avoid prawns with black spots or a strong ammonia odor, as these indicate that the prawns are not fresh.

To prepare the prawns, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. You can leave the shell intact or remove the sharp rostrum (a small pointy extension at the front of the head) if you prefer. Removing the rostrum can make it easier to peel the prawns later, but it’s not necessary.

Once the prawns are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Heat a large frying pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter to the pan and spread it evenly. Place the prawns in the pan and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can season the prawns with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added during cooking or as a garnish before serving. Serve the giant tiger prawns hot with a side of lemon wedges, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tip: If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can also cook the tiger prawns on a barbecue grill. Just make sure the grill is preheated and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Preparing and Cleaning the Prawns

Step 1: Start by rinsing the giant tiger prawns under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities on the shells.

Step 2: Use a sharp knife to make a shallow incision along the back of each prawn, from the head to the tail. Be careful not to cut too deep or puncture the flesh.

Step 3: Gently open the prawns and remove the black vein running down the back. This is the digestive tract and can impart a bitter taste if left intact.

Step 4: Rinse the prawns again to ensure all the dirt and vein have been removed.

Step 5: Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure they fry or grill evenly.

Note: It is always best to cook prawns with their shells on, as this helps to protect the meat and seals in the flavors. Plus, the shells add an extra crunch and texture to the dish. However, if you prefer to remove the shells, you can do so before following the above steps.

Remove the Head and Shell

Before cooking giant tiger prawns, it is necessary to remove the head and shell. This allows for easier handling and access to the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Hold the prawn firmly and twist off the head in a clockwise motion.
2. Once the head is removed, hold the prawn with one hand and gently pull off the shell, starting from the underside where the legs are located. The shell should easily come off.
3. If desired, you can also remove the tail by twisting it off at the base. This step is optional and depends on personal preference.

After removing the head and shell, the giant tiger prawns are ready to be cooked. Be sure to discard the head and shell properly and handle the prawns with clean hands to maintain hygiene.

Devein the Prawns

Before cooking giant tiger prawns in their shells, it is important to devein them. Deveining is the process of removing the digestive tract, which can have a gritty texture and unpleasant taste.

To devein the prawns, start by laying them on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make a shallow cut along the back of each prawn, following the curve of the shell. Carefully lift the vein out of each prawn and discard it.

Alternatively, you can also use a deveining tool to make the process easier. Simply insert the tool under the shell, hook onto the vein, and gently pull it out.

Once you have deveined all the prawns, rinse them under cold water to remove any residue. Pat them dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the cooking process.

Marinating the Prawns

Marinating the prawns is an essential step to infuse them with flavor and enhance their taste. Follow these steps to marinate giant tiger prawns:

Ingredients: Giant tiger prawns in shell 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

2. Use a knife to make shallow slits on the back of each prawn. This will help the marinade penetrate the shell and infuse the meat.

3. Place the prawns in a ziplock bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the prawns, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.

4. Place the marinated prawns in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 1 hour. For more intense flavor, you can marinate them overnight.

5. After marinating, the prawns are ready to be cooked according to your preferred method. You can grill them, bake them in the oven, or sauté them in a pan.

Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw prawns to avoid cross-contamination.

Marinated giant tiger prawns in shell are a delicious and flavorful seafood dish that can be enjoyed on their own or added to various recipes. The marinade adds a perfect balance of tangy, garlicky, and savory flavors to the prawns, making them a culinary treat.

Create the Marinade

To enhance the flavor of your giant tiger prawns, it is important to create a delicious marinade. Here is a simple recipe for a tasty marinade:

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Add the giant tiger prawns to the marinade and toss until they are coated evenly.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

By marinating the prawns, you will infuse them with the delicious flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs. This will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable dish. Make sure to follow the marinade recipe and allow enough time for the prawns to marinate before cooking them.

Coat the Prawns in the Marinade

Before cooking the giant tiger prawns, it is important to marinate them to enhance their flavor. Here’s how to coat the prawns in the marinade:

1. Clean the prawns by removing the head, legs, and shell, leaving the tail intact. Devein the prawns by making a shallow incision along the back and removing the dark vein.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients, such as olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Place the cleaned prawns in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the prawns, ensuring they are all evenly coated. Gently toss the prawns in the marinade to ensure they are completely covered.
4. Seal the zip-lock bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place the prawns in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
5. While marinating, make sure to occasionally flip the prawns or gently toss them to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

Once the prawns have marinated, they are ready to be cooked. The marinade not only enhances the flavor of the prawns but also helps to keep them moist and tender during cooking.

Cooking the Prawns

Once you have prepared the giant tiger prawns by cleaning and deveining them, it’s time to cook them. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delicious dish.

1. Season the Prawns

Before cooking, season the prawns generously with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the prawns.

2. Heat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the prawns from sticking.

3. Grill the Prawns

Carefully place the seasoned prawns directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in tough and rubbery prawns.

4. Baste with Garlic Butter

While the prawns are cooking, melt some butter in a small saucepan and add minced garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, then brush the prawns with the garlic butter mixture. This will add a delicious flavor to the prawns.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the prawns are cooked and have a nice grilled flavor, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious giant tiger prawns in shell! These prawns are perfect as an appetizer or main course, and can be served with a side of rice or a salad.

FAQ

What are giant tiger prawns?

Giant tiger prawns are large shrimp that are renowned for their large size and distinctive tiger-like stripes on their shells.

How do I cook giant tiger prawns in shell?

To cook giant tiger prawns in shell, start by preheating your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Brush the prawns with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Place the prawns on the grill and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Serve them hot with lemon wedges for added flavour.

Can I boil giant tiger prawns in shell?

Yes, you can boil giant tiger prawns in shell. To do so, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt and any other desired seasonings to the pot. Carefully place the prawns into the boiling water and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool before serving.

Are giant tiger prawns easy to peel?

Giant tiger prawns can be slightly difficult to peel due to their large size and thick shells. However, there are a few techniques you can use to make the peeling process easier. One option is to use kitchen shears to make a small cut along the back of the prawn, which will allow you to peel off the shell more easily. Another technique is to partially peel the prawn before cooking, which can make it easier to remove the rest of the shell after cooking.

What are some alternative cooking methods for giant tiger prawns?

In addition to grilling and boiling, there are several other cooking methods you can use for giant tiger prawns. These include baking, roasting, and sautéing. When baking or roasting, you can marinate the prawns beforehand to infuse them with flavour. If sautéing, heat a pan with some oil or butter and cook the prawns for a few minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.

What are giant tiger prawns?

Giant tiger prawns are large shrimp, also known as prawns, that are native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are known for their impressive size and distinctive tiger-like stripes on their shells.