Prawns are a versatile seafood ingredient—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. This Garlic Butter Prawns recipe is rich, buttery, and full of aromatic garlic, making it perfect for a quick meal or an elegant seafood dish. Whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or with rice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Prawns:
- First, take 500g (1 lb) fresh prawns – peeled and deveined, with tails on or off (tails add extra flavor and a nice presentation).Next, measure 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – this provides richness and a creamy texture.Additionally, use 1 tablespoon olive oil – it prevents the butter from burning and enhances the flavor.Then, mince 4 cloves of garlic – the key ingredient for the perfect garlic butter sauce.For a touch of heat, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – you can adjust the amount to taste.Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste – essential for bringing out the flavors of the prawns.To enhance the dish, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon – it brightens up the dish and balances the butter.For a fresh finish, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped – this adds both freshness and color.Finally, serve with lemon wedges – they enhance the citrusy kick at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
- Clean the prawns – If using whole prawns, remove the shell and devein them. Keeping the tails on is optional but adds flavor.
- Pat dry – Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- First, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning.Next, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), then sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. However, be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
- Next, turn the heat to medium-high and add the prepared prawns.Then, season with salt and black pepper to taste.After that, cook for 2 minutes per side until the prawns turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as prawns become rubbery when overdone.Once cooked, add the remaining butter and stir well to coat the prawns evenly.Finally, squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with extra lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side (see pairing suggestions below).
Serving Suggestions
First, try serving the prawns over pasta – toss them with cooked pasta and extra garlic butter sauce for a delicious seafood dish.Alternatively, enjoy them with rice – serve over white rice, garlic butter rice, or lemon herb quinoa for a hearty meal.If you prefer a lighter option, serve them as an appetizer – pair with toasted bread to scoop up the delicious buttery sauce.Lastly, for a well-balanced meal, enjoy them with vegetables – pair with grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
