Smoked Paprika Prawn Skewers Recipe
Introduction
These smoked paprika prawn skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. The smoky spice combined with fresh lemon and herbs makes for a mouthwatering treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 12 large raw prawns
- ½ tbsp smoked Spanish paprika (sweet or hot, whichever you prefer)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- Couple of oregano sprigs, leaves finely chopped, or ½ tsp dried oregano
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, peel the prawns, leaving the tails intact, and devein them by making a small incision along the back to remove the black vein. Rinse the prawns and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, chopped garlic, toasted ground cumin, oregano, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the prawns and toss to coat well. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread one prawn onto each skewer carefully.
- Step 4: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a spacious frying pan over medium heat. Cook the prawn skewers for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are just cooked through. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use metal skewers if you prefer, they won’t require soaking and are reusable.
- For extra heat, choose hot smoked paprika or add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander for a fresh herbal twist.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat or enjoy cold in salads. Avoid overheating as prawns can become tough and rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen prawns completely before peeling, deveining, and marinating to ensure even cooking and best flavor.
What can I serve with smoked paprika prawn skewers?
They go well with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up any juices.
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Smoked Paprika Prawn Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious smoky and flavorful prawn skewers marinated in smoked Spanish paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano, and lemon, then pan-fried to juicy perfection. This quick and easy appetizer or main dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous notes, ideal for any seafood lover looking for a simple yet gourmet recipe.
Ingredients
For the Skewers and Prawns
- 12 large raw prawns
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes
For the Marinade
- ½ tbsp smoked Spanish paprika (sweet or hot, whichever you prefer)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- Couple of oregano sprigs, leaves finely chopped or ½ tsp dried oregano
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers and Prawns: Soak the wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, peel the prawns, leaving the tails intact, and devein them by making a shallow incision along the back to remove the black vein. Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with kitchen paper.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the smoked paprika, finely chopped garlic, toasted and ground cumin seeds, chopped oregano leaves, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to form a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the prepared prawns to the marinade bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat. Allow the prawns to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes so the flavors can infuse.
- Skewer the Prawns: Once marinated, thread each prawn onto the soaked wooden skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a roomy frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the prawn skewers for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly until they are just cooked through and slightly charred. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Season and Serve: Season the cooked prawns with salt to taste, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for added brightness. Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure the wooden skewers are soaked well to prevent them from burning while frying.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika according to your preferred level of heat: use sweet paprika for milder flavor or hot paprika for a spicier kick.
- Deveining the prawns is essential for removing any grit and improving texture.
- The prawns cook quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- These skewers pair well with fresh salads, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: smoked paprika prawns, prawn skewers, seafood appetizer, pan-fried prawns, easy prawn recipes, Spanish paprika seafood
