Are you looking for a dish that’s easy to make yet bursting with flavor? Look no further than Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta! This delightful Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines tender prawns, tangy lemon, and creamy feta for a meal that’s both fresh and comforting. Perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Introduction to Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta
Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta is more than just a seafood dish; it’s a fusion of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that come together effortlessly. With the zesty kick of lemon, the saltiness of feta, and the succulent prawns, this dish feels like a taste of summer no matter the season. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick weeknight meal, this dish will have you covered.
Overview of the Dish
Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that features juicy prawns baked in a savory sauce made from lemon, garlic, feta, and olive oil. The prawns soak up the delicious flavors while keeping their natural sweetness. The dish is often served with fresh herbs, adding a final burst of fragrance and color.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. It’s not just about the prawns; it’s about all the ingredients that work together to create a burst of flavor in every bite. If you love Mediterranean seafood, this is the recipe to try!
Appeal and Popularity
It’s no surprise that Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta has gained popularity in recent years. Its quick preparation, fresh ingredients, and balanced flavors make it a favorite among home cooks and foodies alike. Plus, it’s perfect for those following a healthier diet or those who love fresh seafood. The dish’s appeal is in its simplicity—without being overly complicated, it packs a punch of flavor that’s sure to leave you coming back for more.
For those looking for similar Greek-inspired recipes, you can explore Greek-style garlicky shrimp with feta, which also highlights the Mediterranean flavors of feta and shrimp. This type of dish is ideal for anyone craving a light, fresh meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s move on to the ingredients and preparation that make this dish come to life!
Ingredients and Preparation
Now that you’ve got an idea of how tasty this dish is, let’s look at the ingredients and how to put it all together. Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta is simple, fresh, and comes together in just a few easy steps.
Essential Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll be working with:
- Prawns: Choose fresh or frozen prawns. If using frozen, just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Lemon: The bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon adds a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the prawns.
- Feta Cheese: This creamy, salty cheese is the star of the dish. It melts beautifully over the prawns.
- Garlic: Minced garlic will infuse the prawns with rich flavor.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps bring everything together and adds a smooth texture.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor and color.
- Spices: You’ll need a bit of black pepper, salt, and optional chili flakes for a little heat.
These are the basics, but don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste. Maybe add some tomatoes or olives if you’re feeling adventurous!
Preparation Steps
Now, let’s talk about how to put it all together.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the prawns: Peel and devein the prawns, if needed. Pat them dry to ensure they bake perfectly.
- Mix the flavors: In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re well-coated.
- Layer the dish: Arrange the prawns in a baking dish. Crumble the feta cheese over the top. Add some lemon slices on top of the prawns for extra zing.
- Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
That’s it! You’ve got a delicious, flavorful dish ready to enjoy in no time. If you’re looking for a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal, this one’s a winner.
Ready to experiment with new flavors? Keep reading to discover how you can customize this dish to suit your taste.
Variations and Customizations
If you want to add your own twist to this dish, there are plenty of ways to customize it. You can tweak the recipe to match your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Flavor Enhancements
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can always add more flavor! Here are some simple ways to jazz it up:
- Add chili flakes: Want a little heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes over the prawns before baking.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can give the dish a more earthy flavor. You can also try adding a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
- Tomatoes: A handful of halved cherry tomatoes adds a juicy, sweet element to the dish. Just toss them in with the prawns before baking.
- Olives: For a salty kick, add a few green or black olives. They pair well with the feta and lemon.
These little additions can make the dish even more exciting. Feel free to get creative!
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re following a specific diet, don’t worry! This dish can easily be adapted.
- Dairy-free: Use a vegan feta cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. There are some great plant-based options out there that melt just like the real thing.
- Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be careful with any sides you serve to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
- Low-carb: Skip the bread and serve with a fresh salad or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their dietary preferences.
Now that we’ve covered how to tweak the recipe, let’s move on to how to serve and present this beautiful dish!
Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Fresh prawns, zesty lemon, and creamy feta come together in this Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 oz (85g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper (and chili flakes if desired). Ensure prawns are well coated.
- Arrange the seasoned prawns in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Crumble feta cheese evenly over the prawns. Lay lemon slices on top for added flavor.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until prawns turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Do Not Overcook the Prawns: Keep an eye on the prawns while baking; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready!
- Pat the Prawns Dry: Whether using fresh or thawed prawns, ensure they’re completely dry before seasoning. This helps them absorb flavors and bake evenly.
- Customize for Extra Flavor: Add cherry tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist, or sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min