Method

1. For prawn oil, heat 1 tbsp oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and stir occasionally until tender (4-5 minutes), stir in tomato paste and stir occasionally until paste darkens (1-2 minutes). Add prawn heads and shells and stir, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, until coloured (3-4 minutes). Add bay leaves, peppercorns and 250ml water, bring to the simmer, then add remaining oil and simmer until well-flavoured and infused (1¼-1½ hours). Ladle oil from surface into a jug (discard liquid and solids), then strain oil through a fine sieve (discard solids). Refrigerate until chilled. Prawn oil will keep refrigerated for 3 weeks.
2. Dry-roast coriander seeds until fragrant (30 seconds), then set aside. Slice prawns very thinly lengthways and arrange on a serving plate. Cut lime rind into julienne, scatter over prawns, then squeeze lime juice over. Scatter with coriander seeds, chilli and sea salt to taste, drizzle with a little prawn oil and serve immediately.

Note: The flesh for any carpaccio must be spanking fresh. Here, fresh prawns lend a sweet and clean taste. The prawn oil is great drizzled over any seafood and is particularly good tossed through seafood pasta.

Brought to you by Gourmet Traveller

This recipe is from the December 2011 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller. Recipe by Rodney Dunn, photography by Prue Ruscoe, and styling by Lynsey Fryers-Hedrick & Emma Knowles.