Prawns And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For Seafood Lovers

Prawns and cheese is a delicious combination that can be prepared in a variety of ways. From grilled cheese prawns to cheesy garlic shrimp, the options are endless. Prawns are a great source of protein and when paired with cheese, the result is a tasty and indulgent dish. The type of cheese used can vary, from mozzarella to cheddar, and even Kraft cheese slices. The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavours is to ensure the prawns are cooked just right and the cheese is melted to a gooey consistency.

Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are good cheese options for prawns

Mozzarella is a popular choice for prawns as it melts well and has a mild flavour that complements the taste of prawns without overpowering them. It can be used in baked prawn dishes, such as the three-cheese prawns recipe, which combines mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses for a gooey and golden treat.

Cheddar is another versatile cheese that can be used in prawn dishes. It has a slightly stronger flavour than mozzarella, adding a sharp and tangy taste to the prawns. Cheddar can be used in grilled prawn recipes, like the Grilled Cheese Prawns from Ang Sarap, or baked prawn dishes for a more intense flavour.

Parmesan cheese, known for its nutty and savoury flavour, can also be paired with prawns. It adds a distinct flavour to the dish and can be used in combination with other cheeses or on its own. Parmesan is often grated and sprinkled on top of prawns before baking, adding a crispy and golden texture to the dish.

When preparing prawns with cheese, it is important to consider the cooking method and the desired flavour profile. Baked prawns with cheese are a popular choice, as the oven helps to melt the cheese evenly and creates a gooey texture. Grilled prawns with cheese, on the other hand, offer a more charred and smoky flavour. Additionally, the type of cheese used can greatly impact the overall taste of the dish, with some cheeses melting better than others and offering varying flavour profiles.

In conclusion, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are all suitable cheese options for prawns. Each cheese brings its own unique characteristics to the dish, and they can be used individually or in combination to create delicious prawn appetizers or main courses.

Prawns should be butterflied before adding cheese

To butterfly a prawn, start by peeling the shell from the shrimp while keeping the tail intact. Then, insert a sharp knife about three-quarters of the way into the shrimp near the head and cut almost all the way down the shrimp's back, just before the tail. If your prawns haven't been deveined, you can use your knife to remove the vein. Finally, use your hands to open up the flesh of the prawn until it lays flat.

Once your prawns are butterflied, you can add your desired cheese on top. Some popular cheese choices to pair with prawns include mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican blend shredded cheese, Fontina, and Kraft cheese.

After adding the cheese, the prawns can be baked or grilled until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. This creates a delicious appetizer or main course that is sure to impress your guests.

Cheesy prawns can be grilled or baked

There are many ways to cook prawns with cheese, and grilling and baking are two popular methods. Here are some mouth-watering recipes and tips for achieving the perfect cheesy prawn dish using these techniques.

Grilled Cheese Prawns

This recipe is inspired by the Manhattan Flaming Prawns served at the Manhattan Fish Market in Malaysia. It involves a simple concoction of prawns with cheese melted on top using a blow torch. To prepare this dish, start by butterflying large prawns with the shells on and removing any veins. Arrange the prawns on a baking tray and pour a cheese sauce over them, leaving the heads exposed. The cheese sauce is made by melting butter in a saucepan and adding flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Milk is gradually added while stirring, and then cheese is added to create a smooth texture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and black pepper on top of the prawns and place them in a preheated oven at 230°C. Using the grill setting, cook the prawns for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size, until they are cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Baked Cheesy Prawns

Baking is another excellent way to prepare cheesy prawns, resulting in golden, cheesy bites. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish with olive oil. For the cheese mixture, combine garlic, parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar in a bowl and set it aside. Season the prawns with salt and pepper, and then top them with the cheese mixture. Arrange the prawns on the prepared baking dish, with the cheese side facing up. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until the prawns are cooked and the cheese is golden. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Prawns

• When baking or grilling prawns, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding any toppings. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese stick better.
• For a smokier flavour, try grilling the cheesy prawns on a gas or charcoal grill. Thread them on bamboo skewers and place them directly on the grill rack until they turn pink.
• While tiger prawns and regular prawns have similar tastes, tiger prawns are larger and milder in flavour. They are also marked with dark bands and have super fleshy textures, making them ideal for smothering with cheese.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Popular choices include mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican cheese, goat cheese, and bleu cheese.

Cheesy prawns can be served as an appetiser

Prawns and cheese may seem like an unusual combination, but it is a delicious one. Cheesy prawns can be served as an appetiser, and there are several ways to prepare them.

Grilled Cheese Prawns

This recipe is inspired by the Manhattan Flaming Prawns served at the Manhattan Fish Market in Malaysia. It involves slicing the prawns down the middle and grilling them with cheese melted using a blow torch. To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat and add flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard. Gradually pour in milk while stirring, and then add the cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Butterfly cut the prawns, arrange them on a baking tray, pour the cheese sauce over them, and grill for 5-8 minutes.

Cheesy Baked Tiger Shrimp

This recipe is perfect for hosting and is sure to impress your guests. It requires tiger shrimp, which are large prawns marked with dark bands and super fleshy, making them perfect for smothering with cheese. To prepare, wash and butterfly the shrimp, spread a thin layer of mayo on top, followed by garlic parsley salt, and then top with shredded cheese. Bake at 400°F for about 12 minutes.

Three-Cheese Prawns

This recipe uses a combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese to create golden, cheesy bites. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish with olive oil. Combine the cheeses in a bowl and set aside. Season the prawns with salt and pepper, top them with the cheese mixture, and arrange them on the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes or until the prawns are cooked and the cheese is golden.

Gratin of Tiger Prawns with Chilli and Cheese

This recipe combines fat, juicy tiger prawns with cream and melting cheese, with the added kick of lime and chilli. It works best with Italian Fontina cheese, as it has the ideal melting consistency. Prepare the prawns by defrosting, peeling, and removing any black thread. Marinate them in lime juice and Tabasco for about 15 minutes. Sauté onions, garlic, and chillies, and divide the mixture between four dishes. Season the prawns and pour cream over them, followed by the grated cheese. Grill for 5-6 minutes, until the prawns turn pink and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp

This simple yet impressive appetiser involves butterflying shrimp, spreading a layer of mayo and seasoning, and topping with shredded cheese. Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet. Pat the shrimp dry, butterfly them, and spread a thin layer of mayo on each. Season with garlic powder and black pepper, and divide the cheese evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Cheesy prawns can be served with mashed potatoes or rice

There are several types of cheese that go well with prawns, including mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican cheese, goat cheese, bleu cheese, gruyere, and Fontina. For a simple dish that is sure to impress, try making grilled cheese prawns. This dish is made by slicing the prawns down the middle and topping them with a cheese sauce before grilling.

Another option is to make a cheesy garlic shrimp appetizer. This dish is easy to make and can be served with mashed potatoes. Simply butterfly the shrimp, spread on a layer of mayo, and top with shredded cheese before baking in the oven.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try making a gratin of tiger prawns with chilli and cheese. This dish combines fat, juicy tiger prawns with cream, melted cheese, lime, and chilli for a delicious and spicy treat. Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.

Frequently asked questions