Garlic Butter Prawns

Succulent prawns sautéed in rich garlic-infused butter, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a vibrant, flavorful dish that is perfect as an appetizer or light main. This simple yet sophisticated recipe brings a taste of international cuisine to your kitchen in just 17 minutes.

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The secret to this dish lies in the balance of rich unsalted butter and sharp lemon juice, which complements the delicate texture of large raw prawns. With aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, every bite offers a bold and fragrant flavor profile.

Ingredients

• Seafood: 500 g (1 lb) large raw prawns, peeled and deveined, tails on
• Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Fats: 50 g (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Citrus: 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat Fat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.

Step 3: Aromatics

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Sauté

Add the prawns in a single layer. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

Step 5: Finish

Add the lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the chopped parsley and toss to coat.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For added richness, swirl in an extra tablespoon of cold butter at the end of the cooking process. Using both olive oil and butter prevents the butter from burning while providing a silky sauce for the seafood.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute parsley with cilantro for a different flavor profile that leans toward Mexican or Southeast Asian styles. If you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these prawns with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the leftover garlic butter sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and extra lemon wedges on the side.

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Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, these Garlic Butter Prawns are a simple way to elevate your seafood repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant combination of citrus and garlic in every succulent bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of prawns work best for this dish?

Use large raw prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on, to ensure tenderness and optimal flavor absorption.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning while cooking?

Cook garlic over medium-high heat for only about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the dish?

Yes, add or omit red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice tolerance for a mild or slightly spicy finish.

→ What are good side options to serve with this?

Crusty bread, rice, or pasta complement this dish well, helping to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.

→ Is it necessary to add extra butter at the end?

Swirling in an additional tablespoon of cold butter at the end adds richness but can be skipped for a lighter finish.