Your guide to cooking prawns

How to cook prawns

Prawns are one of the quickest and easiest seafoods to cook, making them perfect for everything from speedy midweek meals to summer barbecues. Whether you're using fresh or frozen prawns, the key is to avoid overcooking, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.

How to fry prawns

Pan-frying gives prawns a golden finish and plenty of flavour. Heat a little oil or butter in a frying pan over a medium-high heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side for small prawns, or 2-3 minutes per side for king prawns.

How to grill prawns

Grilling adds a lightly charred, smoky flavour. Brush prawns with oil, place under a hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

How to barbecue prawns

Barbecuing is ideal for larger, shell-on prawns. Toss with oil and seasoning, then cook over a medium-high heat on the barbecue for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

How to boil prawns

Boiling is perfect for salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Add prawns to boiling salted water and cook for 2-3 minutes for small prawns or 3-5 minutes for king prawns, then drain immediately.

What to eat with prawns

Prawns are incredibly versatile and work in everything from light starters and salads to comforting curries, pasta dishes and speedy stir-fries. Their sweet, delicate flavour pairs well with punchy ingredients such as chilli, garlic, ginger and citrus, making them a great choice for cuisines from around the world. Whether you're looking for a retro classic or a quick family meal, there are plenty of ways to make prawns the star of the show.

• Prawn cocktail: A timeless starter featuring juicy prawns, crisp lettuce and a creamy Marie Rose-style sauce.

• Prawn tacos: Pair grilled prawns with charred pineapple and avocado, try crispy battered prawns with slaw, or turn them into on-trend prawn dumpling tacos by blitzing and frying them onto tortillas.

• Barbecued prawns: Grilled prawns work brilliantly with fresh salads, rice dishes and plenty of zesty sides. Try our fresh and fiery miso and ginger barbecue prawns.

• Prawn pasta: Combine prawns with garlic, lemon, fresh herbs and a creamy or pesto-based sauce for an easy upgrade to your favourite pasta dish. For a speedy family dinner, try our prawn and pistachio pesto pasta recipe.

• Prawn curry: Prawns absorb aromatic spices quickly, making them ideal for curries. For the ultimate Indian-inspired fakeaway, look no further than our spicy curry leaf red prawn curry that's ready in just 10 minutes.

• Prawn stir-fry: One of the quickest ways to enjoy prawns, stir-fries combine crisp vegetables, noodles or rice with bold Asian-inspired flavours. Try this no-chop, 10-minute stir-fry – guaranteed to become part of your weekly meal rotation.

Responsibly sourced seafood from M&S Food

Discover our range of responsibly sourced seafood in store, from Madagascan prawns and plump scallops to Scottish salmon and battered cod. Looking for more tips and recipe ideas? Explore our range of cooking guides and recipes, or read our expert guide to how to cook fish.