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Are you searching for a show-stopping yet simple meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? This prawn frittata combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with perfectly cooked eggs, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasonings to create a dish that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe delivers every single time.
Frittatas are incredibly versatile Italian egg dishes that allow you to get creative with ingredients while maintaining a foolproof cooking method. Unlike omelets that require careful folding, frittatas are cooked slowly on the stovetop and finished either by flipping or baking, resulting in a thick, satisfying egg dish with ingredients distributed throughout.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Prawn Frittata
This recipe stands out among frittata recipes breakfast options and egg dishes for dinner because it brings seafood to the table in an unexpected way. The prawns add a luxurious touch without complicated preparation, making this dish feel special while remaining accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
The beauty of this frittata lies in its flexibility. Serve it warm straight from the frying pan for a comforting dinner, or enjoy it cold the next day as a protein-rich lunch. It’s naturally low-carb and fits perfectly into keto frittata recipes collections, providing healthy fats and protein without unnecessary carbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this delicious prawn frittata:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medium eggs | 8 | Room temperature works best |
| Shrimp (prawns) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) | Fresh or thawed frozen |
| Fresh parsley | 4 sprigs | Italian flat-leaf preferred |
| Shallot | 1 medium | Can substitute with red onion |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Fresh only, not powder |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1½ tbsp (20 g) | High-quality recommended |
| Fine salt | To taste | Start with ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. A quality non-stick frying pan is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy flipping. You’ll also want a good chef’s knife for preparing the shrimp and vegetables, a cutting board, mixing bowls for beating the eggs, and basic kitchen utensils like a whisk or fork.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Prawns
Start by thoroughly rinsing your shrimp under cold running water. To clean them properly, grasp the head and twist while pulling to remove it. Peel away the shell by starting at the head end and working down toward the tail, removing all segments of the exoskeleton.
Once peeled, use a small paring knife from your chef’s knives set to make a shallow cut along the back of each prawn. Remove the dark vein (the digestive tract) and discard it. Rinse the cleaned prawns one more time and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures your frittata has clean-tasting, sweet shrimp without any gritty texture.
Prepare the Aromatics
Wash the fresh parsley sprigs and dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel. On your cutting board, finely chop the parsley leaves, discarding the tough stems. Peel the shallot and garlic clove, then mince them finely using your chef’s knife. The finer you chop these aromatics, the more evenly their flavors will distribute throughout the frittata.
Beat the Eggs
Crack all 8 eggs into a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or whisk, beat them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are completely combined and the mixture becomes slightly frothy. Season generously with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Prawns
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in your non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped garlic, parsley, and shallot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned burnt garlic will taste bitter.
Add the cleaned prawns to the pan and spread them in an even layer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns turn pink and opaque. They should be just cooked through but still tender. Overcooking at this stage will result in rubbery shrimp once the eggs are added.
Add the Eggs and Cook
Pour the beaten egg mixture over the prawns in the pan. Tilt the pan gently to ensure the eggs flow evenly across the entire surface, covering all the prawns. Reduce the heat to low and let the frittata cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. This allows the bottom to set and develop a golden crust.
After 2 minutes, cover the pan with a lid and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes. The lid traps steam, which helps cook the top of the frittata more evenly. Check periodically the surface should look mostly set with just a slight jiggle in the center.
Flip and Finish
Here’s the crucial step: flipping the frittata. Place a large plate or the pan lid over the skillet and carefully invert the entire pan so the frittata falls onto the plate. Slide it back into the pan with the uncooked side now facing down. Cook for an additional 2 minutes without the lid until the second side is golden brown and the frittata is completely set.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to flip, you can finish the frittata under the broiler in your oven for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions
This prawn frittata is delicious served hot, warm, or cold. Cut it into wedges and serve it straight from the pan for a casual family meal, or plate individual portions for a more elegant presentation.
For breakfast or brunch, pair it with a simple mixed green salad, crusty bread, and fresh fruit. For lunch or dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a grain salad, or soup. The frittata also makes an excellent addition to a Mediterranean-style mezze platter with olives, cheese, and crackers.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftover frittata stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. You can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
This makes the prawn frittata perfect for meal prep. Make it on Sunday and enjoy quick, protein-rich breakfasts or lunches throughout the week. It’s also excellent for picnics, lunchboxes, or potluck gatherings since it travels well and doesn’t require reheating.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can customize it based on your preferences and what’s in your pantry:
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color
- Cheese: Stir in crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella for richness
- Herbs: Swap parsley for basil, dill, or cilantro to change the flavor profile
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat
- Bacon Frittata variation: Replace prawns with crispy bacon pieces for a heartier option
- Veggie Frittata option: Omit the prawns entirely and load up with seasonal vegetables
For those following specific diets, this recipe easily adapts. It’s naturally low-carb and fits into keto frittata recipes without modification. If you need an egg white frittata recipes version, use 12-14 egg whites instead of whole eggs, though the texture will be slightly lighter.
Pro Tips for Perfect Frittata
- Don’t rush the cooking: Low and slow heat prevents the bottom from burning while ensuring the interior cooks through
- Room temperature eggs: They incorporate more smoothly and cook more evenly
- Proper pan size: Use a 10-12 inch frying pan for the right thickness
- Avoid overcooking the prawns: They’ll continue cooking in the eggs, so remove them from heat when barely done
- Season generously: Eggs need more salt than you think to taste properly seasoned
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this frittata ahead of time?
Absolutely! This frittata tastes great made ahead and served at room temperature or cold. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
Can I bake this frittata in the oven instead?
Yes! After sautéing the prawns and aromatics in an oven-safe skillet, add the eggs and transfer immediately to a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set. This method is easier than flipping and works great for oven baked frittata recipes.
What’s the difference between a frittata and an omelet?
Omelets are cooked quickly over high heat and folded, with fillings typically placed inside. Frittatas cook slowly with ingredients mixed throughout, resulting in a thicker, more substantial dish that’s served in wedges.
Can I freeze leftover frittata?
While you can freeze it for up to 2 months, the texture may become slightly rubbery upon thawing. For best results, refrigerate and consume within 4 days.
What size pan should I use?
A 10-12 inch non-stick frying pan works perfectly for this recipe. Smaller pans will create a thicker frittata that takes longer to cook through.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them very dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in your frittata.
This prawn frittata proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. With simple pantry staples, fresh shrimp, and about 15 minutes of active cooking time, you’ll have a versatile dish that works for any meal of the day. The combination of fluffy eggs, sweet prawns, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you’re exploring different frittata recipes breakfast ideas for weekend brunch or need quick egg dishes for dinner on busy weeknights, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results. Make it once and it’ll become a regular rotation in your meal planning.
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PrintEasy Prawn Frittata Recipe : Ready in 15 Minutes!
This prawn frittata combines succulent shrimp with fluffy eggs, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasonings to create an elegant yet easy one-pan meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
8 medium eggs
1.8 lbs (800 g) shrimp (prawns), cleaned and deveined
4 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 medium shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1½ tbsp (20 g) extra virgin olive oil
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the prawns under running water. Remove heads, peel shells, and devein by making an incision along the back and removing the intestine. Pat dry.
2. Wash and dry parsley, then finely chop. Peel and mince shallot and garlic.
3. Crack eggs into a mixing bowl, beat thoroughly with fork or whisk, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley, and shallot, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add cleaned prawns to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque.
6. Pour beaten eggs over the prawns, tilting pan to distribute evenly. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
7. Cover with lid and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until surface is mostly set.
8. Place a plate over the pan and flip the frittata. Slide back into pan with uncooked side down and cook for 2 more minutes until golden.
9. Remove from heat, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice and serve hot or cold.
Notes
Can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Serve hot, warm, or cold – all are delicious!
For easier cooking, finish under broiler instead of flipping.
Substitute prawns with other seafood like crab or scallops.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes for extra nutrition.