Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef - but can be easily prepared in your own kitchen. This Sautéed Prawns with Fried Leeks in Prawn Carrot Sauce is not just a meal, it's an experience that combines delicate seafood, caramelized vegetables, and a sauce that will have you scraping your plate clean. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 12 prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Peel and devein the prawns if not already done. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the leek thinly, ensuring to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit. Grate the carrot using a box grater or food processor.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced leeks. Sauté the leeks for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the leeks from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the grated carrot to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the prawns to the skillet with the carrot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the prawns for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the prawns are cooked, return the sautéed leeks to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through for another minute.
- To serve, plate the sautéed prawns and leeks, drizzling any remaining prawn and carrot sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with additional salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious sautéed prawns with fried leeks!
Tips
- Always pat prawns dry before cooking to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming
- Use medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden color on prawns without overcooking
- Don't walk away from the skillet - prawns cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked
- Fresh ingredients make a huge difference, so choose high-quality, fresh prawns and crisp leeks
- Season gradually and taste as you go to build layers of flavor
- If you want extra richness, add a small pat of butter at the end of cooking for a silky finish
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 150mg