Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is a modern, light, and flavorful dish that blends the freshness of courgetti (spiralized zucchini) with the indulgent richness of succulent tiger prawns. The recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, offering a low-carb option while still delivering all the taste and satisfaction you expect from a comforting meal. Inspired by the growing trend of spiralized vegetables, courgetti is used as a healthier substitute for spaghetti or noodles, making it a great choice for those seeking a lighter, vegetable-forward meal.

The dish typically involves pan-searing plump tiger prawns in garlic, olive oil, and a medley of aromatic herbs, then tossing them with freshly made courgetti. The prawns add a sweet, juicy bite, while the courgetti absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a deliciously balanced dish. What sets Mary Berry’s recipe apart is its perfect marriage of textures: the softness of the courgetti against the firm, slightly crispy prawns, all brought together by a zesty dressing or sauce. A sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or basil may finish the dish, elevating both the flavor and the visual appeal.

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti, you’ll need a variety of fresh ingredients that will allow the natural flavors to shine. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

1. Tiger Prawns (about 200g-300g) – These prawns are larger and more flavorful than regular shrimp, with a firm texture and a slightly sweet taste. Look for fresh or frozen prawns that are peeled and deveined, though you can also keep the shells on for added flavor during cooking.
2. Courgettes (2 medium) – Courgetti is simply spiralized zucchini, a low-carb, nutrient-packed vegetable that makes an excellent pasta alternative. Zucchini is mild in flavor, so it pairs perfectly with bold ingredients like prawns and garlic.
3. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing the prawns and cooking the courgetti, extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, smooth base that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
4. Garlic (2-3 cloves) – Garlic infuses the oil with a fragrant, savory aroma, making it an essential component for this dish.
5. Lemon (1 medium) – Fresh lemon juice is the key to brightening up the whole dish, adding a zesty acidity that balances the richness of the prawns and oil.
6. Chili Flakes (optional, ½ teaspoon) – A touch of chili flakes brings a subtle heat to the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the delicate prawn and courgetti combo.
7. Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or basil, a handful) – Fresh herbs bring a burst of color and freshness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the prawns and oil.
8. Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors, helping to bring the dish into harmony.
9. Parmesan or Pecorino (optional, for garnish) – A light sprinkle of cheese can add an extra layer of savory depth to the dish, although it’s optional depending on dietary preferences.

Equipment Needed

To prepare Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti, you’ll need a few kitchen tools that make the process straightforward and efficient. Here’s what you’ll require:

1. Spiralizer – If you don’t want to buy pre-spiralized courgetti, a spiralizer is the perfect tool for turning zucchini into delicate, noodle-like strands. There are hand-held spiralizers or countertop models that make the job quick and easy.
2. Large Frying Pan or Skillet – A wide, flat frying pan is essential for sautéing the prawns and cooking the courgetti. The flat surface allows the prawns to cook evenly and gives enough room to toss the courgetti without overcrowding.
3. Tongs or a Slotted Spoon – To flip the prawns easily without breaking them, tongs are a good choice. A slotted spoon also helps in transferring the prawns to a plate once cooked.
4. Microplane Grater (optional) – If you’re using fresh lemon zest or parmesan cheese, a microplane will give you finely grated results, perfect for garnishing.
5. Knife and Chopping Board – For chopping garlic, herbs, and lemon.
6. Serving Plates or Bowls – For serving the finished dish. A large shallow bowl or plate works well to present the courgetti elegantly.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti

1. Prepare the Courgetti: Begin by spiralizing the courgettes using your spiralizer. You should aim for around 4 cups of courgetti. Once spiralized, set the courgetti aside in a colander to allow any excess water to drain out. If desired, you can lightly salt the courgetti to draw out moisture, then blot with a paper towel.
2. Cook the Prawns: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the tiger prawns. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Sauté the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Courgetti: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the courgetti to the pan and toss gently, cooking for 3-4 minutes. You want the courgetti to soften but retain its bite, so don’t overcook it.
4. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked prawns to the pan with the courgetti. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss everything together to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve: Serve the dish in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil, and if desired, sprinkle a little parmesan or pecorino cheese on top. Enjoy immediately!

Tips And Tricks

• Don’t Overcook the Courgetti: Courgetti cooks quickly, and overcooking it can make it mushy. Aim to cook it just enough so it still has a slight crunch.
• Opt for Fresh Prawns: While frozen prawns are fine, fresh tiger prawns will have the best flavor and texture. If you can get them with their shells on, it adds a depth of flavor to the dish as you cook.
• Customize the Heat: The chili flakes are optional, but if you want more heat, feel free to add fresh chopped chili or even a dash of hot sauce to the dish. Adjust it to your preference.
• Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier version, you can stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt after cooking the prawns and courgetti for a rich, velvety sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is a perfect light meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad for a more substantial dinner. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully.

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is a delightful dish that marries the best of light, healthy ingredients with the boldness of seafood. The use of courgetti as a pasta substitute keeps the dish refreshing and low-carb, while the tiger prawns bring a satisfying sweetness and texture. It’s a recipe that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and incredibly flavorful, making it an ideal choice for a weekday dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to cut carbs or simply enjoy a fresh, vibrant meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready to serve.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is a dish that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of succulent prawns and the freshness of courgetti (zucchini noodles). This dish is light, healthy, and versatile, making it a great option for customizing to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to play around with the flavors or ingredients, there are several simple variations that can elevate this recipe.

1. Swap the Protein:

   While tiger prawns are the star of the dish, you can easily substitute them with other types of seafood or even chicken for a heartier meal. Scallops or white fish fillets such as cod or haddock would work well, offering a delicate texture that complements the zucchini noodles. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try marinated tofu or tempeh. These will absorb the flavors of the sauce just as well as prawns and give the dish a satisfying texture.

2. Add More Veggies:

   Courgetti is already a fantastic vegetable base, but you can incorporate even more veggies to boost the nutritional value and flavor profile. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced carrots for an added crunch and sweetness. Baby spinach or kale would bring in a nice earthy flavor, and even mushrooms can add a savory depth.

3. Change the Sauce Base:

   While Mary Berry’s original recipe uses a light garlic and lemon sauce, you can experiment with different bases. A creamy sauce made from coconut milk and a touch of curry powder would give the dish an entirely different direction, introducing a rich, tropical flavor profile. Alternatively, try a simple pesto made from basil, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts for a herbaceous twist.

4. Spice It Up:

   If you love a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or fresh chopped red chili into the mix. You can also experiment with a spicier curry-style sauce, or incorporate smoked paprika for a warm, earthy heat. A dash of Sriracha or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can help elevate the dish, giving it a bit more of a kick without overpowering the delicate prawns.

5. Make It a One-Pan Dish:

   For those who love simplicity and ease, you can make this a one-pan meal by adding everything to the pan after sautéing the prawns. Once the prawns are cooked through, add the courgetti and vegetables directly to the pan, allowing them to lightly sauté and absorb the delicious flavors. You can even skip the courgetti entirely and opt for spiralized sweet potatoes or carrots for a different texture.

By playing around with these variations, you can customize Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti to suit your preferences, whether you’re in the mood for something extra creamy, spicy, or full of fresh, crunchy veggies. The beauty of this dish is its versatility-there’s always room for new and exciting combinations!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti, it’s important to store them properly to ensure both the flavor and texture are maintained. Prawns and courgetti can be a bit delicate when it comes to reheating, so it’s all about proper storage techniques.

1. Refrigeration:

   Place any leftover courgetti and prawns into an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety. After that, the courgetti may begin to lose its texture, becoming mushy, and the prawns might lose some of their tender bite. It’s also a good idea to store the sauce separately to avoid the courgetti soaking it up and becoming soggy.

2. Freezing:

   While courgetti doesn’t freeze well due to its high water content, you can freeze the prawn and sauce portion separately. Cooked prawns freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply thaw the prawns and reheat them with the sauce (you may want to add a little fresh courgetti or zucchini noodles when reheating). Be mindful not to overcook the prawns during the reheating process, as they can become rubbery.

3. Reheating:

   When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to maintain the prawns’ delicate texture. You can warm the leftover prawns in a skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water to keep them moist. If you’re heating the courgetti, try doing so in a separate pan to avoid overcooking the zucchini. Aim for a light sauté rather than boiling, to maintain the veggie’s crispness and flavor.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti?

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is a wonderfully light and refreshing dish, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for something crisp, hearty, or indulgent, here are some perfect accompaniments to round out your meal.

1. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread:

   A slice of warm garlic bread or fresh crusty baguette is always a hit when serving dishes with seafood. The rich, garlicky flavors of the bread pair perfectly with the prawns, while the crunch of the bread provides a satisfying contrast to the tender courgetti noodles. For a twist, you could even make a cheesy garlic bread for an extra indulgent side.

2. Mixed Green Salad:

   A light, fresh salad with peppery arugula, crisp lettuce, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a perfect contrast to the richness of the prawns. You can toss in some toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of parmesan for added texture and flavor. The acidic kick of lemon or balsamic vinegar in the dressing will also tie in nicely with the bright lemony notes in the courgetti dish.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

   Roasted veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini can be a fantastic side to accompany the courgetti. Their caramelized, smoky flavors will enhance the delicate sweetness of the prawns. Roasting vegetables at high heat with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper gives them a crispy exterior and tender inside, creating a savory balance with the dish.

4. Lemon Risotto:

   For a more substantial side, lemon risotto is a perfect match. Its creamy, zesty notes will elevate the flavors of the prawns while providing a rich, comforting contrast to the lightness of the courgetti. The creamy texture of the risotto pairs well with the succulent prawns and adds depth to the dish.

5. Wine Pairing:

   For those who enjoy pairing wine with their meal, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio would work wonderfully with the fresh, seafood-heavy courgetti dish. These wines have just the right acidity and freshness to balance the flavors of the prawns and courgetti without overpowering them.

By adding one or more of these sides to Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti, you can create a complete, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and variety.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is a delightful, flavorful dish that manages to be both light and satisfying. Its combination of tender prawns and crisp courgetti noodles provides a refreshing contrast, while the lemony, garlic-infused sauce ties everything together in a harmonious burst of flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility-whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and sauces, there’s always room for creativity.

Storing leftovers is easy with the right techniques, allowing you to enjoy this dish on another day without losing its charm. And when it comes to pairing, whether you go for a simple side salad or a decadent garlic bread, the possibilities are endless to make this meal truly yours.

In the end, Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti is not just a recipe-it’s a perfect base for experimenting with flavors, and a wholesome meal that fits seamlessly into any busy lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, and let this dish transport you to the comforting warmth of a Mediterranean-inspired kitchen, where fresh, simple ingredients shine.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe?

To make Mary Berry’s tiger prawn courgetti, you’ll need the following ingredients: tiger prawns (around 200g), two medium courgettes, garlic (2 cloves), olive oil (2 tablespoons), a squeeze of lemon juice, a small bunch of fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Additionally, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili for a bit of spice if desired.

How Do You Prepare The Courgetti For Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti?

To prepare the courgetti, use a spiralizer to turn the courgettes into thin, noodle-like strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can also use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons. Once prepared, lightly sauté the courgetti in a pan with some olive oil for about 2-3 minutes to keep it firm and not overly soft.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Mary Berry’s Tiger Prawn Courgetti Recipe?

The total cooking time for Mary Berry’s tiger prawn courgetti is around 15-20 minutes. The prawns take about 4-5 minutes to cook through, and the courgetti only needs a few minutes in the pan to heat up and soften slightly, making this a quick and easy dish to prepare.