Oven-Baked Prawns | Gamberoni al Forno

A quick and flavourful seafood dish, straight from the Mediterranean coast. These oven-baked prawns are juicy, aromatic, and perfect for any occasion — especially when you want something easy but impressive.

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About This Dish

Gamberoni al forno is a simple yet elegant Southern Italian seafood dish that highlights the natural sweetness of prawns. Baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine, this recipe brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Perfect for a light dinner or as a centerpiece for a seafood feast.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Prawns:	1 kg (≈ 2.2 lbs, shell-on)
Cherry Tomatoes:	15 (≈ 1 cup halved)
Garlic Cloves:	3
Water:	1 cup (≈ 240 ml)
Dry White Wine:	1 cup (≈ 240 ml)
Olive Oil:	To taste
Fresh Parsley:	Chopped, for garnish
Salt:	To taste

How to Make It

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Arrange prawns in a large baking dish. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves on top.
Step 3: Drizzle with olive oil, pour in white wine and water, and season with salt.
Step 4: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until prawns turn pink and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Tucci’s Tips

Use fresh, large prawns for the best flavor and texture.

Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.

Don’t overcook the prawns — they turn rubbery if baked too long.

Variations

Lemon Boost: Add lemon slices before baking for extra freshness.
Herb Mix: Sprinkle with oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
Butter Finish: Add a knob of butter at the end for a richer sauce.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: Prawns have been a prized delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine since Roman times, often served at banquets and festive tables.

Fun Fact: In Southern Italy, seafood dishes like this are traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve during the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.”

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Storage & Thank You

Best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat gently in the oven.

Can it be frozen? No — prawns lose texture when frozen after cooking.

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