Prawns are done when the flesh turns from translucent to pinkish-white

(the shells will also turn a very attractive bright pink!)

Pan frying

Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Heat a frying pan until hot and add oil. Add shrimp, making sure they are not crowded in the pan, and fry, turning occasionally, for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on size. Shrimp are done when they are opaque in the center.

Deep frying

Pour oil into a wok or deep fryer; it should be at least 1 1/2 inches (about 3.8cm) deep, and the cooker should be less than half full of oil. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C), using a thermometer to monitor temperature. Dip peeled shrimp in batter, drain, then slip them into hot oil. Cook until brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Simmering

Pour enough cooking liquid (water or broth and herbs and spices) in pan to cover shrimp. Bring to a boil, add shrimp, and reduce heat. Simmer until shrimp are opaque in the center, 3 to 6 minutes, depending on size and whether or not they have been peeled.

Grilling

If shrimp are small, string them on a skewer, then place them 4 inches (about 10cm) above prepared hot coals or fire. Cook until opaque and moist on the inside, 3 to 4 minutes.

Broiling

Place aluminum foil on a baking pan and spread shrimp on top. Place 4 inches (about 10cm) from the heat and broil approx 2 min each side

 RECIPES

Buttered Prawns

2 lbs cooked prawns
2 oz butter, softened
Pinch salt, white pepper and cayenne
1 clove garlic, crushed
6 tbsps fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tbsps chopped parsley
4 tbsps sherry
Lemon slices

 Remove the heads and legs  from the  prawns first
 Peel off the shells, carefully removing the tail shells.
 Remove the black vein running down the length of the rounded side with a cocktail stick.   Peeled prawns may be used instead.
 Place prawns in a shallow casserole or individual dishes.
Combine the remaining ingredients, except the lemon garnish,  mixing well.
 Spread the  mixture to completely cover the prawns and place in a pre-heated (375°F)  oven for about 20 minutes, or until the butter melts and the crumbs become crisp.  Garnish with lemon wedges or slices.

Fried Prawns

prawns
garlic-flavored  mayonnaise
milk
breadcrumbs
chopped fresh herbs
wedges of lemon and picked parsley

Pass prawns through garlic-flavored mayonnaise thinned with milk, then through breadcrumbs mixed with chopped fresh herbs.
Deep fry until golden and serve garnished with wedges of lemon and picked parsley.

Cheesy Bake

6 hard-boiled eggs
(1 oz)  butter or margarine
(1 oz) plain flour
 (1/2 pt) milk
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp dry mustard
 (10 oz) peeled prawns
3 tbsp grated  Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven. 450.   Shell and slice the hard-boiled eggs.
2. Melt butter or .margarine in a saucepan and stir in flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 min. Remove from heat and gradually  add  milk.   Bring to a boil, stirring until thickened.
3. Stir in salt, pepper,  mustard, parsley, and dill, if using.
4. Arrange prawns  and eggs in an oven proof dish.   Pour over sauce and sprinkle top with grated cheese.
5. Bake for 15 – 20  mins, until top is golden and bubbling.
For a spicier flavor,  replace the  mustard with a pinch of curry powder.

Information and recipes copied in part from internet