Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The savory garlic butter prawns and creamy béchamel sauce create a heavenly pairing.
- Cheesy Delight: Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan make this lasagna irresistibly rich and satisfying.
- Elegant Yet Easy: While it looks gourmet, the steps are straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is made to serve a crowd and is sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the lasagna:
- 9 sheets of pre-cooked lasagna
- 500 g of peeled and deveined prawns
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 g butter
- 200 g of grated mozzarella
- 100 g of grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 750 ml of milk
- 200 ml of fresh cream
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preparation of the creamy sauce:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then add the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Preparation of the prawns:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the prawns, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sear the prawns for 30 seconds on each side.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and remove from heat.
Assembling the lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of creamy sauce on the bottom of a gratin dish.
- Lay 3 sheets of lasagna, followed by a layer of prawns, a layer of mozzarella, and a layer of creamy sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6 people
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace prawns with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and substitute the flour in the sauce with cornstarch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the prawns for a spicier flavor.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with Gruyère or fontina instead of mozzarella.
- Lighter Version: Swap cream for a lighter alternative like evaporated milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled lasagna (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw prawns in this recipe?
Yes, raw prawns are used and quickly seared before layering into the lasagna.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
3. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.
4. What’s the best way to prevent lasagna from being watery?
Ensure prawns are well-drained and use a thick creamy sauce for assembly.
5. Can I skip the nutmeg?
Yes, but the nutmeg adds a subtle depth to the creamy sauce.
6. Is fresh parsley necessary?
Fresh parsley enhances the flavor but can be substituted with dried parsley in a pinch.
7. What type of lasagna sheets should I use?
Pre-cooked lasagna sheets save time, but regular sheets can also be used with adjusted cooking time.
8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Sautéed spinach or zucchini would pair well.
9. How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The top should be golden and bubbly, and the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply adjust the ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Prawn Lasagna is a rich, indulgent dish that blends creamy, cheesy layers with succulent prawns and a hint of garlic. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the delicious layers of flavor!
Garlic Butter Prawn Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garlic Butter Prawn Lasagna is a luxurious dish featuring succulent garlic butter prawns layered with creamy béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent family meal.
Ingredients
For the lasagna:
- 9 sheets of pre-cooked lasagna
- 500 g peeled and deveined prawns
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 g butter
- 200 g grated mozzarella
- 100 g grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 750 ml milk
- 200 ml fresh cream
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour, cooking for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Cook the prawns:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add prawns, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sear for 30 seconds per side.
- Sprinkle with parsley and set aside.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of creamy sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna sheets, prawns, mozzarella, and creamy sauce. Repeat, finishing with creamy sauce and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure prawns are well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
- For gluten-free, use GF lasagna sheets and cornstarch in place of flour.
- Customize cheese for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian Fusion