By Butter Garlic Prawns are a delicious seafood dish made with juicy prawns cooked in aromatic garlic butter, fresh herbs, chili, and lemon. This quick recipe is perfect for seafood lovers because it requires very little preparation while delivering a rich restaurant-style taste.
The prawns are lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, then coated in a buttery garlic sauce. A touch of lemon adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter. Served hot with toasted bread, rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, this dish makes an excellent starter or main course.
Ingredients
For the Prawns
- 500 g cleaned and deveined prawns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley or coriander
- Lemon wedges
- Chili flakes
- Lemon zest, optional
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Clean the prawns thoroughly and remove the shells and veins if necessary.
Wash them gently and pat them completely dry using a kitchen towel.
Keeping the prawns dry helps them develop a beautiful golden color while cooking.
Step 2: Season the Prawns
Place the prawns in a bowl.
Add paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix gently until every prawn is evenly coated.
Allow them to rest for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter.
Allow the butter to melt completely without burning.
Step 4: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns to the hot pan in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes on one side.
Turn them over and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
The prawns should become pink, opaque, and lightly golden around the edges.
Avoid overcooking because prawns can quickly become rubbery.
Transfer the cooked prawns to a plate.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Using the same pan, add two tablespoons of butter.
Add the finely chopped garlic.
Cook over low-medium heat for approximately one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Do not burn the garlic.
Step 6: Add the Flavors
Add chili flakes, oregano, lemon juice, and two tablespoons of water.
Stir everything together.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about one minute until it becomes glossy and aromatic.
Step 7: Combine the Prawns
Return the cooked prawns to the pan.
Toss gently so that every prawn becomes coated with the garlic butter sauce.
Cook for another minute.
Turn off the heat.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Transfer the prawns to a serving plate.
Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander or parsley over the top.
Add a little lemon zest and chili flakes if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Best Served With
- Garlic Bread
- Butter Rice
- Jeera Rice
- Hakka Noodles
- Pasta
- Grilled Vegetables
- Fresh Garden Salad
Tips for Perfect Butter Garlic Prawns
- Always pat prawns dry before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook prawns quickly over medium-high heat.
- Avoid overcooking to maintain a juicy texture.
- Add lemon juice toward the end for a fresh flavor.
- Fresh herbs make the finished dish more aromatic.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Nutritional values can vary depending on the size of the prawns and amount of butter used.
Health Benefits
Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein and provide nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. They are naturally low in carbohydrates and can be part of a balanced diet.
Garlic contains antioxidant compounds, while lemon provides vitamin C. Using olive oil along with butter can also help create a flavorful dish without requiring a large quantity of fat.
For a lighter preparation, reduce the butter slightly and serve the prawns with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Why Butter Garlic Prawns Are So Popular
Butter Garlic Prawns are popular because they combine simple ingredients with an incredibly rich flavor. The sweetness of fresh prawns pairs perfectly with aromatic garlic, creamy butter, spicy chili, and tangy lemon.
The recipe is also extremely quick compared with many seafood dishes. From preparation to serving, it can be ready in around 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights as well as special dinners.
The glossy garlic butter coating and vibrant garnish also give the dish an attractive restaurant-style appearance.
Serving Ideas
For an elegant starter, arrange the prawns on a large plate with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and toasted garlic bread.
For a complete dinner, serve them over steamed rice or creamy pasta.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to turn the recipe into a colorful one-pan meal.
Conclusion
Butter Garlic Prawns are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying seafood recipe that brings restaurant-style taste to your home kitchen. Juicy prawns are pan-seared and coated in a rich sauce made with butter, fresh garlic, chili, herbs, and lemon.
With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for an impressive meal without complicated preparation. Serve it hot with garlic bread, rice, noodles, or fresh salad and enjoy a delicious buttery seafood experience.
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