Lifestyle

The energy behind your cooking choices

Prawns

February 2025
EnergyAustralia's Social Media Team (and passionate foodies)

Cooking prawns is an Aussie favourite—whether it’s a summer BBQ, a quick stir-fry, or a classic garlic butter dish. But have you ever thought about how much energy goes into preparing them? Depending on how you cook your prawns, your energy consumption can vary more than you think!

The Energy Behind Your Prawn Prep

From stovetop sizzles to oven bakes, each cooking method uses a different amount of energy. 

Some are quicker and more efficient, while others might have you cranking up the power for longer.

We’ve broken it down for you—showing how different cooking methods impact your energy use and which ones might be the most efficient (while still keeping things delicious, of course!).

3 Tasty Ways to Cook Prawns 🍽️

Garlic Butter Pan-Fried Prawns 🧄🦐

Energy Used: Medium 🔥                                                                                                                                                           Why? Cooking prawns on a stovetop is quick and energy-efficient compared to oven roasting.

What You’ll Need:

  • 500g raw prawns (peeled)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

How to Cook:

  1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toss in the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked.
  4. Drizzle with lemon juice, season, and garnish with parsley.

Stone-Baked Garlic & Herb Prawns 🧄🔥

Energy Used: Medium 🔥
Why? Cooking prawns on a preheated stone retains heat efficiently, reducing overall energy use compared to an extended oven bake.

What You’ll Need:

  • 500g whole prawns (shell on)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

How to Cook:

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and place a baking stone inside to heat up.
  2. In a bowl, mix prawns with olive oil, garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Once the stone is hot, arrange prawns in a single layer.
  4. Bake for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until prawns are pink and slightly charred.
  5. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Oven-Baked Panko Crumbed Prawns 🍤🔥

Energy Used: High 🔥🔥
Why? Baking uses more energy due to preheating and longer cooking times.

What You’ll Need:

  • 500g prawns (peeled)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

How to Cook:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Coat prawns in flour, dip in egg, and roll in panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Place on a baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  4. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Happy cooking.