Spicy Garlic-roasted Prawns Recipe

Name: Mama Stortini's Restaurant & Bars Spicy Garlic-roasted Prawns Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb large raw prawns (peeled, tails on); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs lemon zest; 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbs Calabrian chili paste (or finely chopped Calabrian chilies in oil); 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced); 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 4 tbs unsalted butter (softened); 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 tsp lemon juice; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 4 each lemon wedges; 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (torn); 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Inspired by Mama Stortini's Restaurant & Bar

Time30m

Serves4

oven-roasted with calabrian chili and basil-garlic butter

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Ingredients

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Prawns

1 lb large raw prawns (peeled, tails on)

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbs Lemon zest

Calabrian chili-garlic oil

2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbs Calabrian chili paste (or finely chopped Calabrian chilies in oil)

3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 tsp Smoked paprika

Basil-garlic butter

4 tbs unsalted butter (softened)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)

2 cloves garlic (finely minced)

1 tsp ReaLemon lemon juice

1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Finishing & garnish

4 each lemon wedges

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

Prawns

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly oil it.

If prawns are not cleaned, remove shells leaving tails intact and devein. Pat prawns very dry with paper towels (this helps them roast rather than steam).

Place the prawns in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Sprinkle the 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1 tablespoon lemon zest evenly over the prawns; toss gently to coat.

Calabrian chili-garlic oil

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Calabrian chili paste, 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Stir to make a uniform oil.

Spoon or brush the chili-garlic oil evenly over the prawns so each piece gets a thin coating. Reserve any remaining oil for drizzling after roasting.

Roasting

Roast

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 6–8 minutes, until the prawns are opaque, pink and just cooked through. Cooking time depends on prawn size—avoid overcooking. If desired, turn the broiler on high for 1 minute at the end to lightly char edges.

Basil-garlic butter

While the prawns roast, mix 4 tbsp softened butter, 1/4 cup finely chopped basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and combined.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, microwave the butter mixture for 10–15 seconds or place in a warm spot to become pourable before using.

Finishing & serve

When prawns are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately spoon the basil-garlic butter over the hot prawns so it melts and coats them. Drizzle any reserved Calabrian oil over the top for extra heat and color.

Scatter torn basil leaves and, if using, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes over the prawns. Serve with lemon wedges alongside for squeezing.

Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with crusty bread, steamed rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.