This Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Grilled Cajun Prawns recipe is spicy and vibrant, which includes sweet potato mash and smoky vegetables. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 15 minutes.
Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Grilled Cajun Prawns Ingredients
For the mash:
- 800g sweet potatoes
- 40g Cheddar cheese
For the prawns:
- 16 large raw shell-on tiger prawns
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 heaped tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- ½ bunch fresh thyme
- 1 lemon
For the veg:
- 1 green pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 2 sticks of celery
- 5 spring onions
- ½ fresh red chilli
- 1 big handful frozen sweetcorn
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
How To Make Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Grilled Cajun Prawns
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Wash and thickly slice the sweet potatoes using a processor. Boil in a large lidded pan with a pinch of salt until tender.
- Prep and grill the prawns: Toss prawns with crushed garlic, Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, and thyme. Place in a hot roasting tray to crisp, then grill on high until sizzling and golden.
- Cook the vegetables: Roughly chop peppers and sauté in a frying pan with 1 tbsp oil. Slice celery, spring onions, and chilli, then add with sweetcorn and paprika. Season and stir often.
- Mash and finish the sweet potatoes: Drain, mash in the pan, grate in cheese, and season to taste.
- Serve: Plate mashed sweet potatoes, top with sautéed veg, add crispy prawns, and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use pre-cooked prawns? Raw prawns are best for crisp texture and flavor, but pre-cooked can be used if heated briefly.
- How spicy is this dish? Mildly spicy—adjust chilli and Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Can I skip the cheese in mash? Yes, or replace with a dairy-free alternative.
- What’s a good Cajun seasoning? A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and pepper.
What To Serve With Grilled Cajun Prawns
This dish is complete but also pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad
- Sliced avocado with lime
- Garlic aioli or spicy mayo dip
- Cold sparkling lemonade or iced tea
How To Store Grilled Cajun Prawns
Refrigerate: Store components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Not recommended for prawns, but sweet potato mash can be frozen up to 1 month.
Grilled Cajun Prawns Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~396 kcal per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 22g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fiber: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use another protein?
Yes, chicken strips or firm tofu work well with the same seasoning.
Do I have to use shell-on prawns?
Shell-on adds flavor and texture, but peeled prawns are fine for ease.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
Slice the sweet potatoes manually—just aim for uniform thickness.
How do I keep prawns from getting rubbery?
Avoid overcooking—remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and crisp.
Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Grilled Cajun Prawns
Course: DinnerCuisine: Cajun-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes10
minutes396
Spicy grilled tiger prawns served over cheesy sweet potato mash with smoky vegetables—a bold, colorful dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
800g sweet potatoes
40g Cheddar cheese
16 shell-on tiger prawns
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
½ bunch thyme
1 lemon
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
2 celery sticks
5 spring onions
½ red chilli
1 handful frozen sweetcorn
1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
Directions
- Slice and boil sweet potatoes until tender.
- Toss prawns with garlic, Cajun spice, oil, and thyme. Crisp in a hot pan, then grill until golden.
- Sauté chopped peppers in oil. Add celery, onions, chilli, corn, and paprika. Season.
- Mash sweet potatoes, mix in cheese, and season.
- Serve mash topped with veg, prawns, and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Shell-on prawns retain better flavor and texture.
- Use a food processor to save prep time.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Mash can be made ahead and reheated.