Baked Shrimp: 7 Tips for Success

Welcome to Paulina Cocina! In this post we suggest you make a very simple but elegant dish, ideal for parties and your niece’s 15th birthday: Baked prawns.

This gastronomic gem is not only a delicious recipe with seafoodbut also a easy and economical alternative to surprise your guests with an elegant presentation.

These succulent crustaceans with a touch of oven and a few ingredients, become a delicacy worthy of any banquet. In this note I will tell you about the benefits of Baked prawns recipethe secrets to cooking them and the best accompaniments to enjoy them.

About the baked prawns

Los baked prawns are, without a doubt, one of the simplest and most exquisite ways to enjoy this seafood. But what exactly are they? They are seafood similar to prawnsbut larger in size and with a more pronounced taste.

Baking them ensures uniform cooking that enhances their flavour and preserves their juiciness. The technique of baking prawns is perfect for those looking for a Easy, accessible and quick recipewhich highlights the natural intensity of the seafood.

How to make prawns baked with garlic and parsley

Simplicity is the key when it comes to preparing baked prawns. First, it is It is important that the prawns are well cleanedbecause there is nothing worse than feeling grains of sand when we are eating seafood!

• After cleaning them, the perfect recipe for baked prawns tells us that we must Season them with a mixture of chopped garlic and a good splash of olive oil..

You can also add a touch of white wine to give it extra flavor and a little fresh parsley on topThis is a simple recipe, but it stands out for its flavor and elegance.

5 Reasons to prepare baked prawns

1. Marine flavor: Baked prawns have an intense flavour that is enhanced by cooking in the oven. Garlic and parsley They provide a perfect contrast that enhances its saline notes.
2. Juicy texture: Unlike other cooking methods, baking prawns allows them to retain their internal moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
3. Simple preparation: : You don’t need to know too much about cooking to prepare baked prawns. With a few ingredients and an oven, you can have a gourmet dish on the table.
4. Versatility: Baked prawns can be accompanied with a variety of garnishes, from roasted vegetables, such as escalivada, to a refreshing country salad, making this dish perfect for any occasion.
5. Healthy: In addition to being delicious, baked prawns are an excellent source of protein. Baking them avoids the excess fat that other cooking methods usually provide.

Other options for prawn recipes to make

• Grilled: Perfect for a summer barbecue, simply seasoned with salt, garlic and a touch of lemon.
• Garlic prawns: A twist on classic garlic prawns. Cook them in a pan with plenty of garlic and olive oil, and serve with a chilli pepper for a spicy touch.
• In cheese sauce: A creamy and tasty option like almogrote is ideal to accompany the baked prawns recipe, with a good bread to dip in the sauce.
• Prawn Paella: A complete and delicious dish where the prawns are the stars along with rice and other seafood delicacies.
• Shrimp tacos: A twist on the Mexican shrimp tacos recipe. The shrimp are quickly cooked and served in tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and a yogurt sauce.

6 Accompaniments for Baked Prawns

1. Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, peppers and zucchini are a colorful and healthy side dish to complement this dish.
2. Garlic rice: A simple but tasty accompaniment. Rice cooked with a little garlic and olive oil perfectly complements the flavour of baked prawns.
3. Green salad: A salad with arugula and granola is a refreshing and crunchy option to complement the marine flavor of the prawns.
4. Mojo Picón: This canarian sauce It is perfect for highlighting the flavors of the baked prawngiving it a spicy and sweet touch.
5. Crispy bread: Ideal for dipping in the juices left by the prawns. A good, crispy homemade bread is always an excellent choice.
6. White wine: Very cold, it is a perfect option to accompany baked prawns, enhancing their flavours and adding a touch of freshness.
7. Craft beer: A light pale ale will complement the flavours of the prawns very well without overpowering them.

Secrets for preparing baked prawns

1. Pre-marinated: Marinate the prawns in a mixture of garlic, olive oil and a touch of lemon for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will intensify the flavours.
2. Do not overload the oven tray: Each prawn must have its own space so that they cook evenly.
3. Controlling time: As we mentioned before, 10-12 minutes at 190º – 200º Celsius is ideal. Keeping an eye on the oven is key to avoiding overcooking.
4. Add a spicy touch: A pinch of ground chilli in the marinade adds an extra kick without being overwhelming.
5. Use fresh prawns: Whenever possible, fresh is best, but frozen prawns are a practical option if they are not available.

How long do you cook prawns?

Time and temperature are crucial to achieving perfect baked prawns. Too much time in the oven can result in dry, rubbery seafood, but too little time and you could end up with raw prawns.

• The ideal temperature is between 190º and 200º C so that they cook evenly and quickly, preserving all their juiciness.

As for time, some 10-12 minutes are enough to cook medium to large prawns in the oven. If the prawns are very small, the time is reduced to 8-10 minutes. The key is to observe the colour and texture: They should be pink and firm to the touch.

How to know if baked prawns are done: 3 elements

1. Color: The prawns should be bright pink. If there are still grey or translucent parts, they need more time in the oven.
2. Texture: When you press gently on the meat it should feel firm but juicy. If it is too soft, it is still raw; if it is too tough, it has been overcooked.
3. Peel: The The shell should peel off easily from the meat.If you have to struggle to remove it, it’s a sign that they need a little more cooking.

How to serve baked prawns: A festive dish

To serve this delicacy everything depends on the occasion that invites you to enjoy it. baked prawns They are a classic for Christmas and New Year’s dinners. in many Spanish families. As an appetizer it is ideal because everyone likes it and it gives a touch of sophistication to the table.

Baked prawns can be serve on a large platterdecorated with lemon slices and fresh parsley on top. It is a simple but attractive presentation. You can also present on individual plates accompanied by a small portion of the chosen garnish.

Final details for the baked Gabonese dish

To accompany the dish of baked prawns a selection of sauces such as aioli, Yogurt sauce with dill, or a mustard vinaigrette is ideal so that each diner can customize the appetizer to their taste.

For the final decorative touch A little sweet paprika sprinkled on top is always a good resource because it gives color and a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

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Baked prawns recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 kg of fresh prawns
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• Chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 100 ml of white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

How to make baked prawns in 5 steps

1. Clean the prawns with cold water and dry them with absorbent paper. Place them on a lightly oiled baking tray so that they do not stick.
2. For the marinade, Mix the minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil and white wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the marinade over the prawns, making sure they are all well coated. Leave to rest for about 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
4. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through.
5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and paprika on top and a few slices of lemon.