A succulent seafood dish, these garlic butter prawns are coated in fresh garlic, creamy butter, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick and elegant meal.

Garlic butter prawns is a dish that epitomizes simplicity and flavor, striking the perfect balance between the rich, aromatic taste of garlic and the creamy, indulgent texture of butter.

This seafood delight is not only a staple in many fine dining restaurants but also a quick and easy-to-execute recipe for home cooks.

The dish is highly adaptable, often served as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main, paired with various sides from bread to rice or salad.

When preparing garlic butter prawns, my focus lies on the quality of the ingredients as they are few but significant. I use 1.25 kg (2.8 pounds) of shell-on, tail-on, deveined prawns as the star of the dish.

Before cooking, I coat the prawns with a mixture of flour and a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to give them a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

The sauce itself is a simple yet delectable combination of melted butter, olive oil, and freshly crushed garlic, to which I add a splash of dry white wine for depth and a hint of acidity.

Do note that the sauce gets soaked up by the Prawns. However you really only need a squirt of lemon juice as the Prawns itself turns out very succulent.

Should you wish for more sauce, do try the Lemon Garlic-Butter Sauce !

Preparing Garlic Butter Prawns

In making the perfect garlic butter prawns dish, attention to detail is paramount from the initial selection of ingredients to the very last cooking technique employed.

Each step is designed to enhance the natural flavors and ensure a dish that is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with savory goodness.

Selecting Ingredients

Prawns: For my recipe, I usually opt for fresh prawns that have been deveined but with the shell and tail on. This not only adds flavor during cooking but also provides an appealing presentation. I go for about 1.25 kg (2.8 pounds) to serve a group of 4 comfortably.

Butter and Oils: I choose unsalted butter, half a cup to be precise, which allows me to control the saltiness of the dish. Olive oil is also a staple for me, offering a healthier fat option and enhancing the dish with its distinctive taste. Together, they form the base of the garlic butter sauce.

Aromatics and Seasonings: Garlic is key. Three tablespoons of fresh garlic, crushed, ensure a robust flavor. I also incorporate a bit of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Salt and black pepper are added to taste, but it’s important not to overpower the other flavors.

Acids and Enhancements: To brighten the dish, the zest of lemon juice is exceptional. It cuts through the butter and leaves a refreshing aftertaste. For serving, lemon wedges and chopped parsley not only add to the flavor profile but also make for an eye-catching garnish.

Deveining and Seasoning

Deveining: Before the quick “marinating”,  make sure your prawns are properly deveined. The process involves making a shallow cut along the back and gently pulling out the vein. This is crucial for both the texture and cleanliness of the prawns.

Marinating: I create a seasoning rub with a mix of flour and cayenne pepper  ensuring each prawn is coated evenly. This not only seasons the prawns but also helps achieve a slight crust when cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Tools: With all the ingredients ready, I get my cast iron skillet or a sturdy skillet out. It’s essential for achieving that perfect sear while allowing for even heat distribution.

Cooking Process: I melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat before adding the garlic to let its flavor infuse into the oils. Once aromatic, I carefully add in the prawns.

The goal is to cook the prawns until they are opaque and juicy, which usually takes a few minutes per side. Overcooking could lead to them turning rubbery.

Finishing Touches: Right before the prawns are done, I deglaze the skillet with dry white wine and a touch of fish sauce, which adds depth to the flavor. A final drizzle of lemon juice brightens the dish. I plate the prawns and garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Serving and Pairing

When preparing garlic butter prawns, I consider not only the main dish but also the sides that will complement the flavors and texture.

It is important to create a harmonious meal that brings out the best in the seafood, balanced with sides that enhance but don’t overpower the delicate taste of the prawns.

Choosing Sides

• Rice: A simple steamed or jasmine rice absorbs the rich butter sauce beautifully, without competing with the primary flavors.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter option, cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb alternative that soaks up the garlic butter delightfully.
• Pasta: Plain noodles or pasta are great for adding substance to the meal.
• Crusty Bread: I recommend a warm, crusty bread.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

• Lemon: Introducing lemon wedges or a dash of fresh lemon juice can elevate the dish. Adding a bright, citrus note that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
• Dry White Wine: A splash of a good dry white wine in the sauce or to deglaze the pan adds depth. As well a slight acidity that complements the garlic prawns.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal contrast to the warm, comforting taste of the prawns.

Post originally posted February 2014, Updated February 2024

Garlic Butter Prawns

Garlic Butter Prawns

Linda Nortje

Such a succulent seafood dish ! These garlic butter prawns are coated in fresh garlic, creamy butter, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick and elegant all seasons meal.

4.94 from 15 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Seafood / Fish etc

Cuisine Global

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 795 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1.25 kilogram Prawns shell and tail on, deveined ( 2.8 pounds )
• ½ cup Flour
• ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons Fresh Garlic crushed
• ¼ cup Dry White Wine
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Fish Sauce
• Lemon Juice to taste
• Lemon Wedges to serve
• Parsley chopped, to serve

Instructions

 

• Place the Prawns in a large bowl – mix the Flour and Cayenne Pepper and sprinkle over the Prawns – stir well to cover all the Prawns – put aside.
• Over Medium to High heat, in a large skillet or wok, melt the Butter and add the Olive Oil – add the Garlic – saute until very fragrant, but not burnt.
• Add the Prawns and stir-fry until almost done – about 3 – 5 minutes.
• Add the White Wine, season to taste with Salt and Black Pepper – add the Fish Sauce and let the dish simmer for a few minutes.
• Sprinkle with Lemon Juice and serve with the Lemon Wedges and chopped Parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Garlic Butter Prawns

Serving Size

 

1 grams

Amount per Serving

Calories

795

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

39

g

60

%

Saturated Fat

 

17

g

106

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

19

g

Cholesterol

 

720

mg

240

%

Sodium

 

3347

mg

146

%

Carbohydrates

 

30

g

10

%

Fiber

 

2

g

8

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

75

g

150

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition value, where given, is not always accurate. Please also check your ingredient labels.