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Creole-Spiced Prawns

These Creole-spiced prawns offer a vibrant burst of New Orleans flavour, perfect for a lighter dinner that does not compromise on taste. This diabetes-friendly seafood dish uses fragrant bay leaves, fresh oregano, and a touch of heat from the chilli paste to create a sophisticated profile. By steaming the prawns in individual foil parcels with lemon and onion, the juices are trapped inside, resulting in a tender texture and a delicious, savoury broth that builds naturally during the cooking process.

Whether you are looking for a quick midweek meal or a healthy weekend treat, these parcels are wonderfully versatile. They can be tucked into the oven on a baking tray or placed directly onto a grill for an easy outdoor feast. Serve the prawns hot from the foil with a side of steamed greens or a crisp green salad to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Creole-Spiced Prawns

  • 900g unpeeled or peeled deveined prawns, preferably wild American

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced

  • 8 bay leaves

  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons hot chilli paste (such as sambal oelek)

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 110g (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

  • Ingredient info: Hot chilli paste is sold at Asian markets and many supermarkets.

How to make Creole-Spiced Prawns

Using small kitchen scissors, cut prawns shells along the curved backs. Remove vein, keeping shell intact. (Skip this step if using peeled deveined prawns.) Toss prawns and next 9 ingredients in a large bowl.

Place four 16x12" sheets of heavy-duty foil on a work surface. Divide prawns mixture among sheets. Fold all foil edges toward the centre to accommodate the liquid; do not crimp. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 60ml water to each. Crimp tightly to seal. Preheat oven to 163°C. Arrange packets in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Alternatively, build a medium fire in a charcoal grill, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. Bake or grill until prawns are just opaque in centre (carefully open 1 packet to check; steam will escape), about 30 minutes. Carefully cut open packets.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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