Phyllo-Wrapped Prawns Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade phyllo-wrapped prawns with this easy baking recipe! Featuring buttery, crispy layers of phyllo pastry surrounding perfectly seasoned prawns, this foolproof method ensures restaurant-quality results. Master the technique of working with delicate phyllo dough for an impressive appetizer that's sure to impress.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

12 wrapped prawns

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">12 large prawns (about 225g), peeled and deveined (tails left on)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">6 sheets phyllo pastry, thawed if frozen</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g unsalted butter, melted</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, finely minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Zest of 1 lemon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp sea salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">For the dipping sauce:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g Greek yogurt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small clove garlic, finely grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Clean kitchen towel</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pat the prawns completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial as any moisture will make the phyllo soggy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This flavored butter will both adhere the phyllo layers and infuse them with flavor as they bake. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Set up your phyllo workstation before unwrapping the pastry. Have your flavored butter, pastry brush, knife, and prawns ready. Cover the phyllo sheets with a slightly damp kitchen towel when not using them to prevent drying out - dry phyllo cracks and becomes unworkable. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Lay one sheet of phyllo on a clean work surface with the long edge facing you. Brush it lightly but thoroughly with the garlic-herb butter. Place a second sheet on top and brush again. Cut this double layer into 6 equal rectangles (approximately 12cm x 15cm each). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Place a prawn at the short end of each rectangle, positioning it so the tail extends slightly beyond the edge. Brush the prawn lightly with the butter mixture. Starting from the tail end, roll the phyllo around the prawn, leaving the tail exposed. As you roll, fold in the sides slightly to seal the filling, creating a neat package. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Place the wrapped prawns seam-side down on the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2cm apart to allow for even browning. Brush the tops and sides with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. The egg wash creates a seal and helps the phyllo achieve that beautiful color during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown and the prawns are cooked through. The prawns will turn pink and opaque when properly cooked - be careful not to overbake as prawns can quickly become tough and rubbery. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> While the prawns are baking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Allow the phyllo-wrapped prawns to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving - they retain heat extremely well due to their wrapping and will be too hot to eat immediately. This brief rest also helps the phyllo set and maintain its crisp texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve warm with the prepared yogurt dip, garnished with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges for squeezing. For the best texture contrast, enjoy these shortly after baking when the phyllo is at its crispiest and the prawns remain juicy. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Phyllo-Wrapped Prawns Recipe?

The recipe uses large prawns, phyllo pastry, unsalted butter, garlic, fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and egg. The accompanying dipping sauce combines Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic for a refreshing complement to the crispy appetisers.

How to cook Phyllo-Wrapped Prawns Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Phyllo-Wrapped Prawns by preparing seasoned prawns, wrapping them in buttered phyllo sheets, and baking until golden. The process involves brushing flavoured butter between phyllo layers, carefully rolling each prawn while leaving the tail exposed, and baking at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until crisp and golden. Serve with a herb-infused yogurt dip for maximum flavour.

Why does my phyllo pastry crack when I'm working with it?

Phyllo cracks when it dries out too quickly. Keep unused sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while working. Work efficiently but don't rush, ensuring your hands are dry before handling. The butter between layers also helps maintain moisture and flexibility during the wrapping process.

Can I prepare these seafood appetisers in advance before a dinner party?

You can prepare the prawns up to the wrapping stage and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 4 hours, covered with cling film. For best results, brush with egg wash just before baking. The yogurt dip can be made 24 hours ahead. Always bake just before serving for optimal crispness.

How do I know when prawns are perfectly cooked and not rubbery?

Perfectly cooked prawns turn from translucent grey to opaque pink throughout, with the flesh firm but still slightly springy when touched. They typically take 12-15 minutes when wrapped in phyllo. Avoid overbaking as prawns toughen quickly once cooked through, becoming rubbery with an unpleasant texture.

Want to try something else in ...