Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Oven-Baked King Prawns: A Taste of the Sea on Your Plate
Discover this simple and speedy recipe for oven-baked king prawns — an elegant, fragrant seafood dish that's sure to impress your guests!
📖 What is it
Discover this simple and speedy recipe for oven-baked king prawns — an elegant, fragrant seafood dish that's sure to impress your guests!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 16 king prawns (ideally Mazara del Vallo red prawns)
- ✓ Juice of 1 lemon (or half a glass of white wine)
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ A generous handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
📊 Nutritional Information
Let the scents of the sea whisk you away with these oven-baked king prawns, a beloved classic from Sicilian kitchens. Their sweet, delicate flavour pairs beautifully with zesty lemon and fresh parsley, evoking warm summer days and convivial dinners beneath Sicily’s clear blue skies.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Rinse the king prawns under cold running water and pat them dry gently with kitchen paper.
- 2
Drizzle a baking dish with a little olive oil and arrange the prawns in a single layer, leaving the heads on to keep the flavour and moisture locked in.
- 3
Season with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice (or white wine), salt, pepper, and plenty of chopped parsley.
- 4
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (fan) for about 20 minutes on the lower rack, keeping an eye so they don’t dry out.
- 5
Serve the prawns piping hot, drizzled with a little raw olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a deeper aroma, add a finely chopped garlic clove before baking.
- •
If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle the prawns with seasoned breadcrumbs prior to cooking.
- •
For a spicy kick, a pinch of dried chilli flakes will add a lively note.
- •
To make it richer, finish with a light gratin of Sicilian pecorino cheese for a bolder flavour.
- •
For a vegetarian twist, swap the prawns for sautéed artichoke hearts, keeping the lemon and parsley dressing.
- •
Use a ceramic baking dish for even cooking and to preserve the delicate flavours of the prawns.
- •
To enhance the umami, add a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- •
For a lighter, gluten-free version, skip the breadcrumbs and rely on fresh herbs to flavour the dish.
- •
Remember: the magic of this recipe lies in simple ingredients and gentle cooking.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftover prawns in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours to keep their freshness and flavour.
- • To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to restore their original aroma.
- • Avoid freezing cooked prawns as this can affect their texture and delicate taste.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these oven-baked king prawns with a crisp Sicilian white wine such as Grillo or Catarratto, whose fresh, mineral notes complement the sweetness of the shellfish. Alternatively, an Etna Bianco with its citrus hints beautifully balances the lemon dressing. If you prefer wines from other regions, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Friulian Sauvignon Blanc will elegantly elevate the dish.
Cooking these oven-baked king prawns brings a little slice of Sicily straight to your table, bursting with authentic flavours and effortless charm. This light yet characterful dish is perfect for sharing special moments with your loved ones. Do give it a go at home, and don’t forget to share your culinary adventure with friends and family — after all, the joy of tradition is best savoured together.
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate