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“I do eat the poo chute”: Sophie Monk’s shrimpy confession

When Sophie Monk, host of Love Island Australia and a regular on The Hundred with Andy Lee, stopped by for a chat on National Prawn Day, it should have been safe to assume that the conversation wouldn’t steer to a prawn’s digestive tract. And yet - somehow for Today show hosts Karl and Sarah, that’s exactly how things went. “From the glitz and glamour of the red carpet to the Sydney Fish Market,” came Sophie’s introduction, before Karl exclaimed, “an ambassador for prawns!” “I’m the face of prawns,” Sophie confirmed. “I don’t think I look like a prawn - I mean, I’m dressed a bit like a prawn - but, yeah, I’m the face of prawns. I get asked to do a lot of endorsements.” Karl, wanting to get to the bottom of Sophie’s surprising career move, asked, “why did you choose this?” “Because prawns are my thing,” Sophie told him, “they’re very Aussie, and everyone kind of eats prawns.” From there, Sophie went on to state that vegans probably didn’t, and Sarah Abo noted that it just “means there’s more for us”. Karl then asked about the “emotional moment” when she’d gotten the call, and Sophie was more than happy to fill him in, telling the hosts “it’s funny you ask, because I get calls for make-up brands - you name it, and I’m like ‘no, it’s not my brand’. Prawns? I went ‘that’s my brand’. “It’s Aussie, everyone loves it.” And it was then that Sophie revealed the truth behind her particular prawn habits, describing how she’s “really good at peeling them … but I do eat the poo chute thing.” Sarah, without missing a beat, told her she “can’t do that, Soph!” But Sophie wasn’t having any of it, telling the pair that she’d given it some thought, and that she’d decided it was okay, “because they just eat little bits of seaweed on the floor, so really - technically - you eat sushi, whatever.” Her carefully considered logic wasn’t enough to sway Karl, who was quick to inform her that he would not - and could not - “do the poo chute”. With his nose scrunched, and Sophie asking why, he stated, “it’s not my thing.” Sarah admitted that it wasn’t her thing either, while Sophie continued to try and convince them, noting “extra nutrition” and efficiency - apparently, her method is quicker. Miraculously, that was then enough for Sarah to change her stance, with the host announcing that she was going to “try the poo thing” the next time she dug into a prawn. “We don’t even know it’s poo,” Sophie continued anyway, to the laughter of both hosts and those hidden behind the scenes, “it comes from the brain to the tail! How do we even know? Maybe it’s just a spine.” “It looks like poo,” was the quick-and-to-the-point response from Karl. “If it looks like it, smells like it, it’s poo.” And, as it turns out, Karl was right. The “poo chute”, or black line, is actually the prawn’s digestive tract. But for those who think Sophie’s on to something, there’s no need to fear - the chute can be eaten, and some professional chefs even think that it has the added benefit of improving the taste of the prawn. Images: Today/Nine

Food & Wine

Prawn Peeling 101

Prawns are a classic Aussie seafood delicacy. You’ll find them on almost every Australian Christmas lunch or dinner table this year and they can be enjoyed countless different ways, in countless different recipes. While fans of the delicious crustacean will certainly be diving into them this festive season, there is one aspect of prawns people hate: peeling them. Chef and TV host Courtney Roulston speaks about the humble prawn and even shares her number one tip for mess-free peeling. "I'm old school," Roulston, who is a spokesperson for the Marine Stewardship Council's new "Peel The Difference" campaign. "I know there's loads of gadgets and I've seen people do it with a fork and a spoon. "I think prawns are the ultimate finger food, you need to get your hands involved. I rip off the head, get my thumb underneath the first three sections and [opposite hand's] forefinger underneath the rest and peel. "I'm quick enough that I can do it in six or seven seconds." Roulston is a big fan of incorporating prawns into multiple dishes on Christmas Day. "They go really well with a glass of champagne and are great for the start of a Christmas party," she revealed. "Prawns integrate really well into other recipes, whether it be a salad or a classic prawn roll or a prawn cocktail." Prawns served on Christmas Day or during the warmer months are often paired with the classic “Marie Rose” sauce, which uses tomato and tabasco or Worcestershire sauce mixed with mayonnaise. Roulston instead opts for a healthier dipping suace, which she calls the “green goddess” sauce. "You blitz up avocados with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with salt and pepper with a load of herbs," she explains. "It's like a healthier version of the Marie Rose, it's simple and perfect for the warmer weather.” Let us know your favourite prawn hacks as we head into the festive season! Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Sweet and sour prawns

Don’t settle for takeaway when it’s so easy to whip up this delicious sweet and sour prawn dish. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>500g raw banana prawns, peeled, deveined, heads removed</li> <li>2 carrots, sliced</li> <li>1 cup chopped red, yellow and green capsicum, cut into bite sized pieces</li> <li>½ brown onion, chopped</li> <li>1 tablespoon grated fresh root ginger</li> <li>1 red chilli, deseeded, chopped</li> <li>1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped</li> <li>200ml pineapple juice</li> <li>3 tablespoon vegetable oil</li> <li>2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar</li> <li>1 tablespoon soy sauce</li> <li>¼ cup tomato sauce</li> <li>¼ cup brown sugar</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in large wok over medium-high heat. Add prawns and stir-fry for 3 minutes, or until prawns are just cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.</li> <li>Heat remaining oil in wok. Add onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Add chilli and ginger and cook for 2 minutes, then add pineapple, capsicums and carrots. Cook for 1 minute.</li> <li>Add vinegar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar and pineapple juice. Bring to simmer and cook for 7 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.</li> <li>Return prawns to pan and toss to warm through and coat. Serve with a side of plain rice.</li> </ol> Image: Getty

Food & Wine

All hail the mighty prawn!

Vibrant in colour, sweet in flavour and firm in texture – there’s nothing more delicious than a good ol’ Aussie prawn. So, to mark National Prawn Day on March 19, we’ve got an original recipe by Susie Burrell, prepared especially for Tropic Co, for you to whip up at home. <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Preparation time: 00:15 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Cooking time: 00:10 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Serves: 4 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Level: Easy </li> </ul> Ingredients List: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 12 Raw Tropic Co Tiger Prawns, peeled, tails left on </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Panko Bread Crumbs </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1⁄2 cup plain flour </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Salt & Pepper </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1 egg </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Lime wedges, to serve </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Dipping Sauce </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 1⁄2 cup low-fat greek yoghurt </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce </li> </ul> Method Step 1 Remove heads from prawns and shell, however leaving the tails intact Step 2 Combine flour, panko crumbs, and salt and pepper. In a third bowl crack the egg and whisk with a fork. Step 3 Dip each prawn in an air-fryer and lightly spray with extra virgin olive oil. Cook the Tropic Co Tiger Prawns at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway throughout the time. Step 4 While prawns cook, in another bowl, combine ingredients for dipping sauce. Store in the fridge until ready to eat. Step 5 Serve prawns with dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime Serve right away!

Food & Wine

You must try this prawn and broccolini pad Thai

This recipe is a perfect mix of broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a mild peppery taste that becomes sweeter when cooked. Serves 4 | Takes 15 minutes Ingredients <ul> <li>2 bunches Broccolini, roughly chopped</li> <li>200g packet pad Thai rice stick noodles</li> <li>¼ cup fish sauce</li> <li>2 tablespoons grated palm sugar or brown sugar</li> <li>1 lime, juiced</li> <li>2 tablespoons peanut oil</li> <li>700g medium green prawns, peeled, deveined</li> <li>2 eggs, lightly beaten</li> <li>3 tablespoons pad Thai paste</li> <li>3 green onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>bean sprouts, coriander leaves and fried shallots</li> <li>lime wedges, to serve</li> </ul> Method 1. Cook the noodles following the packet directions. Drain and cover to keep warm. Combine the fish sauce, palm sugar and lime juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar then set aside. 2. Heat the wok over a high heat until hot. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add half the prawns and stir-fry for 1 minute or until they turn pink. 3. Remove to a plate. Repeat with oil and remaining prawns. 4. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and the Broccolini to the hot wok and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover and steam for 30 seconds. Remove to the plate with the prawns. Add the remaining oil. Pour in the eggs. Cook, gently stirring for 1 minute, or until scrambled. Push to one side of the wok. 5. Add stir-fry paste and cook for 30 seconds. Return the Broccolini and prawns to the wok with the noodles and fish sauce mixture. Stir-fry until combined and hot. Add the onions and stir fry for 30 seconds. Top with bean sprouts, coriander and fried shallots. Serve with lime. Tips 1. For a chicken and Broccolini pad Thai, replace the prawns with 600g chicken breast fillet, thinly sliced. Image and recipe courtesy of <a href="https://www.perfection.com.au/home">Perfection Fresh.</a> Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/broccolini-prawn-pad-thai">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Try this: Lemon ginger sumac barbecued prawns

Perfect for a summer barbecue, these prawns have a delicious twist. Ingredients <ul> <li>700g large prawns, peeled and deveined</li> <li>¼ cup olive oil</li> <li>1 tsp sesame oil</li> <li>2 tbsp fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon (or lime)</li> <li>½ yellow onion, chopped</li> <li>1 clove garlic, peeled</li> <li>3 tbsp The Ginger People®Organic Ginger Juice</li> <li>1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped</li> <li>1 tsp sumac</li> <li>¼ tsp salt</li> <li>¼ tsp ground black pepper</li> </ul> Directions <ol> <li>In a blender or food processor, process the olive oil, sesame oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion, garlic, ginger juice, coriander, sumac, salt and pepper until smooth.</li> <li>Reserve a small amount for basting. Pour the remaining mixture into a dish, add prawns. Stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.</li> <li>Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread prawns onto skewers. Discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grate. Grill prawns for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Baste with reserved marinade.</li> </ol> Recipe from <a href="http://gingerpeople.com.au/cooks-corner">The Ginger People</a>. Republished with permission of <a href="/Wyza.com.au.">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Slip a more sustainable prawn on your barbie this Christmas

Australians are set to munch through half a billion prawns this Christmas. But where do all those prawns come from? And can we feel good as we throw another one on the barbie? About half of the prawns eaten in Australia come from overseas. More than A$200 million worth of frozen prawns were imported in 2011–2012, mainly from southeast and east Asia, and these imports are on the rise. Most of the imported prawns are farm-grown and the main species is commonly known as vannamei, or white shrimp. The rapid growth of prawn farming has generated public debate over its sustainability and effects on the environment. Concerns have surrounded the destruction of mangrove areas, coastal pollution, salinisation, wild prawn collection, the use of marine-based feeds, and conflict with other resource users. But there is some good news: according to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Litopenaeus_vannamei/en">Food and Agriculture Organization</a> of the United Nations, worldwide environmental certification programs such as <a href="http://www.globalgap.org/uk_en/">Global Gap</a> are having a positive influence on farming practices. Growers are breeding prawns that use protein more efficiently, and adopting low-water-exchange pond systems with less environmental impact. These <a href="http://ag.arizona.edu/azaqua/ista/ISTA9/PDF's/Yoram-BFT%20Brief%20Summary%205.3.11.pdf">aerated systems</a> encourage the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that recycle unused food. Other advances include better biosecurity and traceability, and reduced chemical residues. Australian scientists are supporting better aquaculture practices in Vietnam by helping farmers to establish prawn breeding programs that improve farm productivity. <h2>Australian farmed prawns</h2> About 20% of Australian prawns are farm grown. Australia has some 20 prawn farms, located mainly in Queensland. The most common farmed species is the black tiger prawn, followed by the banana prawn. Australian prawn farmers have worked with scientists to develop healthy, <a href="http://www.csiro.au/en/Outcomes/Food-and-Agriculture/tiger-prawn-farming.aspx">fast-growing</a> prawns that can be produced efficiently on farms that meet the world’s highest standards for environmental management. Research has also addressed the industry’s perceived dependency on marine-based feeds. <h2>What do prawns eat?</h2> Farmed prawns are fed on a compounded pellet made from a range of ingredients that satisfies their nutritional needs. In Australia, the ingredients include soybeans, lupins and canola, and recycled waste proteins, plus small amounts of sustainably-sourced fish meal and fish oil. But now the technology exists to phase-out these marine ingredients. A new food <a href="http://www.csiro.au/Portals/Media/Perfect-food-for-perfect-prawns.aspx">additive</a> developed by CSIRO has been shown to improve prawn growth rates by 30% and eliminates the need for fish products in their diet. The additive is moving towards commercial production in Australia and Asia. <h2>Trawling for prawns</h2> The rest of our prawns are harvested by 500 prawn trawlers that operate across 15 Australian fisheries off Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. The main species caught are <a href="http://fish.gov.au/reports/crustaceans/prawns/Pages/Eastern-king-prawn.aspx">king prawns</a>, <a href="http://fish.gov.au/reports/crustaceans/prawns/Pages/white_banana_prawn.aspx">banana prawns</a>, <a href="http://fish.gov.au/reports/crustaceans/prawns/Pages/tiger_prawns.aspx">tiger prawns</a>, school prawns and <a href="http://fish.gov.au/reports/crustaceans/prawns/Pages/blue_and_red_endeavour_prawns.aspx">endeavour prawns</a>. Wild-caught Australian prawns are available year-round, although some seasonality occurs. Many of the fisheries are remote, so catches are commonly packaged and frozen on board the vessels. Australian prawn fisheries, like all Australian fisheries, are recognised as among the best-managed in the world. Scientists work with managers and industry to set fishing levels that are strictly regulated and monitored. Escape hatches in the trawl nets have been used for more than a decade to reduce the capture of large species, and all prawn fisheries must pass ecological assessments to meet conservation and export regulations. South Australia’s Spencer Gulf Fishery and the Commonwealth <a href="http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Oceans/Marine-Life/Sustaining-fisheries-index/Northern-Prawn-Fishery.aspx">Northern Prawn Fishery</a> have both achieved certification from the Marine Stewardship Council, an independent body that certifies sustainable fisheries worldwide. <h2>Look out for labels</h2> All prawns sold at major supermarkets in Australia must be labelled according to the country of origin. In some states, such as the Northern Territory and South Australia, that compulsory labelling extends to all seafood retail outlets, including restaurants. Australian prawn farmers and fishers are trying to encourage people to eat Aussie prawns throughout the year with a <a href="http://australianprawns.com.au/">Love Australian prawns</a> campaign in an effort to smooth out some of the logistics associated with stocking so many prawns at Christmas. So if you do want to buy homegrown prawns, look out for the labels at your supermarket, or ask your fishmonger where they’ll be getting their supplies from this Christmas. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xn_CPrCS8gs?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Paul Hogan’s famous ‘I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie’ ad from 1984. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/20421/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rik-buckworth-110680">Rik Buckworth</a>, Principal Research Scientist, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/greg-coman-109363">Greg Coman</a>, Aquaculture scientist, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/slip-a-more-sustainable-prawn-on-your-barbie-this-christmas-20421">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

How to make Jamie Oliver's bay salt prawn skewers with summer veg

Time to prepare 25 mins | Serves 4 Warmer weather brings memories of sun, seafood and barbeques - so why not combine them all? This recipe from Jamie Oliver puts a yummy twist on the good ol' shrimp. The bay salt flavour is unconventional but that's what makes this BBQ prawn recipe taste so delicious. Recipe from <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes">jamieoliver.com/recipes</a> Ingredients: <ul> <li>20 raw king prawns, from sustainable sources (ask your fishmonger), peeled and black veins removed</li> <li>4 small courgettes</li> <li>10 bay leaves</li> <li>1 tablespoon sea salt</li> <li>3 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>Juice of ½ lemon</li> <li>2 large handfuls freshly podded peas</li> <li>2 large handfuls freshly podded broad beans</li> <li>1 small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked\</li> <li>A few chive flowers, optional</li> <li>Sea salt</li> <li>Freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> Directions 1. First of all, get your barbecue good and hot. If you're using wooden skewers, soak four of them in some cold water for 10 minutes, so they don't burn when you put them on the barbie later. Thread 5 prawns on to each skewer, make sure you poke through the fat and the thin part of each prawn. Slice the courgettes into ribbons with a speed peeler or a mandolin. 2. To make the bay salt, crumble the bay leaves into a pestle and mortar and add the salt. Bash up the bay leaves until you have a vibrant green salt and all the bay leaves have broken down and released their natural oils. 3. Sprinkle each of the prawn kebabs with a good pinch of the bay salt. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and pat and rub everything in. Place the skewers on the hot barbecue for a couple of minutes on each side. Fill the rest of the barbecue with the courgette slices – as they are so thin, they'll only need cooking on one side. After 2 minutes, turn over the skewers and cook for a further 2 minutes while you start taking off the courgettes. 4. Pour 3 tablespoons of good olive oil into a large bowl. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the peas, broad beans and grilled courgettes. Tear over the mint leaves and the chive flowers, if using. Season with a little salt and pepper and gently mix everything together. 5. Serve the vegetables in a big bowl in the middle of the table with the skewers on a wooden board next to it. Perfect light, healthy summer eating. Tips <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/seafood-recipes/bay-salt-prawn-skewers-with-summer-veg/">Jamie says: </a>The combination of bay leaves and prawns is quite an unconventional one, but I think it's a winner. This recipe will make enough for a decent batch of bay salt – you can use it instead of normal salt. You won't need as much as you would normally use though, as the bay gives it extra flavour. Bay salt is great if sprinkled over a shoulder of lamb, a chicken or a piece of pork before roasting. You can keep it in a container for a couple of months if you dry it out first. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/bay-salt-prawn-skewers-with-summer-veg.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Caring

Delicious pork belly and prawn fresh rice paper rolls

Time to prepare 20 mins | Serves 4-6 A great fresh-tasting starter or snack, and you can even get creative with the ingredients you put inside! “Although I love Vietnamese fried spring rolls, these fresh rice paper rolls are my favourite rolls to eat. They’re light and delicious and hugely popular in Vietnam as well as all around the world,” says chef Adam Liaw. Recipe from <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fadam-liaw-s-asian-cookery-school-adam-liaw%2Fprod9780733634307.html">Asian Cookery School by Adam Liaw</a> (Hachette, RRP $49.99) -. Ingredients: <ul> <li>300g pork belly, skin and bone removed </li> <li>1 tbsp salt </li> <li>100g dried rice vermicelli </li> <li>30 rice paper sheets </li> <li>3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce </li> <li>1 cup loosely packed mint </li> <li>1 cup loosely packed coriander or perilla </li> <li>300g cooked prawns, peeled, deveined and split lengthways </li> <li>1 bunch Chinese chives, halved </li> <li>1 cup Nuoc Cham* (see tip below), to serve</li> </ul> *If you don’t feel like making it yourself or can’t find Nuoc Cham at your local Asian supermarket then try it with sweet chilli sauce or experiment with your favourite Asian dipping sauce. Directions 1. Place the pork belly in a pot just big enough to fit it. Cover with cold water. Add the salt, bring the water to a simmer and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pork belly is cooked through. Remove from the water and allow to cool. Thinly slice the pork into 5cm wide slices no more than a few millimetres thick. 2. Place the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and pour over plenty of boiling water. Leave for 5 minutes then drain, rinse in cold water, drain again and cut into 5cm lengths. 3. Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and dip a sheet of rice paper into the water until it slightly softens. (It will continue to soften out of the water.) Transfer the rice paper to a plate and place a pile of pork, lettuce, rice vermicelli and some mint and coriander on the paper in a line just in from the edge closest to you. 4. Place a few prawns at the centre of the paper with the orange backs facing down and roll the paper, folding in the edges halfway along, as shown. Add a few spears of chives just before finishing the roll so the cut ends stick out of the top. Serve with Nuoc Cham. Tips: <ul> <li>Keeping the prawns separate from the other fillings is purely for presentation, so you can see the colourful backs facing outward through a single layer of rice paper.</li> <li>You don’t need to do all the work yourself – you can put the ingredients on platters on the dining table with bowls of warm water to dip the rice papers into and everyone can make their own.</li> <li>The filling of the rolls can be whatever you like. Try leftover <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/lemongrass-beef.aspx">Lemongrass Beef </a>or <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/porchetta-sliders-by-matt-moran.aspx">shredded chicken</a>. </li> </ul> Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/fresh-rice-paper-rolls.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Enjoy some sweet mango and prawn rice paper rolls

Enjoy a fun and sweet twist on a traditional dish. Makes: 24 Prep time: 30 mins Cooking time: 0 mins Ingredients <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">4 Calypso® mangoes</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 x 250g packs Qukes® peeled into ribbons </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2/3 cup whole egg mayonnaise</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 lime, juiced</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 tbs hot chilli sauce</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">200g dried rice vermicelli noodles </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">36 cooked medium king prawns, peeled, deveined </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">24 (2 x 150g packets) rice paper wrappers </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 small iceberg lettuce, shredded</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup fresh mint leaves </li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Cut the cheeks from the mangoes and scoop the flesh from the cheeks. Roughly chop 1 mango cheek and place in small food processor. Add mayonnaise and lime juice and pulse until well combined. Remove to a bowl and swirl through the chilli sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Thinly slice the remaining mango crossways, place onto a plate and refrigerate until required. </li> <li>Prepare the noodles following the packet directions. Refresh under cold water and drain well. Return to bowl. Cut into shorter lengths using kitchen scissors. Cut the prawns in half through the centre of the prawn so they still resemble prawn shape. </li> <li>Working with one rice paper sheet at a time, submerge it in a shallow dish of luke-warm water for 3 seconds, it should still be firm. Place on a board and pat dry with paper towel to remove excess water. Place 4-5 mango slices down the centre of the rice paper sheet.</li> <li>Top with 4 Qukes® slices, 3 pieces of prawns, lettuce, noodles and mint. Fold in the sides and roll-up firmly from the end closest to you to enclose the filling. Repeat to make 24 rolls. Serve with mango dipping sauce.</li> </ol> Tip: You can make the rice paper rolls up to 2 hours ahead. Place on plate and cover loosely with paper towel and plastic wrap Recipe and photo courtesy of Calypso Mangoes.

Food & Wine

Enjoy a prawn cocktail with avocados

These are always popular! Just cut those buttery, delicious avocados in half and fill with the ingredients you use to make a prawn cocktail your family will love. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li> 16 cooked tiger prawns, peeled and deveined </li> <li> 2 avocados </li> <li> 4 lettuce leaves, thinly sliced </li> <li> 1⁄4 cup (60g) cocktail sauce </li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li> Cut the avocados in half and discard the pit.</li> <li>Scoop half the avocado out, adding the flesh to a bowl, to create a larger round.</li> <li>Scatter the lettuce evenly across each avocado half and top each with 4 prawns. </li> <li>Season and mash the avocado. 5. Spoon across each before serving with a dollop of complementary seafood sauce. </li> </ol> Optional: To make your own seafood sauce, simply mix 1⁄4 cup (60ml) cream with 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and drop of tabasco. Season to taste. Recipes by 4Ingredients for Australian Avocados.

Food & Wine

Delicious churrasco prawns with aji sauce

In Brazil, churrasco is a term for barbeque, with the meat or seafood of choice commonly grilled on skewers. In this case, the grilled prawns are teamed with a Peruvian aji sauce, which consists of sweet onion and jalapenos. This is an edited extract from Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia, published by Hardie Grant, RRP $39.95 Visit Lyndey's website here: <a href="http://www.lyndeymilan.com">lyndeymilan.com</a> Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 kg large raw prawns, peeled and deveined, heads removed, tails intact</li> <li>wooden skewers, soaked in cold water or placed in the freezer for 30 minutes</li> <li>extra-virgin olive oil for brushing</li> </ul> Aji sauce <ul> <li>4 green jalapeno chillies, seeded</li> <li>3 spring onions (scallions), roughly sliced</li> <li>¼ cup roughly chopped coriander</li> <li>(cilantro) stems and leaves</li> <li>2 tablespoons red wine vinegar</li> <li>½ teaspoon grated lime zest</li> <li>2 teaspoons lime juice</li> <li>2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil</li> <li>salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> Directions: 1. For the aji sauce, place the jalapeños, spring onion and coriander in a small food processor and process until finely chopped. 2. Add the red wine vinegar, lime zest and juice and oil and continue to process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Preheat a barbecue or chargrill pan to high. 4. For the prawns, insert a wooden skewer at the tail and push through the length of the prawn. Brush the prawns with oil and cook on the barbecue or in the chargrill pan for 2 minutes each side or until cooked through. 5. Serve with the aji sauce. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.Wyza.com.au">Wyza.com.au</a>

Food & Wine

Simple prawn and avocado salad

Making a simple prawn and advocado salad is an easy way to incorporate seafood in to your next feast. You may want to add crayfish if you're after a meatier version. Homemade mayonnaise tops off this appetising entree or side. Serves: 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1 kg cooked prawns</li> <li>(plus bite-sized chunks of crayfish if including)</li> <li>Mesclun - mixed lettuce</li> <li>2 avocados, sliced</li> <li>juice of 1 lemon</li> <li>2 tablespoons finely chopped chives</li> </ul> Mayonnaise <ul> <li>1 cup good quality mayonnaise</li> <li>(preferably home-made with eggs yolks left over from making pavlova)</li> <li>2 tablespoons lemon juice</li> <li>1 clove garlic, crushed</li> <li>few drops Tabasco sauce</li> <li>touch of salt and freshly ground pepper</li> </ul> Directions: 1. Shell and de-vein prawns. 2. Peel and slice avocado and mix with lemon juice to avoid discolouration. 3. Arrange lettuce on serving plates. 4. Combine the mayonnaise ingredients 5. Top with prawns (and crayfish if using), then avocados, then spoon over the mayonnaise. Sprinkle with chives. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/simple-prawn-and-avocado-salad.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.

Food & Wine

Zesty persimmon prawn rice paper roll

Looking for a healthy lunch option that’s packed full of flavour? These persimmon prawn rice paper rolls are the answer to all of your cravings. Not only are they simple and easy to make, but they don’t compromise on taste. Try it out for yourself. Ingredients <ul> <li>60gm dried rice vermicelli</li> <li>8 16cm round rice paper wrappers</li> <li>8 medium butter lettuce leaves, washed</li> <li>8 large cooked king prawns, peeled, de-veined and sliced in half lengthways</li> <li>24 fresh mint leaves</li> <li>1 small firm persimmon, julienned</li> <li>1 small Lebanese cucumber, julienned</li> <li>24 fresh coriander leaves</li> </ul> Dipping sauce <ul> <li>1 tablespoon Japanese rice vinegar</li> <li>4 tablespoons hoi sin sauce</li> <li>1 tablespoon unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped</li> </ul> Method <ol> <li>Prepare rice vermicelli as per packet instructions, drain well.</li> <li>Combine all sauce ingredients for dipping.</li> <li>Place 1 rice sheet in warm water until just softened, remove from water place on clean, damp tea towel.</li> <li>Lay a lettuce leaf over the wrapper, top with 2 pieces of prawn horizontally, 3 mint leaves, a little persimmon, cucumber, rice vermicelli and 3 coriander leaves.</li> <li>Fold bottom of wrapper up over the filling, fold one side in, roll up tightly. Keep rolls under damp cloth while preparing remaining ingredients.</li> <li>Serve with dipping sauce.</li> </ol> Photo and recipe courtesy of <a href="https://www.persimmonsaustralia.com.au/recipes/">Persimmons Australia</a>.

Food & Wine

Prawns, asparagus and cherry tomato linguine

This deliciously light pasta dish is so quick and easy to whip up but also special enough for company. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>150g linguine pasta</li> <li>135g cherry tomatoes</li> <li>200g green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact </li> <li>1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed, cut in half</li> <li>2 tablespoon olive oil</li> <li>2 cloves garlic, finely chopped</li> <li>Half a lemon</li> <li>1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped</li> <li>⅓ cup dry white wine</li> <li>Fresh oregano, chopped</li> <li>Salt and pepper to season</li> <li>Shaved parmesan to serve</li> </ul> Method: 1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add pasta and follow packet instructions. Drain. 2. Meanwhile, heat oil in frypan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook and cook for two minutes or until softened. 3. Stir in garlic, chilli, asparagus and prawns. Cook for two minutes or until prawns turn pink. 4. Add white wine and season with salt and pepper. Leave to simmer for three to five minutes or until sauce thickens and reduces. 5. Add pasta to pan. Squeeze half a lemon and sprinkle with oregano. Toss to combine. Serve with parmesan. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/beef-and-barley-stew/">Hearty beef and barley stew</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/tuna-and-olive-pasta/">Tuna and olive pasta</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/bolognese-stuffed-eggplant/">Bolognese stuffed eggplant</a>

Food & Wine

Corn, prawn and chorizo fritters

These fritters make a great leisurely brunch to share with friends while away for a few days, or chilling at home. The combination of corn, prawns and chorizo is a great flavour match, particularly with the addition of sweet smoked paprika and cumin – just add a hit of chilli (feel free to add more if you like it hot), and you're almost done. I love these fritters served simply with sliced avocado and the super-quick chilli lime mayo, but to make them go even further, (and transform them into a substantial dinner dish), serve with runny-yolked poached or fried eggs, or even a few rocket leaves tossed in a little olive oil and a squeeze of lime. Another obvious side is a tomato salsa made with chopped ripe tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, coriander, chilli and ½ teaspoon of sugar – stir through a little olive oil and lime juice to serve. If you can't get your hands on fresh corn (or can't be bothered with the faff), drained tinned corn will work fine. Serves: 6 (makes 12) Ingredients: <ul> <li>3 cooked cobs corn</li> <li>300g raw prawns</li> <li>3 eggs</li> <li>1 red onion</li> <li>1 ¼ cups plain flour (plus 1-2 tablespoons extra if needed)</li> <li>1 ½ teaspoons baking powder</li> <li>1 teaspoon cumin</li> <li>½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika</li> <li>½ teaspoon chilli flakes</li> <li>3 spring onions</li> <li>Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>200g chorizo (2), finely chopped</li> <li>½ red capsicum, finely chopped</li> <li>¼ cup olive oil</li> <li>3 avocados, halved and sliced</li> <li>Poached or fried eggs optional</li> </ul> For the coriander and lime mayo <ul> <li>2 cups coriander leaves</li> <li>½ cup good quality mayonnaise</li> <li>½ cup sour cream</li> <li>1 clove garlic, crushed</li> <li>Finely grated zest of 2 limes</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.</li> <li>Stand the corn cobs upright and slice off the kernels. Roughly chop the prawns and set half aside.</li> <li>Put half of the corn into a food processor with half of the prawns and all of the eggs. Roughly chop half of the onion and add to the food processor, finely chop the remainder and reserve to garnish.</li> <li>Add the flour, baking powder and spices to the food processor and pulse to combine. Roughly chop two of the spring onions and add to the mixture. Finely slice the remaining spring onion and reserve to garnish. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and pulse again just until thick and very chunky.</li> <li>Tip out into a bowl and add the remaining corn kernels, chopped prawns, chorizo and red capsicum. Fold to combine.</li> <li>Heat oil, two tablespoons at a time and cook fritters in batches, 2-3 minutes each side until cooked through. (Keep cooked fritters in the oven while cooking the rest).</li> <li>Serve fritters with avocado, garnished with reserved spring onions and red onion, and a good dollop of coriander and lime mayo. If desired, also serve with fried or poached eggs.</li> <li>For the mayo, put all the ingredients into a small food processor and whiz to combine. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Coriander and lime mayo can be prepared up to three days before serving and stored in a sealed container in the fridge.</li> </ol> Written by Sarah Tuck. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Image credit: Sarah Tuck/Stuff.

Food & Wine

Prawn toast

You’ll never order prawn toasts again with this easy (and deliciously tasty) recreation of the authentic Chinese dim sum. Makes: 16 Ingredients: <ul> <li>350 grams prawns, peeled, deveined and chopped</li> <li>4 slices day-old white bread, crust removed</li> <li>1 spring onions, chopped</li> <li>1 teaspoon grated ginger</li> <li>1 egg white</li> <li>2 teaspoon soy sauce</li> <li>1 teaspoon sesame oil</li> <li>⅓ cup sesame seeds</li> <li>Peanut oil for frying</li> </ul> Method: 1. To make paste, place prawns, spring onions, ginger, egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil into food processor. Season with salt and pepper and process until smooth. 2. Cut each slice of bread into four triangles. 3. Spread prawn mixture over each triangle. 4. Place sesame seeds in bowl and press bread paste side up into the seeds. 5. Pour two centimetres of oil into deep frypan or wok. Heat to medium and shallow-fry toast paste side down for two minutes. Turn them over and fry until golden. 6. Drain on paper towel. Repeat until all are done. Tip: Serve with sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/crusted-prawns-with-aioli/">Macadamia-crusted prawns with aioli</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/03/prawn-rice-paper-rolls/">Healthy prawn rice paper rolls</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/04/steamed-pork-wontons/">Steamed pork wontons</a>

Food & Wine

Malaysian prawn laksa

From hosting a dinner party for family and friends to whipping up a quick midweek meal for the family to enjoy, this Malaysian prawn laksa will be sure to impress. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>185g jar Malaysian laksa paste</li> <li>1/2 x 270ml can coconut milk</li> <li>1 1/2 cups water or vegetable stock</li> <li>250g fried soybean curd or tofu, sliced</li> <li>250g cooked and peeled prawns</li> <li>2 cakes of instant noodles</li> <li>100g bean sprouts</li> <li>Chopped coriander to garnish</li> </ul> Method: 1. Combine laksa paste, coconut milk, water or vegetable stock in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cover and bring to the boil. 2. Add soybean curd and prawns then reduce heat. Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and divide between 2 bowls. 3. Ladle the soup over the noodles, top with bean sprouts and coriander. Tip: Add a halved, hard-boiled egg. Substitute prawns with cooked chicken or fish pieces. Add some sliced red or green capsicum. Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.ayam.com/" target="_blank">AYAM</a>.

Food & Wine

Huge shortage of a Christmas favourite looming

An Aussie Christmas lunch wouldn’t be complete without prawns, but experts are warning a looming shortage could drive prices through the roof. According to Marshall Betzel, president of the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association, prawn supplies are “pretty tight” at the moment, and as we edge closer to Christmas, prices for large sea-caught tiger and king prawns could soar above $40 per kilo. Betzel claims the “double whammy" of Chinese demand for Aussie prawns and continuing limitations on imports are responsible for the shortage, which unfortunately extends to other favourite shellfish like tropical lobster. “The overall message is don’t leave it to the last minute to go shopping for seafood for Christmas," he told <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/christmas-prawn-shortage-in-queensland-as-seafood-industry-struggles-with-supply/news-story/43c4be8703044a52291ea3affc86436b" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail</a>. “The prudent buyer should be looking at buying prawns today. Prawns snap-frozen on the boat come up a treat when thawed out so you could be buying them and putting them in the freezer until Christmas to make sure you don’t miss out.” Tell us in the comments below, will you still be getting prawns for your Christmas lunch this year?

Food & Wine

Chicken and prawn Hailam noodles

This family-friendly recipe delivers authentic Asian cuisine with no-fuss. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>200g chicken thigh, skin removed and thinly sliced</li> <li>2 tbsp peanut oil, or other vegetable oil</li> <li>2 thick slices of ginger, bruised</li> <li>3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped</li> <li>2-3 large leaves of Chinese cabbage, sliced</li> <li>1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks</li> <li>100g peeled and deveined raw prawns, butterflied</li> <li>1 tbsp oyster sauce</li> <li>1 tsp light soy sauce</li> <li>1 tsp dark soy sauce</li> <li>¼ tsp ground white pepper</li> <li>a pinch of caster sugar</li> <li>1 cup chicken stock, or water</li> <li>500g thick fresh Hokkien noodles</li> <li>1 tsp cornflour mixed into 1 tbsp cold water</li> <li>½ cup coriander leaves, to serve</li> <li>2 tbsp fried shallots, to serve</li> </ul> Chicken marinade <ul> <li>1 tsp soy sauce</li> <li>1 tsp Shaoxing wine</li> <li>1 tsp cornflour</li> <li>½ tsp sesame oil</li> </ul> Method: 1. Combine the chicken with the chicken marinade ingredients. Heat a wok until it is very hot and add in the oil around the edges so it runs into the bottom of the wok. 2. Add in the ginger first and then after a few seconds, the garlic. Toss the garlic and ginger around in the oil until the garlic starts to brown and then add in the chicken. 3. Stir fry the chicken until it starts to brown, add in the cabbage and carrot, and then the sauce ingredients except the chicken broth. When the vegetables soften, add in the chicken broth and bring to the boil. Add the prawns and cook through. 4. Taste the sauce forming in the bottom. It should taste strong and flavourful. Adjust for seasoning. 5. Poke a few holes in the bag of noodles and massage gently to loosen them. Add in the noodles and stir fry to combine. 6. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are nearly al dente. Pour over the cornflour mixture, and stir through until the sauce is thickened and coating the boodles. 7. Transfer to a plate, garnish with coriander and fried shallots. Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.ayam.com/" target="_blank">AYAM</a>. Images credit: Hachette Publishing

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