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Slow Cooker King Prawn Risotto

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Slow Cooker King Prawn Risotto

The tastiest slow cooker king prawn risotto. I would make this every week if I could.

SERVES

4

CALORIES

414

COOKING TIME

3 hours

DIFFICULTY

simple

If I see king prawn on a menu I am in, before I even know what it’s served with. You can make this with any prawn, of course – even frozen – but splashing out a bit extra on the king makes it a perfect date night in. For more slow cooker recipes like this pick up a copy of my latest cookbook Slow Cooker Even Easier.

Can you make risotto in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Making risotto in a slow cooker takes the stress out of constantly stirring. It delivers creamy, perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort—ideal for busy weeknights.

 

 

Will the king prawns overcook in the slow cooker?

To avoid overcooking, it’s best to stir in the king prawns during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they stay juicy and tender, not rubbery.

 

 

What type of rice should I use for risotto in the slow cooker?

Use Arborio rice, the traditional rice for risotto. It holds its shape well and creates that lovely creamy texture.

 

 

Can I use frozen king prawns?

Yes, frozen king prawns are fine to use—just make sure they’re defrosted first. Add them toward the end of the slow cooker cooking time so they don’t overcook.

 

 

How long does slow cooker risotto take?

Cook on Low for 2–2.5 hours, or until the rice is just tender. Stir occasionally if you’re around, but it’s not essential.

 

 

Can I add vegetables to this risotto?

Absolutely. Peas, spinach, asparagus, or courgette work beautifully in this dish. Add softer veg towards the end to avoid overcooking.

 

 

What do you serve with king prawn risotto?

It’s lovely on its own, but you can add a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side for a more filling family dinner.

 

 

Is slow cooker risotto healthy?

This slow cooker king prawn risotto can be part of a balanced diet, especially when packed with veg and lean prawns. You control the amount of butter or cheese, making it a lighter alternative to traditional stovetop versions.

 

 

More slow cooker rice recipes

 

Method

Step 1

Put the pesto, onion, garlic and risotto rice into the slow cooker with 800ml of boiling water or fish stock and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. If the risotto looks thick, feel free to add more water/broth.

Step 2

Add in the prawns and lemon zest and juice and cook for a further 30/60 minutes on high or until the rice and prawns are cooked through. Season well.

Step 3

Serve with lemon wedges and garnish the risotto with fresh herbs of your choice, if you like, such as oregano or basil.

Ingredients

1 onion or shallot, finely chopped

1 tbsp red pesto with chilli

300g risotto rice

4 garlic cloves, sliced

500g raw whole prawns, head and shell on, defrosted if frozen

Zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus 1 cut into wedges to serve

800ml boiling water (or use fish stock)

HOW TO

Helpful hints and tips for cooking up a storm

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