Lemon Garlic Baked Prawns with Fresh Parsley

Baked Prawns Recipe (Gamberoni al Forno)

Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

When you’re in the mood for something simple yet elegant, these Baked Prawns are the perfect choice. Infused with the zesty flavor of lemon, the earthiness of fresh parsley, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Prawns:
   Begin by cleaning the prawns. Start by gently detaching the legs from each prawn. Next, peel off the shell, which is the hard, outer armor of the prawn, but be careful not to remove the head and tail as they add a nice touch of decoration. Once the shell is removed, carefully make a shallow incision along the back of the prawn using a small knife, revealing the dark vein inside (this is the prawn’s intestine). Remove it delicately using the edge of the knife or a toothpick. Rinse the prawns under cold water to remove any residual impurities.

2. Prepare the Lemon-Parsley Dressing:
   Wash the fresh parsley thoroughly and finely chop it. The fresher the parsley, the better the flavor it will impart to your prawns. In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with the finely chopped parsley. Add the extra virgin olive oil, mixing everything together until well combined. Season with a pinch of fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This zesty, fragrant dressing will be the key to bringing your prawns to life.

3. Marinate the Prawns:
   Place the cleaned prawns in a shallow dish and pour the prepared lemon-parsley dressing over them. Toss the prawns gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let the prawns sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. This marination process is quick, so don’t let them sit for too long.

4. Prepare the Baking Tray:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, line a baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent the prawns from sticking. Arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer on the tray, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. This allows them to cook evenly and become beautifully tender.

5. Bake the Prawns:
   Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the prawns are pink, opaque, and cooked through. You’ll know they are done when they curl up slightly and turn a vibrant pink color. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become tough if baked for too long.

6. Serving:
   Once the prawns are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. These prawns make a perfect main dish or can be served as part of a seafood platter at a special gathering. Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine for a truly delightful experience!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

This simple Baked Prawns recipe is a perfect example of how fresh ingredients and minimal preparation can come together to create a delicious, flavorful dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these prawns will surely impress with their elegance and taste. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for those days when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

For an added twist, consider serving these prawns with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even a light pasta for a full meal. The versatility of this dish makes it adaptable to many different sides and sauces, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing seafood dish, reach for this easy and tasty Baked Prawns recipe – you’ll be glad you did!