How do I know when prawns are properly cooked?
One of the most common mistakes in home cooking is overcooking prawns, which results in a tough, rubbery texture.
What should properly cooked prawns look like?
- They start grey and translucent when raw
- Turn pink and opaque when cooked
- Form a loose “C” shape
If your prawns curl into a tight “O” shape, they are overcooked.
How long should prawns be cooked?
Prawns cook very quickly and typically need only 2–3 minutes in a hot wok or pan.
What’s the key to perfect prawns?
Keep the cooking time short and the heat high.
Prawns should be cooked quickly and removed from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Why does this matter?
Cooking prawns correctly gives you a tender, juicy texture and elevates your stir-fries to a more authentic, takeaway-style finish.