I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns. I was at a small dinner party, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. The sweet aroma of mango filled the room while the prawns sizzled on the stove. I couldn’t believe how something so simple could feel like a gourmet dish. That night taught me that cooking isn’t just about following recipes-it’s about creating experiences.
- This recipe combines tropical sweetness with ocean-fresh prawns
- It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for impressing guests
- Even if you’re not a professional chef, it’s surprisingly easy to make
Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe
The moment I pulled the prawns from the skillet, I knew this was a dish worth sharing. Jamie Oliver’s style always blends bold flavors with simplicity. His Mango Prawns recipe is a perfect example.
- Sweet mangoes complement the natural brininess of prawns
- Garlic, chili, and lime add layers of complexity
- Minimal prep time but maximum impact on taste
This dish is both a weeknight treat and a dinner party showstopper.
Ingredients Needed
I remember walking through the market, picking out the juiciest mangoes and the freshest prawns I could find. Selecting the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 400g fresh raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 ripe mango, diced into small chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 fresh red chili, deseeded and sliced thin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro tip: Fresh, high-quality ingredients bring out the best flavors. Frozen or pre-packaged items can work but might lose that vibrant taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns
The first time I made these prawns, I was nervous about overcooking them. But following Jamie’s approach taught me patience and attention. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add garlic and chili, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Toss in the prawns, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque
- Add diced mango and lime juice, stirring gently to combine
- Season with salt and pepper
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving
- Cooking prawns is quick, so keep your eye on the skillet
- Mango should be soft but not mushy for the perfect bite
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When I first read about the chemistry behind this dish, it blew my mind. Cooking is science as much as art.
- Prawns: High protein content means they cook quickly and firm up fast
- Mango: Contains natural enzymes that slightly tenderize the prawns while adding sweetness
- Garlic & Chili: Allicin in garlic has antibacterial properties; capsaicin in chili triggers your taste buds and metabolism
- Lime Juice: Acid balances the sweetness of mango and brightens flavors
Understanding why these ingredients work together makes you a smarter cook, not just someone following instructions.
Expert Tips
I’ve made these prawns countless times. Here are tips that make the dish even better:
- Marinate prawns for 10 minutes in a little lime juice for extra flavor
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking
- Avoid overcooking the mango-it should soften, not melt
- Fresh coriander at the end preserves aroma and color
- You can prepare ingredients ahead, but cook prawns last to maintain texture
Recipe Variations
One night, I decided to experiment and discovered how versatile this recipe can be:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne
- Tropical Twist: Mix in pineapple or papaya with mango
- Creamy Version: Stir in coconut milk for a rich sauce
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles instead of rice
- Each variation highlights different aspects of the prawns and mango, making it a fun recipe to tweak
Final Words
Every time I make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns, it brings back memories of that first dinner party. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to celebrate flavors and moments.
- Simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes
- Cooking is about enjoying the process, not just the outcome
- Share this dish with friends or family to make it even more special
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
You need prawns, mango, lime, coriander, garlic, chili, and olive oil for Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Ahead Of Time?
It’s best to cook them fresh, but you can prep the mango and marinate the prawns in advance for better flavor.