I first stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns when I was looking for something fresh and exciting to prepare on a warm summer evening. I’ve always loved prawns, but pairing them with something sweet like mango? It was a game-changer. I remember the first time I made it-my kitchen smelled like a tropical vacation. The contrast of the rich, tender prawns with the zesty mango was mind-blowing. Every bite had this delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. It felt like a dish you could serve at a party or just enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine on your own. That’s what makes this recipe so amazing-it’s easy, yet feels like a treat.
Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe
This recipe from Jamie Oliver is one of those dishes that’s deceptively simple yet full of bold flavors. The key to this dish is the perfect balance of the prawns’ natural sweetness with the tropical fruitiness of mango. Jamie’s signature flair shines through in how he layers the ingredients, and that’s what makes it stand out. It’s vibrant, packed with textures, and the kind of dish that doesn’t need any fancy kitchen equipment. Just fresh ingredients and a little love.
I’ve made this more times than I can count. Sometimes I stick to the original recipe, but there are days when I like to tweak things. Still, I always come back to the core combination of mango, prawns, and the zest of lime-it just works.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s all about fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together effortlessly.
- Prawns: I always go for jumbo prawns. They hold up well and have that nice meaty texture.
- Mango: The star of the show! Get a ripe, juicy mango. Not the firm ones that taste more like a vegetable-aim for one that’s just on the edge of being ripe.
- Lime: For that zesty punch to balance out the sweetness of the mango.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves for depth and fragrance.
- Chili: If you like heat, fresh red chili is the way to go.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash to cook the prawns and bring everything together.
- Coriander: A handful of fresh coriander leaves adds that refreshing note.
If you want to go all out, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar to elevate the sweetness of the mango or even throw in a bit of fresh ginger for an extra kick.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns
The first time I tried this recipe, it felt almost too simple. But the beauty of it is in its ease, with the flavors just happening naturally.
- Prep the Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns. You want them nice and clean, with that delicate bite. I usually leave the tails on for a bit of visual appeal.
- Prepare the Mango: Slice the mango into thin strips or chunks, whatever you prefer. I tend to cut them into small cubes to make it easier to pick up with the prawns.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and chili for about 30 seconds, letting the aroma fill the air. Then, add the prawns and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Add Mango & Lime: Once the prawns are done, toss in the mango and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Let everything warm through-just for a minute or two. You want the mango to stay a bit firm, not mushy.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and top with fresh coriander. I usually serve this dish with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
Simple, right? And every single time, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I’m always fascinated by the science behind cooking, and this dish is a perfect example of how ingredients play off one another.
- Prawns: The reason prawns work so well here is due to their natural sweetness and firm texture. When you cook prawns quickly in hot oil, they caramelize just enough to bring out those sweet, savory flavors. The heat of the pan seals in their juices, creating a nice contrast with the tropical sweetness of mango.
- Mango: Mangoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, but the magic is in their sugars. They’ve got this complex balance of sweetness and acidity, which cuts through the richness of the prawns. The slight tartness also balances the fattiness of the olive oil and garlic.
- Lime: The acidity from lime enhances all the flavors, brightening up the dish. It’s that perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the mango. Plus, it helps bring everything together, marrying the elements in a way that just works.
- Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves add an herbal freshness that complements both the prawns and the mango. The oil in the coriander also contributes to a smoother mouthfeel.
Expert Tips
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your mango prawns even further:
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns: They cook quickly, and overcooking turns them rubbery. The key is to cook them until just pink.
- Use Ripe Mangoes: A ripe mango is crucial for this dish. The fruit should be slightly soft but not mushy. If it’s too hard, you’ll miss that juicy burst of sweetness.
- Control the Spice: The chili adds a nice heat, but if you’re not into spicy food, you can either leave it out or use a mild pepper. Alternatively, you could use chili flakes to keep the heat in check.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh. If you let it sit too long, the mango will lose its firmness, and the prawns will cool down.
Recipe Variations
While the original recipe is fantastic, you can easily play around with flavors:
- Add Coconut Milk: For a richer, creamier version, stir in some coconut milk after cooking the prawns. It makes the dish feel more indulgent and tropical.
- Grilled Prawns: For a smoky touch, grill the prawns instead of pan-frying them. The charred edges add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Try adding a few slices of pineapple along with the mango. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and acidity that works wonders with prawns.
Final Words
This Mango Prawns recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s easy but feels a bit special. The flavor combinations are fresh and vibrant, and the whole thing is just fun to make. It’s a dish that always gets compliments and never takes too long in the kitchen.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
You’ll need prawns, ripe mangoes, garlic, ginger, chili, lime, coconut milk, and a few spices like cumin and coriander.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
The recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Can I Substitute The Prawns In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken or tofu as alternatives if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.