Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand straight to your kitchen! Our Butterflied Prawns with Nam Jim Dressing is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you to a bustling Thai market with every bite. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this stunning seafood delight, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s bursting with freshness, zesty lime, and a hint of spice—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb prawns, butterflied
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh chili, chopped
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the prawns. If they are not already butterflied, use a sharp knife to slice them along the back, removing the vein, and open them up so they lay flat. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped fresh chili. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating the Nam Jim dressing.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the butterflied prawns to the pan, laying them flat with the flesh side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Carefully flip the prawns over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, ensuring they are fully cooked but not overdone. Remove the prawns from the heat.
- To serve, arrange the cooked prawns on a serving platter. Drizzle the Nam Jim dressing generously over the prawns, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add extra chopped chili on top for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
- Serve immediately while the prawns are still warm, alongside additional lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your Butterflied Prawns with Nam Jim Dressing!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Prawns: For the best flavor, opt for fresh prawns rather than frozen. Look for prawns that are firm and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Butterflying Technique: If you're new to butterflying prawns, take your time. A sharp knife is essential, and make sure to cut along the back without slicing all the way through to keep them intact.
- Adjust the Spice: The beauty of the Nam Jim dressing is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the amount of fresh chili to suit your heat preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Don’t Overcook: Prawns cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating enhances the flavors of the prawns and dressing, adding an extra zing.
- Pair with Sides: Consider serving these prawns with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad to balance the meal and soak up that delicious dressing.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro! It adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich flavors of the prawns beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
