A few years ago, I discovered the joys of courgetti (zucchini noodles) while trying to find lighter meal options. I remember one evening scrolling through my cookbook collection, craving something flavorful but light. Then I stumbled upon Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti recipe, and it caught my eye. The combination of juicy prawns and fresh courgetti, all tossed in a vibrant garlic and chili sauce, was everything I wanted. It felt like the perfect blend of healthy, satisfying, and quick to prepare.
Since then, it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want a delicious yet guilt-free meal. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. It never feels like you’re compromising on taste, even though it’s so light.
Mary Berry Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe
This recipe is an absolute winner. What makes it stand out? The courgetti is light yet satisfying, and the prawns bring a richness without weighing you down. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re eating something indulgent, but it’s actually quite healthy.
The best part about this dish is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand. A bit more chili if you like it spicy, or perhaps a touch of lemon for added zing? The recipe is flexible, allowing you to play around with the ingredients while still keeping that classic Mary Berry flair.
Ingredients Needed
Now, before you get started, let’s go over what you need. This isn’t an overly complex recipe, but you do want to make sure you’ve got everything prepared before you dive in. Here’s the list:
- Tiger prawns – This recipe really shines with the use of plump, juicy tiger prawns. They add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that complements the courgetti perfectly.
- Courgettes – These are the star of the show. You’ll spiralize them to make those delicate noodles. A couple of medium-sized courgettes will do the trick.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma. It’s essential for that rich, savory base.
- Chili – I like to use fresh red chili, but dried chili flakes work too. You can adjust the heat level based on your taste.
- Lemon – A splash of lemon juice brings a refreshing zing to the dish, balancing out the richness of the prawns.
- Olive oil – You’ll need a good-quality olive oil for sautéing the prawns and garlic. It helps infuse everything with a lovely flavor.
- Fresh parsley – A handful of chopped parsley is perfect for garnishing. It adds a fresh pop of color and a slight herby note.
Equipment Needed
This is a relatively simple dish, so the equipment is minimal. You don’t need anything too fancy, but a couple of tools will make your life easier:
- Spiralizer – To turn your courgettes into noodles. If you don’t have one, you can use a vegetable peeler, but the spiralizer gives you that perfect noodle-like texture.
- Large frying pan or skillet – A good-sized pan is essential to cook the prawns and garlic without crowding.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – Handy for flipping and stirring the prawns without losing any of that wonderful flavor in the pan.
- Chopping board and knife – For prepping the garlic, chili, and parsley.
How To Make Mary Berry Tiger Prawn Courgetti?
Now for the fun part-making the dish. Here’s how you can put everything together:
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Prepare The Courgetti
- Spiralize the courgettes into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons, but it won’t have quite the same texture.
- Set the courgetti aside, and don’t worry if there’s some moisture on them. You’ll want to let it drain for a bit.
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Cook The Prawns
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the prawns. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, so you might need to cook them in batches.
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Make The Garlic-chili Base
- In the same pan (don’t clean it out!), add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and chili, and sauté them for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic-it should just soften and become aromatic.
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Combine Courgetti With Prawns
- Add the courgetti noodles into the pan. Toss everything together, allowing the courgetti to soak up the flavors for about 2 minutes. You want them to soften just a bit but still retain a little crunch.
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Finishing Touches
- Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Give everything a final toss, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and you’re done!
Recipe Variations
While the classic Mary Berry version is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own:
- Add veggies: You can throw in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy kick: If you love heat, try adding some fresh chili paste or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap the protein: Shrimp isn’t your only option. You can easily swap it for chicken, tofu, or even some pan-fried scallops if you’re feeling fancy.
- Creamier version: For a richer sauce, add a spoonful of crème fraîche or coconut milk after cooking the prawns. It will give the dish a creamier texture without making it too heavy.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Tiger Prawn Courgetti?
While this dish is great on its own, you might want to pair it with something to round out your meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic bread: A classic pairing for any pasta dish, and it’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
- Crispy salad: A light, zesty side salad with arugula, mixed greens, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the courgetti beautifully.
- White wine: A chilled glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works perfectly with this dish. It’s light and refreshing, balancing the richness of the prawns.
What I Have Learnt
Making Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti has taught me a lot about the importance of balance in a dish. The lightness of the courgetti, paired with the rich flavor of the prawns and the bright kick of garlic and chili, makes for a perfect meal. It’s a reminder that you don’t need heavy ingredients to make a meal feel indulgent. Freshness and technique are key.
Another thing I’ve learned is that simple dishes can often be the most rewarding. With a short list of ingredients, you can create something that feels incredibly sophisticated but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s all about technique and letting the ingredients shine.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe?
Mary Berry’s tiger prawn courgetti recipe requires the following ingredients: tiger prawns, courgetti (spiralized zucchini), olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, lemon, fresh parsley, chili flakes, and seasoning like salt and pepper. Optional additions include a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe?
The preparation and cooking time for Mary Berry’s tiger prawn courgetti is relatively quick. It typically takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and the cooking process lasts around 10 minutes, making the total time for the recipe approximately 20 minutes.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe In Advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare certain components of the dish in advance. For example, you can spiralize the courgetti and prepare the prawns a few hours ahead. However, the prawns and courgetti should ideally be cooked just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.