Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together juicy prawns, sweet peas, and perfectly cooked arborio rice. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made in under an hour. With a rich, velvety texture and a burst of fresh flavors, this risotto is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

What is Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto?

This dish is a classic Italian-style risotto infused with seafood flavors. The arborio rice is slowly cooked in stock, allowing it to absorb all the flavors while becoming creamy. Prawns add a rich, slightly sweet taste, while peas provide freshness and a pop of color. The combination of garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese enhances the dish, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy to make at home – No complicated techniques required.
Rich and creamy texture – Perfectly cooked risotto with a luxurious consistency.
Packed with protein – Prawns provide a lean and flavorful protein source.
Great for special occasions – An elegant dish that feels fancy but is simple to prepare.
Balanced flavors – Sweet peas complement the richness of the seafood.
One-pan meal – Everything is cooked in a single pan, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Arborio rice (300g) – The essential ingredient for a creamy risotto.
Raw prawns (200g, peeled and deveined) – Adds seafood flavor and protein.
Peas (150g, fresh or frozen) – Bring sweetness and freshness to the dish.
Chicken or vegetable stock (1 liter, warm) – Provides a flavorful cooking base.
White wine (125ml) – Enhances the depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese (50g, grated) – Adds richness and umami.
Shallot (1, finely chopped) – A milder alternative to onions, giving a subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves (2, minced) – Infuses aromatic flavor.
Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Used for sautéing the aromatics.
Butter (25g) – Helps create a silky, creamy texture.
Lemon zest (1 tsp) – Brighten up the dish with a hint of citrus.
Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.

Equipment Needed

Large pan or skillet – Essential for cooking the risotto evenly.
Ladle – Helps add the stock gradually.
Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring without breaking the rice grains.
Grater – Needed for fresh Parmesan and lemon zest.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Sauté the shallots and garlic – Heat olive oil in a large pan, add shallots and garlic, and cook until softened.
Toast the rice – Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
Deglaze with white wine – Pour in the wine, stirring continuously until it evaporates.
Add the stock gradually – Ladle in warm stock one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
Cook the risotto – Repeat the process, stirring constantly, for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Add prawns and peas – Stir in prawns and peas, cooking for 3-4 minutes until prawns turn pink.
Finish with Parmesan and butter – Remove from heat, mix in grated Parmesan, butter, and lemon zest.
Season and serve – Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto?

Garlic bread on the side – Perfect for scooping up the creamy risotto.
A crisp green salad – Balances the richness of the dish.
Steamed asparagus or tenderstem broccoli – Adds extra greens to the meal.
A glass of chilled white wine – Complements the seafood flavors.
Fresh lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon enhances freshness.
Grilled prawns as a topping – Adds a more intense seafood flavor.
Chili flakes for extra spice – Gives a little heat to balance the creaminess.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Use warm stock – Cold stock slows down cooking and affects texture.
Stir constantly but not aggressively – Helps release starch for a creamy finish.
Add prawns at the right time – Overcooking prawns can make them rubbery.
Choose high-quality Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese enhances the depth of flavor.
Don’t skip the wine – It adds acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
Rest the risotto before serving – Let it sit for 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Adjust thickness as needed – Add a little more stock if the risotto becomes too thick.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Mushroom and pea risotto – Replace prawns with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Spicy prawn risotto – Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
Lemon and herb risotto – Stir in fresh basil or parsley for a refreshing twist.
Creamy coconut prawn risotto – Swap stock for coconut milk for a tropical variation.
Cheesy risotto – Mix in extra Parmesan or mascarpone for a richer texture.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Store in an airtight container – Keeps freshness locked in for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate promptly – Avoid leaving risotto at room temperature for too long.
Avoid freezing – The texture of risotto changes when frozen and reheated.
Keep separate portions – This makes reheating easier without overcooking.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto

Reheat on the stovetop – Add a splash of stock or water, stirring until creamy.
Use low heat – To prevent the rice from becoming too dry.
Microwave in short bursts – Stir between intervals for even heating.
Avoid overheating the prawns – Overcooked prawns become tough and chewy.

FAQs

How can I make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn and Pea Risotto without wine?

Simply replace the wine with extra stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This maintains the balance of flavors while keeping the dish alcohol-free.

Can I use frozen prawns for risotto?

Yes, frozen prawns work well. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding them to the risotto to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.

What type of rice is best for prawn and pea risotto?

Arborio rice is the best choice because it has a high starch content, which helps create the creamy consistency essential for a perfect risotto.

How do I know when the risotto is cooked?

The rice should be tender but still slightly firm in the center, with a creamy consistency. If it’s too firm, add more stock and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto is a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of seafood goodness!