Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns dish is all about bold flavor and simplicity. It’s a vibrant seafood recipe that brings together juicy, succulent prawns with ripe mango, fresh herbs, chili and a squeeze of lime. Think tropical, zesty and just the right amount of heat.
It’s not overly saucy or complicated. Instead, it’s light, clean and super refreshing. something you could serve at a barbecue, a casual dinner or even prep ahead for a picnic.
The real magic? It’s the way the sweetness of the mango balances out the smoky char on the prawns and the tang of lime. And like most of Jamie’s dishes, it’s about letting good ingredients shine without overdoing it.
Jamie Oliver Mango Prawns Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is that the ingredients are pretty straightforward. But they do pack a punch.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Raw king prawns (peeled, tails left on if you like that presentation)
- 1 ripe mango (firm but sweet-ideally slightly soft to the touch)
- 1 fresh red chili (deseeded if you want less heat)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- Fresh coriander (a small bunch)
- Lime (juice and zest)
- Olive oil (extra virgin for finishing, regular for cooking)
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Optional: a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce for umami
That’s it. Fresh, simple and flavorful. Make sure your mango is properly ripe. no green underripe stuff. It needs to be soft, juicy and fragrant.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy which is great. Here’s the basic kit:
- Non-stick frying pan or grill pan (or an outdoor grill if you’re feeling summery)
- Sharp knife (for slicing mango and chili)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs (for flipping the prawns)
- Microplane or zester (for that lime zest magic)
If you’re serving this as part of a meal, have some warmed tortillas, rice or salad ready. This dish plays nicely with all three.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns
Alright, here’s where the action happens.
1. Prep The Mango And Chili
Peel and slice your mango into thin strips or cubes. Finely slice your chili. Don’t rush this step. you want clean cuts so everything looks good on the plate.
2. Marinate The Prawns
In a bowl, toss the prawns with some olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chili, lime zest and a bit of sea salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives them a chance to soak up the flavor.
3. Sear The Prawns
Get your pan nice and hot. Sear the prawns for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re pink, slightly charred and curled. Don’t overcook-prawns turn rubbery fast.
4. Toss It All Together
Remove the prawns from the heat. Toss them with the mango, a handful of chopped coriander, a squeeze of lime juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust. Maybe more chili? More lime? Trust your tongue.
5. Serve Immediately
You can plate this up fancy on a bed of salad leaves or just toss it onto a platter, family-style. Add lime wedges on the side and maybe a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
What I Learnt
Cooking this dish taught me a few key things:
- Balance is everything. The sweetness of the mango and the heat from the chili need to play off each other, not fight. Adjusting lime juice or salt can bring it all together.
- Don’t overcomplicate seafood. Prawns are quick-cooking and don’t need a heavy sauce. A light touch goes a long way.
- Prep makes it smooth. Having everything chopped and ready before you turn on the heat makes this dish super stress-free.
- Trust your instincts. Jamie’s recipes are great as guides but your tastebuds will tell you when it’s right. More heat? More herbs? Go for it.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns
Jamie’s mango prawns are packed with tropical flair-sweet mango, spicy chili, juicy prawns. But hey, recipes aren’t set in stone. Here’s how you can riff on it, depending on what you like. or what’s lurking in your fridge.
1. Dial the Heat Up or Down
Jamie usually uses fresh red chili. Want it milder? Try just a pinch of chili flakes or skip the seeds. Craving a fire-kick? Go for bird’s eye chilies or add a spoon of chili oil right at the end.
2. Swap Out the Fruit
No mango? No problem. Ripe peach, papaya or even grilled pineapple will do the job. You’re after that sweet-juicy balance to play off the prawns.
3. Add Crunch
Try thinly sliced red onions or a handful of toasted cashews. Even shredded cabbage or cucumber ribbons bring a fresh snap that’s surprisingly good with the sauce.
4. Herb It Up
Jamie loves herbs. If you only have mint or parsley, go for it. But try Thai basil or coriander (cilantro) if you want that fragrant, South Asian vibe. A squeeze of lime juice over the top seals the deal.
5. Sauce Tweaks
The usual mango-prawn sauce is a mix of lime, chili and maybe a splash of soy. For something richer, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk. Want tang? Add a bit of tamarind paste or rice vinegar.
6. Make It a Meal
Turn it into a full dinner by tossing the prawns and sauce with rice noodles or spooning it over jasmine rice. It also makes an epic taco filling with a little slaw.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Mango prawns are best fresh, no doubt. but that doesn’t mean leftovers go to waste.
Fridge Storage (1-2 Days Max)
Let the prawns cool completely before stashing. Airtight container. Fridge. Done. Eat within 48 hours. Seafood can turn quickly, so don’t risk it.
Reheating Without Ruining
Prawns hate overcooking. To warm them gently, pop them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or stock to loosen up the sauce. Microwave? Sure but keep it short-30-second bursts and stir. Nobody likes rubbery prawns.
Freezing: A Maybe
Cooked prawns can freeze but mango? Not great. The fruit turns mushy. If you must freeze, do it without the mango chunks. just the prawns and sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss in fresh mango when reheating.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
This dish screams for sides that are light, bright and maybe a bit starchy to soak up the sauce.
1. Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice
Obvious? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. That slightly sticky texture catches every bit of sweet-spicy sauce.
2. Rice Noodles or Vermicelli
Toss the prawns straight into a bed of warm noodles with a squeeze of lime. Add chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for a Thai-inspired twist.
3. Crisp Salad with an Acid Kick
Think shaved fennel, radish, cucumber and a lime vinaigrette. You want something sharp to balance the sweet mango.
4. Grilled Veggies
Zucchini, red peppers, even corn. Char them on a grill pan and serve on the side. Their smoky flavor plays well with tropical prawns.
5. Warm Flatbreads or Tortillas
Not traditional but great for scooping everything up. Build-your-own mango prawn wraps? Yes, please.
6. A Cold Beer or a Zesty White Wine
Okay, not food but it matters. Try a lager, a wheat beer or a chilled sauvignon blanc. Something citrusy to echo the dish’s brightness.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe?
You’ll need prawns, mango, lime, garlic, chili, fresh coriander, and some olive oil.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
It should only take around 20 minutes-quick and easy!
Can I Use Frozen Prawns For Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe?
Yes, frozen prawns work fine. Just make sure to defrost them properly before cooking.
