Tuesday, June 9, 2009

BC Spot Prawn Tacos with Mango Cucumber Salsa

This right here is one of the many reasons I love Vancouver! Last month was the BC Spot Prawn Festival where down by Granville Island you could try a sampling of spot prawns done in different ways by some of the great chefs in the city. You can also buy them fresh off the boat along the docks which is exactly what I did. These prawns are so ridiculously good on their own, I didn't want to do anything too extravagant with them and just being on the verge of summer I wanted to do something light with clean and fresh flavors. I know some might be thrown off by their beady bulging eyes and maybe I'm just used to it because at our big Chinese family dinners they would come head and all, steamed with garlic and everyone used to say that the best part is when you twist the head off and suck out the brains. Too much!? Okay maybe just avoid the picture below and focus on the end product! All I did with these sweet little prawns was a quick saute (and I mean quick, do not over cook these!) in a bit of garlic and olive oil. I threw together a refreshing mango cucumber salsa with a little red onion, jalapeno, fresh lime, cilantro, mint and a squeeze of agave syrup for a bit more sweetness and served it on a sprouted grain tortilla with a handful of spinach and thick yogurt ( my substitution for sour cream). Served with a side of crispy roasted yam coins and this meal was complete!

Can't get any more fresh then this

BC Spot Prawn Festival: You can see where we were in line, which curved all the way to the white tents

One of the choices, Crispy Prawn Head w/ mayo, Poached Prawn and Watermelon

Tasting plate at the B.C Spot Prawn Festival

7 comments:

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Hi, I'm on Vancouver Island and just discovered your blog. I like it.

Those prawns are in town too. I love the idea of making tacos with them. Looks delicious.

Jessica604 said...

Yum! Great photos...your recipe is *so* westcoast. It sounds delicious! It seems that I missed the boat on spot prawns this year. :(

avesta said...

Oh I am soooo jealous! I love prawns...especially fresh ones! And I love Vancouver!!! I've only been there once (two years ago) and fell in love immediately! I ate so much seafood....even for breakfast which is how I'd eat all the time if I was near fresh seafood!

unconfidentialcook said...

THose are the best-looking tacos I've ever seen! Yum!

Anonymous said...

What an incredible idea! I haven't had prawns in ages!

Laura said...

Thanks Helene! You're very lucky to live on the island, it is so beautiful over there and there are so many cute little restaurant finds!

Thanks Jessica! That's too bad that you missed out this season, always next year...

Hey Avesta, yes I feel very lucky to be near good seafood. Next time you're in town let me know and I will tell you my favorite places to eat!

Thanks unconfidentialcook and anonymous!

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