If you're someone who loves seafood, you might find that you always want to try out new ways of preparing seafood dishes. One such way is by learning how to butterfly prawns. This technique allows for a better presentation of the dish and also makes it easier to enjoy the prawn without fuss.
What is Butterflying?
Butterflying the prawn is essentially cutting it down the middle, but not all the way through, so it can be opened like a book. This process exposes the flesh and helps it cook more evenly, allowing for a better flavour and texture.
What You'll Need
To butterfly prawns, here's what you'll need:
- Raw prawns (with the shell on)
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Paper towels
The Steps
With all the necessary items in place, follow these steps to butterfly your prawns:
Step 1: Rinse and Dry
Start by rinsing your prawns in cold water and drying them with paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Remove the Head and Shell
Hold the prawn firmly in one hand and use the other hand to grab the head and twist it until it snaps off. Then, with a pair of scissors, cut down the middle of the prawn's back, leaving the tail on.
Step 3: Devein the Prawn
Once you've removed the shell and head, you'll need to devein the prawn. To do this, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein with the tip of the knife or the point of the scissors.
Step 4: Cut it Down the Middle
Place the prawn on the cutting board with its underside facing up. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut down the middle of the prawn's back, but be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
Step 5: Open it Up
Open the prawn up like a book, and you'll have successfully butterflied the prawn.
Conclusion
Butterflying prawns is a culinary technique that can be executed quickly and easily with the right tools and some basic know-how. By following these steps, you can prepare your prawns to suit your taste and enjoy your seafood dishes in a new and exciting way.
