I’ll never forget the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns. It was one of those last-minute dinner decisions where I was scrambling to find something that felt fresh, exciting, and would impress the friends I had over. My fridge had a bunch of prawns in it, and I had just bought a mango for a smoothie I never got around to making. So I googled something like "mango prawns recipe," and of course, Jamie Oliver’s name popped up.
I was skeptical at first-would it really work? Mango and prawns sounded like an odd combination, but the vibrant sweetness of the mango paired with the briny flavor of the prawns turned out to be a revelation. It’s one of those recipes that completely surprised me and, after a few tweaks, became a favorite in my recipe rotation.
Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe
If you’re new to Jamie Oliver’s recipes, you know they have a distinct vibe-simple, fresh, and full of flavor. This Mango Prawns recipe is no different. It combines tropical fruit with seafood in a way that feels almost like a celebration of summer. The sweetness of the mango and the umami of the prawns marry beautifully, especially with the kick of lime and a touch of chili.
It’s a dish that’s quick to make but looks like something you’d get at a top-tier restaurant. The first time I made it, I was in shock at how easy it was. No complicated steps. The hardest part was getting the prawns just right.
Ingredients Needed
To recreate Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns, you’ll need the following:
- Prawns (Shrimp) – Fresh is best. Large, juicy prawns with the shells off.
- Mango – A ripe, firm mango. The sweetness is key here.
- Chili – A fresh red chili for heat. Adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
- Lime – Zesty lime juice and zest for a citrusy punch.
- Coriander (Cilantro) – Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
- Olive Oil – For frying.
- Salt & Pepper – To season.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves, finely chopped or minced.
I tend to have most of these ingredients on hand, so it’s an easy dish to pull together for an impromptu dinner.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns
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Prepare The Ingredients
Start by peeling and de-veining the prawns. Set them aside in a bowl. Peel and slice the mango into chunks. Mince the garlic, chop the chili, and zest the lime.
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Cooking The Prawns
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan. Add the prawns and cook them for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
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Prepare The Mango Sauce
In the same pan, throw in the garlic and chili. Sauté until fragrant, then add the mango chunks. Cook them down a little until they soften. Once they’ve broken down, squeeze in the lime juice and add some zest. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bring It All Together
Return the prawns to the pan with the mango sauce. Toss everything together for a minute or two until the prawns are well coated in the vibrant sauce.
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Serve
Finish it off with fresh coriander and an extra squeeze of lime if you like it extra tangy. You can serve this dish over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I love about Jamie’s Mango Prawns is how the ingredients really work together on a scientific level. The combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors comes from natural chemical reactions:
- Mango – This tropical fruit is high in sugars like glucose and fructose, which brings that deep sweetness. When you cook the mango, the heat releases more sugars, making it even richer.
- Prawns – Prawns are rich in amino acids, especially glutamate, which gives them that umami flavor. When cooked correctly, they create a savory backbone that balances the fruitiness of the mango.
- Chili & Lime – Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which triggers your body’s heat receptors and adds a spicy contrast to the sweetness. Lime, with its citric acid, brightens the whole dish and provides that tart edge that cuts through the richness of the prawns and mango.
This combination of heat, acidity, and sweetness is like a mini science experiment on your plate, but it all comes together in the most delightful way.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Prawns – The key to perfect prawns is to cook them just until they turn pink. Overcooking them makes them tough and rubbery, which ruins the delicate balance of the dish.
- Use Ripe Mango – A mango that’s too firm won’t release enough sweetness when cooked. A perfectly ripe mango will give you that juicy, succulent texture and sweetness.
- Adjust the Chili – If you’re not a big fan of spice, you can deseed the chili or even skip it altogether. If you love heat, use a few extra slices of fresh chili or some chili flakes.
- Make it Ahead – You can prep everything in advance. The prawns can be cooked earlier in the day, and the mango sauce can be made and kept in the fridge. Just heat them up together when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to change things up:
- Coconut Milk – For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk to the mango sauce. It turns the dish into a more luxurious, velvety version.
- Spices – Try adding a dash of curry powder or cumin for a different flavor profile. It gives the dish an earthy depth.
- Vegetarian Version – Swap the prawns for tofu or roasted cauliflower to keep the dish vegetarian. It works really well with the mango sauce!
- Noodles – Serve it with noodles instead of rice to make it more of a noodle bowl. You could even use soba or rice noodles for a fun variation.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns is one of those dishes that feels effortless but makes you look like you’re a master chef. It’s simple but packs a punch in flavor. I still remember the satisfaction I felt when I saw how excited everyone was after the first bite.
I think that’s what makes this recipe so special-it’s the balance of easy prep, fresh ingredients, and that perfect, bold flavor combo. It’s the kind of dish you can serve at a dinner party or on a casual weeknight, and it always impresses.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Recipe?
You’ll need prawns, ripe mangoes, lime, garlic, ginger, chili, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so it’s a quick dish to whip up.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mango Prawns Without Chili?
Yes, you can skip the chili if you prefer a milder dish or use a smaller amount for a gentle heat.