Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawns Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns is a simple yet delightful recipe that focuses on keeping things quick, tasty and straightforward. As the name suggests, it uses only five key ingredients. This dish is all about letting the natural flavors of the prawns shine through without overcomplicating the preparation. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something easy but packed with flavor. The recipe delivers a balance of freshness, spice and a touch of sophistication. It’s fast – ready in under 20 minutes which is always a bonus.

Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawns Recipe

Ingredients Needed

1. Prawns: The star of the show, you’ll need raw, peeled prawns. Opt for large ones if you want more bite and flavor. If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them first.
2. Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, finely sliced, to bring in that aromatic richness. Garlic pairs beautifully with seafood, adding depth without overpowering the delicate prawns.
3. Lemon: Fresh lemon, both zest and juice, adds a tangy kick and brings out the freshness in the prawns. The zest gives it that extra burst of citrusy aroma.
4. Chili: A fresh red chili or two to bring a bit of heat. The amount can be adjusted based on how spicy you want the dish to be but even a little chili goes a long way in elevating the flavors.
5. Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil, to sauté the prawns and infuse the dish with richness. It’s used to give a bit of texture to the cooking process and make everything come together.

Equipment Needed

• Frying Pan: A large frying pan or skillet is ideal for quickly sautéing the prawns. A non-stick one will work best for ease of cooking and cleaning.
• Knife: A sharp knife to finely slice the garlic and chili.
• Zester: If you don’t have a zester, a grater will do for getting that lemon zest.
• Lemon Squeezer (optional): If you’re after a precise squeeze of lemon juice, this can come in handy.
• Tongs or Wooden Spoon: To toss and turn the prawns as they cook.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and de-veining your prawns. If they’re frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and pat them dry. Slice the garlic thinly, chop the chili into small rings and zest the lemon, keeping both the zest and juice separate. You’ll want to have everything ready to go since the dish comes together quickly.
2. Heat the Pan: Put your frying pan on medium-high heat and add a generous glug of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the garlic slices. Let them cook for about 30 seconds or until they become fragrant but not burnt.
3. Add the Chili and Prawns: After the garlic, add the chili rings and give it a quick stir. Immediately follow up with the prawns. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side without stirring. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Once the prawns are cooked, sprinkle the lemon zest over them and squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss everything together, making sure the prawns are coated in the garlic, chili and lemony goodness.
5. Serve: Serve the prawns hot, either on their own or with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful oil. A sprinkle of extra lemon juice or zest can take it over the top.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns taught me that less is often more when it comes to cooking. Using only five ingredients forces you to focus on the quality of each one and if chosen well, they can create an incredibly flavorful dish. I also learned how powerful garlic and lemon can be when paired with seafood. They don’t dominate the prawns but instead complement and enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the seafood. The chili adds a subtle heat which keeps the dish exciting without being overwhelming. The whole thing is surprisingly easy to make, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns is a super simple yet flavorful dish that hits all the right spots. But there’s always room to put your own spin on it. If you want to tweak this recipe to make it more your style, there are several things you can do:

1. Spice It Up: Jamie’s original recipe has a nice balance of flavors with just garlic, prawns, lemon, chili and olive oil. But if you’re a fan of heat, toss in some extra chili flakes or fresh bird’s eye chili. For those who like a smoky touch, a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder would be a great addition.
2. Herbs for Freshness: While Jamie keeps it simple with just lemon zest and juice, you can elevate the dish by adding fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or basil for extra layers of flavor. A little mint could also complement the prawns beautifully, especially if you’re pairing it with a refreshing side salad.
3. Creamy Twist: Want something richer? Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk or a dollop of cream towards the end of cooking. This will add a luxurious, silky texture that balances out the heat from the chili and the tanginess of the lemon.
4. Swap the Prawns: If you’re not a fan of prawns, you can replace them with other seafood like scallops, squid or even white fish fillets. For a vegetarian option, try using roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini. something that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
5. Add a Crunch: After serving, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts (like almonds or pine nuts) on top. It adds a satisfying crunch and makes the dish feel more substantial.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns are a treat but they do need some careful handling to keep their flavors intact.

1. Fridge Storage: If you have leftover prawns, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure they are cooled down to room temperature before sealing them in. They’ll last for up to two days. Beyond that, the prawns can start to lose their texture and flavor.
2. Freezing: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the prawns if you absolutely need to keep them longer. Place the prawns in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air to avoid freezer burn. However, be mindful that freezing prawns can sometimes affect their texture, so it’s best to consume them within 1-2 months.
3. Reheating: When reheating, don’t overdo it! Prawns cook quickly and reheating them too long will make them tough and rubbery. Heat them on a low flame in a skillet with a touch of olive oil for a minute or two. If you’re using the microwave, go low and slow. Cover them with a damp paper towel and heat for 20-30 seconds at a time, checking to see if they’re warm enough.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns?

When it comes to pairing sides with this dish, the goal is to balance the richness of the prawns with something light and refreshing or something that complements their bold flavors.

1. Rice or Couscous: The prawns work beautifully with a side of fluffy rice or couscous. A simple lemon-infused rice or a garlicky couscous can soak up all the delicious juices. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try a wild rice blend with herbs or some turmeric-spiced couscous.
2. Fresh Salad: A crisp salad adds brightness to this dish. A cucumber and avocado salad with a lemony dressing would be a perfect choice. Alternatively, a tomato and red onion salad with a dash of balsamic vinegar can really bring out the prawn’s sweetness.
3. Garlic Bread: If you want a comforting side, nothing beats a piece of warm, buttery garlic bread. The crispy, garlicky crunch will complement the prawns nicely and help scoop up all that flavorful sauce.
4. Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes or green beans add a lovely earthy element. If you’re aiming for a Mediterranean vibe, roasted eggplant or zucchini can be a perfect match.
5. Pasta: For a more filling option, toss the prawns with some pasta. A spaghetti aglio e olio with a dash of chili flakes and olive oil would carry over the theme of the recipe without overpowering the prawns. Or, go for a creamy pasta to contrast the lightness of the prawns.

FAQs

What Are The Five Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns Recipe?

The five ingredients are prawns, garlic, fresh chili, lemon, and olive oil.

Can I Use Frozen Prawns For This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Prawns?

It takes around 10-15 minutes to cook the prawns, depending on their size.