Garlic Butter Crayfish & Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns – A Feast!

Welcome to my seafood kitchen! Today, we’re making a mouthwatering feast with Garlic Butter Crayfish and Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns. These dishes are packed with flavor and perfect for a special dinner or any seafood lover’s cravings. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this video will guide you through the steps to cook the perfect crayfish and prawns that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

In this video, I’ll show you:

How to prepare live crayfish (yes, it's a little tricky, but I’ve got a humane method to make it easier!)
The best way to steam crayfish and prepare a garlic butter sauce that brings out the full flavor.
A quick and easy method to make salt and pepper prawns that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Tips for the perfect seasoning and how to cook both dishes to perfection!
Let’s get cooking!


Recipe for Garlic Butter Crayfish:
Ingredients:

6-8 fresh live crayfish
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 tablespoons of butter
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tablespoon spring onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prep the Crayfish:
If you're using live crayfish, humanely chill them first. You can do this by placing them in a freezer for about 30 minutes or placing ice packs on them to help slow them down. This will make them easier to handle.

Clean the Crayfish:
Once chilled, remove the claws and legs (optional). Cut along the back of the crayfish to remove the intestines and organs. Make sure to clean the tail thoroughly, removing any debris.

Steam the Crayfish:
Prepare a steamer or a pot with a steam rack. Bring water to a boil and steam the crayfish for about 7-10 minutes until they turn a bright orange color and the meat is cooked through.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the butter and allow it to melt, stirring to combine. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper, then squeeze in the lemon juice for some extra zing!

Combine and Serve:
Once the crayfish are done steaming, add them to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the crayfish in the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and spring onions.

Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your garlic butter crayfish hot, either as a standalone dish or with a side of rice, vegetables, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe for Crispy Salt & Pepper Prawns:

Ingredients:

20 fresh prawns (peeled and deveined, with heads on)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
1 small onion (chopped)
1-2 fresh chilies (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon spring onions (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon corn starch
Optional: A pinch of sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Prawns:
Peel and devein the prawns, leaving the heads on for extra flavor. Remove any legs or unwanted bits. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Marinate the Prawns:
In a bowl, add the prawns and season them with salt, white pepper, and a tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss well to coat the prawns evenly. Then, add a teaspoon of corn starch and mix again to create a light coating.

Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the green bell pepper, onion, and chili into small pieces. Chop the garlic and spring onions finely.

Stir-Fry the Prawns:
Heat olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the prawns in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the prawns until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, chili, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic. If you like it sweeter, you can add a pinch of sugar at this point.

Combine Everything:
Add the crispy prawns back into the pan with the vegetables and toss to combine. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes so the prawns absorb the flavors. Finally, garnish with chopped spring onions.

Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the crispy salt and pepper prawns immediately with a side of steamed rice or noodles. These are perfect as a main or an appetizer!

TIPS for Perfect Seafood:
Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor. If you can’t find live crayfish, frozen works fine too!
Chill First: For live crayfish or lobsters, chilling them first makes it easier to handle and less stressful for you and the animal.
Don’t Overcook: Whether steaming or frying, keep an eye on your seafood. Overcooking can make it tough and rubbery.
Garlic Butter Love: Feel free to add more garlic or lemon juice to the butter sauce for extra flavor.