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seafood

Grilled prawn scampi with rich tomato sauce seafood delight

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Juicy grilled prawn scampi served over a flavorful, rich tomato sauce. A perfect seafood appetizer that’s elegant, zesty, and full of Mediterranean flair.
Course Main Course, seafood
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword easy seafood, fresh herbs, garlic shrimp, grill recipe, grilled prawns, medirerranean, prawn recipe, prawns, prawns recipe, scampi, seafood dinner, tomato sauce
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls (2)
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring Cup
  • Plates for Serving

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PRAWNS:

  • 800 grams large prawns fresh or thawed
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons red chilli flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1.5 lemons
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Wooden skewers soaked in water

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 tsp dried
  • 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Red chilli flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for finishing
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

STEP 1: MAKE THE SAUCE (45 minutes before serving)

  • Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in pot over medium heat
  • Add diced onion, cook 5-7 minutes until soft and golden
  • Add 4 minced garlic cloves, cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant
  • Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute
  • Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, thyme, sugar
  • Reduce heat to low, simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
  • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, chilli flakes
  • Stir in fresh basil at the end

STEP 2: PREPARE THE PRAWNS

  • Rinse prawns under cold water
  • Pat completely dry with paper towels
  • Remove digestive tract (dark line on back)
  • Mix 4 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, chilli flakes,
  • lemon zest, salt, pepper
  • Toss prawns in marinade
  • Let sit 15 minutes

STEP 3: GRILL THE PRAWNS

  • Heat grill or grill pan to HIGH heat (3-5 minute
  • Arrange prawns on hot grill
  • Cook 2-3 minutes without moving (first side)
  • Flip and cook 2-3 minutes (second side)
  • Prawns should be opaque and curled slightly
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over immediately

STEP 4: PLATE AND SERVE

  • Arrange grilled prawns on plate
  • Pour rich tomato sauce around and over prawns
  • Tear fresh basil leaves, scatter on top
  • Drizzle with good olive oil
  • Crack black pepper over it
  • Serve hot with crusty bread

KEY TIPS:

  • Dry prawns properly before grilling
  • Watch garlic—don't let it burn
  • Don't overcook prawns—5-6 minutes total
  • Use hot grill for proper char
  • Fresh herbs go in at the end
  • Good quality olive oil makes a difference

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

  • With crusty bread to soak sauce
  • Over pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
  • With white rice or jasmine rice
  • Over fresh greens as salad
  • As appetizer in small bowls
  • With fresh lemon juice on the side

STORAGE:

  • Sauce: 3-4 days in fridge | 1 month frozen
  • Prawns: Best eaten fresh, don't store cooked