Jamie Oliver Prawn Risotto Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s prawn risotto is the kind of recipe that feels luxurious yet comes together with simple ingredients. Creamy rice, tender prawns, garlic, lemon, and a touch of Parmesan blend into a satisfying dish that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The slow cooking of the rice develops a rich, velvety texture, while the prawns add sweetness and depth. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to master.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Creamy and comforting texture – The slow addition of stock creates a silky risotto every time.
• Full of bright flavour – Lemon, garlic, and prawns bring freshness to the richness.
• Perfect for seafood lovers – Prawns blend beautifully with risotto’s creamy base.
• Great for entertaining – Feels elegant but doesn’t require complicated ingredients.
• Easy to customise – Add herbs, extra vegetables, or even chilli for a different twist.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto?

Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto is a creamy Italian-style rice dish cooked slowly with stock, garlic, lemon, and prawns. The rice becomes soft and velvety, while the prawns add sweetness and protein, creating a warm, satisfying meal.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Salmon

Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto Ingredients

• 300g risotto rice (Arborio or Carnaroli)
• 300g prawns (peeled and deveined)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 litre hot vegetable or chicken stock
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 40g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, translucent, and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Rice

Stir in the minced garlic, then add the risotto rice. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.

Step 3: Slowly Add Stock

Add a ladle of hot stock and stir gently. Continue adding stock one ladle at a time, allowing each to absorb before adding more. This step builds the creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Prawns

When the rice is nearly done, stir in the prawns. Cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and tender.

Step 5: Finish the Risotto

Stir in butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning and keep stirring until creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Risotto tastes best fresh off the stove.

What to Serve Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto

• Serve with a fresh green salad – The crisp greens balance the creamy risotto.
• Pair with garlic bread – Adds a warm, crispy side that complements the prawns.
• Enjoy roasted vegetables – A colourful veggie plate works perfectly.
• Add a simple bruschetta – Light and refreshing alongside the rich rice.
• Serve with lemon wedges – A squeeze of extra lemon brightens each bite.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto

• Use hot stock only – Cold stock slows the cooking and affects texture.
• Stir gently but regularly – Helps release starch without turning mushy.
• Add prawns at the end – They cook quickly, keeping them soft and juicy.
• Finish with butter and cheese – These give risotto its signature creamy finish.
• Check seasoning at the very end – Parmesan is salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto

• Add chilli flakes – A bit of heat works wonderfully with prawns.
• Mix in peas or spinach – Brings freshness and colour to the dish.
• Use brown prawns – For a richer, more intense seafood taste.
• Add a splash of cream – Creates an even silkier texture.
• Try it with saffron – Adds depth and a beautiful golden colour.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Prawns Risotto?

Let the risotto cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The texture may thicken as it cools, but it remains flavorful and satisfying when reheated properly.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Risotto Leftovers?

• Warm slowly on the stovetop – Add a splash of stock or water to loosen the rice back to creamy consistency.
• Use the microwave in short intervals – Heat in bursts while stirring to avoid drying.
• Turn leftovers into arancini – Shape chilled risotto into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg

FAQs

How do you keep prawn risotto from becoming mushy?

To prevent mushy risotto, add hot stock gradually and let each ladle absorb before adding more. Stir gently rather than continuously, and stop cooking as soon as the rice becomes creamy but still has a slight bite in the centre. Overstirring and too much liquid are the main causes of a mushy texture.

When should I add prawns to risotto?

Prawns should be added during the final 3–4 minutes of cooking. They cook very quickly, so adding them at the end keeps them tender and prevents them from becoming rubbery. Stir them in gently until they turn pink and firm.

How do I make risotto creamy without adding cream?

Risotto becomes creamy naturally from the starch released by Arborio or Carnaroli rice. Slowly adding stock, stirring gently, and finishing with butter and Parmesan creates a silky texture without needing any cream.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s prawn risotto combines creamy rice, tender prawns, and bright citrus into a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s simple to prepare and delivers an elegant meal with very little fuss. Enjoy it whenever you want something rich, warm, and satisfying.

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