Hi friends! Today, I’m sharing a one-pan recipe that’s super fresh, tasty, and perfect for spring Asparagus and Prawn Orzo! It’s light but filling, full of colorful veggies, and high in protein and fiber. What I love most is how fast it comes together. Plus, you only need one pan, which means less mess. Let’s get into it!
Method
Cook the Onion
First, I start by heating a little bit of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, I add the finely chopped yellow onion. I let it cook for a few minutes, stirring now and then, until it turns soft and smells sweet. This gives a tasty base for the whole dish.
Add Orzo and Water
Next, I pour in the orzo pasta along with a pinch of salt and pepper. I also add about half of the hot water enough to mostly cover the pasta but not drown it. Then I let the orzo simmer gently. This step helps the pasta soak up the flavors while it softens.
Stir Often
It’s really important to stir the orzo as it cooks so it doesn’t stick to the pan or clump together. I keep an eye on the water level too. Once most of the first batch of water has been absorbed or cooked off, I add the rest. I keep stirring gently so everything cooks evenly and stays smooth.
Add Asparagus
When the orzo is almost fully cooked but still a little firm, I toss in the chopped asparagus. I like my asparagus super crunchy, so I just put the lid on and let it steam in the pan for about 2 minutes. If you like it softer, you can cook it a bit longer.
Mix in Prawns and Edamame
Once the asparagus is partly cooked, I add the defrosted edamame beans and pre-cooked prawns right into the pan. Since the prawns are already cooked, I don’t want to leave them in too long just enough time for them to warm through and get mixed in well. I stir everything together so the flavors come together and everything is heated evenly.
Finish It Up
Now it’s time to brighten the dish! I turn off the heat and add the zest and juice from half a lemon. This gives the orzo a fresh, zippy flavor. Then, I drizzle a little more oil or add a small pat of butter for a smooth, rich finish. If you love pepper like I do, you can add a little more on top before serving.
Necessary Tools
- 1 large nonstick pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cup or kitchen scale
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Lid for the pan
🌸 Asparagus and Prawn Orzo – A Fresh and Easy Spring Dish! 🍤
Cuisine: Italian, MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
160g orzo pasta
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
150g frozen edamame (defrosted)
200g asparagus, chopped
180g frozen pre-cooked prawns
500–600ml hot water
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil or butter
½ lemon (juice and zest)
Directions
- Cook the onion:
Add a little oil to your pan. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it smells sweet and soft. - Add orzo and water:
Stir in the orzo pasta, some salt and pepper, and about half of the hot water. Let it simmer. - Stir often:
Keep stirring every now and then so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. Once most of the water is gone, pour in the rest. - Add asparagus:
When the orzo is nearly done, toss in your asparagus and cover the pan for about 2 minutes. I like mine super crunchy! - Mix in prawns and edamame:
Add the prawns and edamame. Stir everything together until it’s heated through. - Finish it up:
Turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and zest, a little more pepper, and a splash of oil or butter for flavor.
Notes
- Don’t let the orzo sit without stirring, or it may stick or burn.
- Add water slowly you don’t want it too soupy or too dry.
- Only cook the asparagus for a short time if you like it crisp.
- Since prawns are pre-cooked, just heat them don’t overcook or they’ll turn rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it warm in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- You can also top it with a little grated Parmesan or chili flakes for extra zing.
- Want to make it a full meal? Add a side salad or some crusty bread.
Fun Fact
Did you know asparagus grows super fast almost an inch a day in warm weather? It’s one of the first veggies to pop up in spring!
Conclusion
This Asparagus and Prawn Orzo is one of my favorite spring meals. It’s bright, full of goodness, and super simple to make. I hope you give it a try soon it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly so easy. Happy cooking, friends! 🌱🍤
