Everything you need to know about cooking spot prawns

**2021 update: Thanks for finding our blog – how to cook spot prawns hasn’t changed since 2011, but some of the Steveston spot prawn info has, so here is a link to our 2021 Spot Prawn Season update.**

Today was the first opportunity I had to buy spot prawns off the boat, since the season began early May. Lasting only 6 to 8 weeks, the season is very short, so remember to buy them when you have the chance.

Muriel, seller of spot prawns at Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf, provided me with information that will undoubtedly aid the prawn cooking experience. Straight from the boat, here is Muriel’s advice:

Everything you need to know about cooking spot prawns.

DO NOT OVER COOK. It is better to under cook than over cook. The prawns continue to cook in the shells.

TO THAW: Put them in a colander In the sink and run COLD water over the prawns.They will thaw really quickly and you can cook them right away.

TO BOIL: You can put them in boiling water and boil in the shells. Only boil for  2 minutes, then run cold water over to stop the cooking process.

BBQ: Place thawed prawns in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and crushed garlic. Skewer and BBQ. They are really good if you peel them and marinate with olive oil and garlic (you only have to marinate a few minutes or they can marinate for one to two hours) BBQ for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. REMEMBER, DO NOT OVER COOK!

STIR FRY: Saute prawns in melted butter and crushed garlic and a pinch of  sea salt, with or without the shells.

SIZZLING PRAWNS Recipe:

  • 1 ½ lbs. Prawns,  peeled
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ tsp. Hot pepper flakes, optional
  • ¼ tsp. Salt
  • 2/3 cups extra-virgin olive
  • l tbsp. Finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 F. Spread prawns in a single layer in baking dish.Sprinkle prawns evenly with garlic, pepper flakes, salt and oil. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 12minutes, stir once. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Serve with French Bread for mopping  up the flavourful oil.

NOTE: It is really hard to peel fresh prawns, it is really easy to peel them once they have been frozen or cooked.

PRAWNS ARE GREAT TO HAVE ON HAND IN THE FREEZER FOR UNEXPECTED COMPANY OR A QUICK, DELICIOUS, HEALTHY DINNER.