How to Cook Oven-Baked Prawns with Garlic Chili Sauce

Cooking prawns in the oven with a delicious garlic chili sauce is an easy and flavorful way to prepare this seafood dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Prawns:
  • 1 pound (450 grams) of large prawns, peeled and deveined
• Garlic Chili Sauce:
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a cohesive sauce.
3. Prepare the Prawns:
   • Place the peeled and deveined prawns in a large bowl.
   • Pour the garlic chili sauce over the prawns and toss to coat them evenly. Let the prawns marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Arrange the Prawns:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
   • Arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
5. Bake the Prawns:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake the prawns for 8-10 minutes or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become tough and rubbery.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the prawns from the oven.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
   • Serve the prawns hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips:

• Adjust Spiciness:
  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Marinating Time:
  • Allowing the prawns to marinate for a longer time can enhance the flavors even more. If you have the time, marinate them for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve the oven-baked prawns with garlic chili sauce over a bed of rice, alongside a fresh salad, or as part of a seafood platter.

Conclusion

Oven-baked prawns with garlic chili sauce is a simple yet delicious recipe that can be prepared quickly and easily. With the perfect balance of garlic, spice, and sweetness, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy the flavorful prawns as a main course or an appetizer for any occasion.