Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns Recipe – Crispy, Citrus‑Kissed Prawns with Grand Marnier Pan Sauce

Difficulty:

3/5

Serves:

12 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

15 minutes

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Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns Recipe

This Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns recipe brings together sweet, succulent prawns wrapped in salty prosciutto with a bright citrus‑Grand Marnier pan sauce, creating an elegant appetizer perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a gourmet date‑night platter. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines prawns, prosciutto, lemon zest, and a flambéd Grand Marnier reduction for a bold, restaurant‑quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

The Inspiration

This dish draws from classic Italian antipasti, where cured meats meet fresh seafood for a rich, savory‑sweet contrast. Host Robert Jewell brings flair and technique to the episode theme Prawns and Pistachios, showcasing how simple ingredients can feel extravagant when paired with bright citrus and aromatic liqueur. Wrapping prawns in prosciutto creates an irresistible combination of crisp texture and briny depth, while the Grand Marnier and orange juice sauce adds layers of sweetness and tang. On A Is For Apple, viewers learn approachable gourmet dishes, and this recipe embodies that mission—showcasing stunning flavors through straightforward steps and memorable presentation.

Ingredients

12 large prawns 16-20 count peeled and deveined tail on
12 slices of thin sliced prosciutto
2 lemons zested
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon (15ml) cold butter for frying
3 tablespoons (45ml) cold butter
¼ cup (60ml) Grand Marnier liquor
½ cup (125ml) orange juice
¼ cup (60ml) fresh chopped parsley
Freshly ground pepper

Method

Place clean prawns in a medium bowl. Add the zest and season with pepper.
Wrap a piece of prosciutto around the prawns evenly, leaving the tail exposed.
Repeat with remaining prawns and prosciutto.
Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add oil and 1 tablespoon butter to pan and allow to heat 1 minute.
Place prawns into pan being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook until the prosciutto is golden brown and crispy. Flip and repeat until the prawn if fully cooked and prosciutto is golden and crispy on all sides.
Tip the pan and remove excess oil from pan.
Add the Grand Marnier and flambé the prawns. Have a lid nearby to put out the flames if they don’t die on their own.
Remove prawns and set aside to keep warm.
Return the pan to medium heat and add the orange juice. Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbling and slightly thick. Reduce heat to low and slowly start whisking the cold butter into the sauce for a smooth creamy consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat and add the fresh parsley.
Drizzle sauce all over shrimp and finish with a few good turns of fresh pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns are a show‑stopping appetizer ideal for elegant dinners, cocktail parties, New Year’s celebrations, or indulgent weekend gatherings. Serve them warm with the glossy citrus sauce pooled beneath or drizzled overtop. They pair wonderfully with crostini, soft dinner rolls, or grilled baguette slices that soak up the buttery orange reduction.

To create a full appetizer board, pair the prawns with marinated olives, roasted nuts, and a citrus‑forward salad. For beverages, choose sparkling wine, Prosecco, or a citrus gin cocktail to echo the bright flavors. These prawns also shine as part of a seafood‑themed dinner, alongside dishes like scallops, poached shrimp, or a light seasonal risotto. For presentation, garnish with microgreens, orange zest curls, or whole parsley leaves for added color and sophistication.

Final Thoughts

This Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns recipe blends bold Mediterranean flavors with refined French‑inspired technique. The crisp prosciutto exterior, tender prawn interior, and decadent orange‑butter Grand Marnier sauce create a layered dish that feels luxurious yet is approachable enough for home cooks. Host Robert Jewell emphasizes creating impressive dishes through simple, intentional steps—and this recipe captures that spirit beautifully. Whether hosting a dinner party or preparing a festive holiday spread, these prawns deliver elegance, aroma, and unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!