Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns Recipe

Jamie Oliver garlic prawns are quick, vibrant, and packed with bold flavour. Juicy prawns are cooked briefly in olive oil with garlic, chilli, and lemon, creating a dish that feels fresh yet indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients, treated well, can deliver restaurant-level results at home.

This dish is perfect as a starter, a light main, or even as part of a sharing table. Because the cooking time is short, everything depends on timing, heat control, and balance.

Why These Garlic Prawns Work So Well

The beauty of this recipe lies in restraint. Prawns cook fast and absorb flavour easily, so garlic and chilli are added gently to avoid bitterness. Lemon lifts the richness, while olive oil carries the flavours without overpowering the seafood.

This confident, ingredient-led approach reflects the everyday Mediterranean cooking style often associated with Jamie Oliver, where freshness and simplicity do most of the work.

What Are Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns?

Jamie Oliver’s garlic prawns are a fast pan-fried seafood dish made with prawns, garlic, olive oil, and simple seasonings.

They’re lightly cooked to stay juicy, then finished with citrus and herbs for a clean, punchy flavour that doesn’t hide the natural sweetness of the prawns.

Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns Ingredients List

• Raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, finely sliced
• Red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• Lemon zest and juice
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

Pat the prawns dry with kitchen paper. This helps them sear rather than steam, giving better texture and flavour once they hit the pan.

Step 2: Heat the Oil Gently

Heat olive oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be warm, not smoking, so the garlic cooks gently without burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chilli

Add the sliced garlic and chilli to the pan. Cook briefly until fragrant, stirring constantly. This step releases aroma while keeping the garlic pale and sweet.

Step 4: Cook the Prawns

Add the prawns in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Remove the pan from the heat. Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice, tossing the prawns so they’re lightly coated. This brightens the dish and balances the oil and garlic.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper, then scatter over fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Similar recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Mediterranean Chicken Stew
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sticky Chicken
• Jamie Oliver Sicilian Chicken

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns

• Overcooking the prawns, making them rubbery
• Burning the garlic, which causes bitterness
• Adding lemon too early dulls its freshness
• Using low-quality prawns, which lack sweetness

Delicious Ways to Serve Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns

• With crusty bread – Ideal for soaking up the garlicky oil
• Over pasta – Turns it into a light main
• With rice – Keeps the dish simple and balanced
• As a tapas-style starter – Perfect for sharing

Expert Tips to Get These Jamie Oliver Garlic Prawns Just Right

• Use raw prawns, not pre-cooked
• Keep the heat moderate
• Cook in batches if needed
• Finish with lemon off the heat

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Garlic Prawns

• Add smoked paprika for warmth
• Finish with butter for richness
• Add fresh herbs like basil or coriander

Best Way to Store Garlic Prawns Leftovers

Garlic prawns are best eaten fresh. If needed, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.

Best Ways to Reheat Garlic Prawns

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat for a short time. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the prawns and toughen them.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~290 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~3 g
Protein: ~26 g
Fat: ~18 g

FAQs

How do I stop garlic prawns from becoming rubbery?

Prawns cook very quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove the pan from the heat immediately.

Can I use frozen prawns for garlic prawns?

Yes, frozen prawns work well if fully thawed and dried before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them sear properly and prevents the pan from steaming.

Should I cook garlic before or after adding prawns?

Garlic should be cooked first over gentle heat until fragrant. This allows it to release flavour without burning, which would make the dish bitter.

Can I make Jamie Oliver garlic prawns ahead of time?

Garlic prawns are best served fresh. They can be stored briefly in the fridge, but reheating may affect texture, so it’s best to cook and serve immediately.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s garlic prawns are proof that speed and simplicity don’t mean sacrificing flavour. Fresh, garlicky, and perfectly cooked, this dish delivers bold taste in minutes and earns its place as a reliable go-to for quick, satisfying meals.

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