If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, comes together quickly, and has that irresistible combination of rich butter and fragrant garlic, this Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy king prawns sizzle in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with a gentle hint of chilli to wake up your taste buds. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing friends without standing over the stove all evening. Once you try this, it’s bound to become one of your go-to seafood favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pot filled with several grilled shrimp that are pink with slight brown grill marks, placed on top of a layer of finely chopped white garlic in a light yellow oily sauce that covers the bottom of the pot. The shrimp are arranged loosely, some overlapping, and the glossy sauce around them has small bubbles and a shiny texture. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, familiar, and each plays a crucial role in making this Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe shine. From the fresh garlic that infuses the dish with aromatic warmth to the butter which creates that silky sauce, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

500 grams Prawns: Peeled and deveined king prawns form the succulent base of the dish.
4-5 cloves Garlic: Finely chopped to release its bold, savory essence throughout.
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps sear the prawns to golden perfection without burning.
1 teaspoon Crushed Chillies: Optional but recommended, for that gentle heat that makes the dish come alive.
½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns and binds the flavors.
½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for that subtle kick and depth.
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness with a fresh zing.
Handful Parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Pan and Start with Oil and Butter

Begin by warming a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. This combination will create a perfect medium for sautéing the prawns without sticking, while imparting a silky, buttery base for flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Prawns

Add your peeled and deveined prawns to the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so they get a slight sear, locking in juices and adding a lovely texture. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage to season evenly.

Step 3: Flip and Add Garlic

Flip the prawns over so the other side can cook. Immediately toss in the finely chopped garlic. Stir everything for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and infuse the prawns with its rich fragrance without turning bitter.

Step 4: Add Butter, Chilli, and Lemon Juice

Drop in the remaining tablespoon of butter, add the crushed chillies for a subtle fiery note, and finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over everything. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, creating a glossy, aromatic sauce that coats every prawn beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Parsley and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Transfer the garlic butter prawns to a serving plate promptly to enjoy them hot and juicy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with cooked shrimp, each shrimp curled and coated in a golden mix of spices and herbs. The shrimp have a shiny, slightly crispy texture with bits of chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. Scattered among the shrimp are a few small pieces of browned garlic and red pepper flakes, adding color and texture. On the side of the pan are two lemon wedges, bright yellow with white pith visible, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the shrimp. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for color—it adds a light herbal brightness that balances the richness. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side so everyone can adjust the tang to their liking.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce, a crisp green salad for contrast, or even fluffy rice or pasta if you want something heartier. The options are endless and invite you to customize your plate based on mood and season.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the prawns over garlic butter toast rounds or atop a bed of sautéed spinach. You can also skewer the prawns and serve as stylish appetizers at a party. The vibrant colors and aromatic sauce make for a visually stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some garlic butter prawns left, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, making for a quick reheat meal or a protein-rich addition to salads.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked prawns in their sauce. Use a freezer-safe container and try to consume them within a month for the best texture and flavor. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking and turning the prawns rubbery. Add a splash of water or butter if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating is possible but use short intervals and stir often for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water diluting the sauce and to get a nice sear on the prawns.

How spicy is this recipe with the crushed chillies?

The crushed chillies add a gentle warmth but are easily adjusted—use less or omit if you prefer a milder flavor, or add more if you like a kick.

What can I substitute for butter if I’m dairy-free?

Olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute works well here. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and rich in its own way.

Is it necessary to peel and devein the prawns?

For the best taste and texture in this dish, yes. Peeled and deveined prawns absorb the flavors better and are more pleasant to eat, especially since this dish cooks quickly and leaves the prawns tender.

Can this recipe be doubled or multiplied for larger gatherings?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a large enough pan so the prawns cook evenly without steaming. Cooking in batches if needed helps maintain that beautiful sear and intense flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and impressive about a plate of garlic butter prawns, and this recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s simple enough for any cook, yet packed with layers of flavor that feel special. I encourage you to whip up this Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe soon—your taste buds will thank you, and you might find it becoming a regular dish in your kitchen rotation.