I absolutely love sharing this Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels both vibrant and comforting at the same time. The prawns come out tender and perfectly cooked, while the spicy tomato sauce adds just the right amount of heat and tang to keep your taste buds dancing. It’s quick to make and packed with fresh flavors that remind me of lively coastal dinners with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to whenever you want something impressive yet uncomplicated.
Why You’ll Love This Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
From the very first bite, I’m captivated by the bold mix of flavors in this dish. The sweetness of ripe tomato and the sharp zest of lemongrass blend seamlessly with the gentle heat from fresh chili and the earthiness of ginger. It’s a gorgeous balance that makes each mouthful exciting without overwhelming your palate. The prawns soak up the sauce beautifully, creating a harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory that’s incredibly satisfying.
Another reason I adore this recipe is how fast and straightforward it is. You basically toss a few vibrant ingredients into a blender to create your sauce, then fry the prawns, and cook everything together for just a few minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a spontaneous dinner with friends, I always find this recipe easy to pull off without fuss. Plus, it feels fancy enough for special occasions or relaxed enough to enjoy any day, which makes it super versatile and a definite crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of the ingredients is what really shines in this recipe. Each one plays an essential role: the fresh tomato and tomato paste give body and color, the chili and ginger bring warmth and depth, and the lemongrass adds a fragrant twist that makes this dish unique. I love how this short list of ingredients comes together in such a powerful way.
- 500 g raw shell-on prawns: Freshness matters, peel and devein them for the best texture and taste.
- 1 tomato: Chopped into four pieces, it adds natural sweetness and balances the spice.
- 1/2 onion: Provides a mild, savory base to the sauce when blended smooth.
- 1 chilli: Adjust the heat to your liking; it’s the kick that brings the sauce alive.
- 1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass: Offers a bright, citrusy note to elevate the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the chili.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 pinch salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 3 tablespoons oil: For frying the prawns and cooking the sauce, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Directions
Step 1: Start by adding the chopped onion, chilli, tomato, tomato paste, lemongrass, ginger, salt, and sugar into the blender container. Blend everything until you get a smooth, vibrant sauce that’s ready to sizzle in the pan.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined prawns, frying them for about 1 minute on each side. You want them nicely cooked through but still tender. Once done, remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside—don’t overcook them or they’ll get rubbery!
Step 3: In the same pan with the leftover oil, pour in the blended sauce. Let it cook on medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce reduces by half, which should take about 5 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Stir the cooked prawns back into the reduced sauce, turn off the heat, and give everything a gentle toss until the prawns are coated with the spicy tomato goodness. At this point, the dish is ready to serve piping hot.
Servings and Timing
This Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe serves 2 people perfectly. The prep time is just around 5 minutes since most ingredients require simple chopping and blending, while the cooking time is approximately 10 minutes, totaling 15 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time needed, so you can dive straight into enjoying it as soon as it’s ready.
How to Serve This Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
I love serving this dish hot and fresh right off the stove. One of my favorite accompaniments is a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or even a warm crusty baguette to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, some garlic sautéed greens or a crisp side salad perfectly balance the bold flavors without overpowering them.
When it comes to presentation, I like to sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add a touch of green freshness and a pop of color. A wedge of lime on the side also offers a zesty lift that brightens the whole dish just before eating. If you want to impress guests, try plating the prawns nestled over rice with the sauce spooned over and garnished thoughtfully—it’s simple but looks stunning.
As for drinks, I’m a fan of pairing this with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy cocktail such as a classic mojito. Non-alcoholic lovers will appreciate a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a mild ginger ale to complement the spicy kick. This recipe shines at casual dinners, date nights, or even festive gatherings where you want a dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Variations
I often like to tweak this Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe depending on the mood or what’s available in my kitchen. If you want to switch things up, try using king prawns or even scallops as the main seafood. These swap-ins work beautifully with the sauce and add their own texture and flavor.
For those looking for dietary modifications, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by replacing the prawns with king oyster mushrooms or tofu cubes, which soak up the spicy tomato sauce wonderfully. Just keep cooking times short to maintain their texture.
If you enjoy more complex flavor layers, adding a splash of coconut milk as you reduce the sauce provides a creamy twist that mellows the spice and adds richness. Alternatively, roasting the tomatoes and onion first before blending intensifies the sauce’s sweetness and depth, which is something I like to try when I want a more smoky note to the dish.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container to keep the prawns and sauce fresh. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long to maintain food safety and quality.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of prawns can become slightly rubbery after freezing. To freeze, place the prawns and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is slowly over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to warm the sauce evenly and keep the prawns juicy. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can toughen quickly. If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen prawns work well too—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can affect the sauce’s consistency.
How spicy is this Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is moderate due to the fresh chili, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by using fewer chilies or choosing a milder variety. For more heat, add extra chili or even a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while cooking.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be blended a few hours ahead or even the day before to save time. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking and combining with the prawns.
What do I do if I don’t have lemongrass?
If lemongrass isn’t available, you can substitute with a small amount of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for a similar citrusy brightness. It won’t be exactly the same but will keep the fresh flavor profile intact.
Is it necessary to keep the prawn shells on during cooking?
Cooking prawns shell-on adds extra flavor and helps keep the prawns juicy, but since this recipe calls for peeled and deveined prawns, you can use them without shells for easier eating and quicker cooking.
Conclusion
I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this Prawns with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings a joyful burst of brightness to your table effortlessly. Give it a try and let the delicious, spicy sauce and perfectly cooked prawns charm your senses each time.
