
Table of Contents
🦐 Fresh Seafood Appetizer: Grilled Prawn Scampi with Savory Tomato Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Seafood
Course: Appetizer / Starter
🧂 Ingredients:
🔹 For the Grilled Prawns:
- 500g large prawns (peeled, deveined, tail-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
🔹 For the Savory Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 400g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
- In a bowl, mix prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
✅ Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside and keep warm.
✅ Step 3: Grill the Prawns
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
- Grill the prawns for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
✅ Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon a layer of warm tomato sauce on a serving plate.
- Arrange the grilled prawns on top or serve them skewered.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with toasted garlic bread, crostini, or a light salad.
- Best enjoyed with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or lemon-mint soda.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t overcook the prawns—they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce for a richer depth of flavor.
- You can also add a dash of butter to the sauce for a silkier finish.
Try this today also:
Pancakes with Warm Caramel Syrup

