Prawns thermidor is a counterpart of the well known lobster thermidor. Since lobster is so expensive and hard to find, you can use jumbo shrimps or large prawns as substitute for this elegant seafood dish. The recipe I have here have only few ingredients and cooking is not as hard as you think. Actually this is a kind of stuffed shrimp or shrimp relleno.
Where you scoop out the meat from the shrimp, chop the meat and mix it with onion, butter, flour, egg yolk, milk and grated cheese then season with salt, MSG and calamansi juice. Then stuff the shrimp shell with the mixture, top with crumbs and bake until golden brown.
Delicious and Elegant Prawns
Looking for an elegant seafood dish that will impress your guests without breaking the bank? Look no further than prawns dish. This delightful dish is a perfect substitute for the well-known Lobster Thermidor, as it features jumbo shrimp or large prawns instead. With just a few ingredients and simple cooking steps, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this flavorful masterpiece.
Step 1: Cooking the Prawns
To begin, cook the prawns in a small amount of water over low heat for about 15 minutes. This will ensure that they are tender and juicy, ready to be incorporated into the Thermidor mixture. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp Filling
Once the prawns are cooked, it’s time to prepare the delicious filling for the prawns. Start by cutting the shell at the back of each prawn and carefully scoop out the meat, setting aside the shells for later use. Coarsely chop the prawn meat and keep it aside as well.
Step 3: Sauteing the Onion and Making the Sauce
In a saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions in butter over low heat until they turn translucent and aromatic. Lower the heat and gradually add flour to create a roux, stirring well to combine. This step helps to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
Step 4: Adding Creaminess and Flavors
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly incorporate milk, slightly beaten egg yolk, and half of the grated cheese into the onion and flour mixture. The addition of these ingredients will bring a creamy and rich texture to the filling. Season the mixture with salt, MSG (optional), and a touch of tanginess by adding calamansi juice. Lastly, add the chopped prawn meat into the sauce and continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5: Filling and Baking
Now comes the exciting part—filling the prawn shells with the cooked mixture. Using a spoon, generously stuff each shell with the Thermidor filling, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Top each filled prawn with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and the remaining grated cheese for a delectable golden crust.
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C), and place the filled prawns on a baking sheet. Bake them for approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The baking process will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and succulent prawn goodness.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the prawns are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The tantalizing aroma will make it hard to resist diving right in, but exercise patience for the best experience. Serve these elegant creations as a main course or as a highlight of a special seafood feast. Pair them with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and well-balanced meal.
Wrap-Up
With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and elegant presentation, prawns thermidor is a show-stopping dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. This seafood delicacy, featuring jumbo shrimp or large prawns, offers an affordable and accessible alternative to Lobster Thermidor. By following these simple steps, you can create a masterpiece in your own kitchen. So why not give it a try and indulge in the exquisite pleasure of this thermidor dish? Your taste buds will thank you!
How to Cook Prawns Thermidor
Ingredients
- 4 pcs large prawns
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. MSG
- 3/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 tsp. calamansi juice
- 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 medium sized onion finely chopped
Instructions
How to cook Prawns Thermidor:
- Cook prawns in a little water over low fire for 15 minutes.
- Cut shell at the back and scoop out meat. set aside the shell and chop meat coarsely.
- Saute onion in butter and lower heat then add flour. Stir well.
- Remove from heat and gradually add milk, egg yolk (slightly beaten), and half of the grated cheese.
- Season with salt, MSG, and calamansi juice. Lastly, add the prawn meat.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Fill prawn shell with cooked mixture, top with bread crumbs and the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven (375 °F) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until topping becomes golden brown.
Notes
Cooking Tips for Prawns Thermidor;
- Select high-quality prawns or large shrimp for the best results in your thermidor dish. Fresh and plump prawns will contribute to a more flavorful and enjoyable eating experience.
- Take care not to overcook the prawns during the initial cooking stage. Cooking them in a little water over low heat for about 15 minutes will ensure they remain tender and juicy.
- When preparing the filling, make sure to gradually add the milk to the onion and flour mixture while stirring continuously. This helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps, ensuring a velvety texture in your dish.
This is a nice addition to my menu! Thanks!
HI Jenny, thanks for dropping by! Please visit again on my blog!