Juicy, tender prawns tossed in rich garlic herb butter—quick to make, packed with bold flavor, perfect for effortless gourmet seafood dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 26 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: The garlic, butter, and wine sauce gives it a gourmet feel.
- Perfect texture: Prawns are seared for a slightly crispy edge while staying juicy inside.
- Versatile: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or party dish.
- Elegant presentation: Looks and tastes sophisticated without extra effort.
- Low carb: A great option for those following keto or low-carb diets.
- One-pan recipe: Minimal cleanup and straightforward prep.
- Pairs well: Excellent with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Impressive for guests: Makes entertaining stress-free.
- Fresh ingredients: Brightened with lemon and parsley for balance.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 teaspoons finely minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 40g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Directions
- Marinate the prawns:
In a bowl, toss the prawns with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes. - Sear the prawns:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add half the prawns and sear for about 45 seconds per side. Remove and repeat with the remaining prawns. - Add garlic:
Return all the prawns to the skillet. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until aromatic. - Deglaze with wine:
Pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol and infuse flavor. - Finish the sauce:
Add butter and lemon juice. Swirl or stir until the butter melts into a glossy sauce. - Add herbs:
Sprinkle parsley over the prawns and toss to coat. - Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 311 kcal
Variations
- Chili Garlic Prawns: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Citrus Twist: Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon.
- No Wine: Substitute white wine with chicken broth or water.
- Herb Swap: Use basil or dill in place of parsley.
- Skewer Style: Thread prawns on skewers and grill with garlic butter as a glaze.
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for a fusion version.
- Pasta Pairing: Toss with linguine or angel hair for a full meal.
- Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning in place of salt and pepper for a Southern-style twist.
- Butter-Only: Skip the olive oil for an ultra-buttery flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Place leftover prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
- Do not freeze — texture may suffer after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best.
Can I skip the white wine?
Yes, substitute with chicken broth or water and a splash more lemon juice.
How do I know when prawns are cooked?
They turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Avoid overcooking or they’ll become rubbery.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili to add heat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook the prawns in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
What can I serve this with?
It’s great with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a light salad.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your wine and accompaniments (like bread) are gluten-free.
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely. Shrimp and prawns are interchangeable in this recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and ensure the wine is vegan-friendly for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Prawns are the ultimate blend of ease and elegance. With their tender bite, buttery sauce, and savory garlic kick, they’re perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it with warm bread, a glass of white wine, and good company.
More Garlic-Infused Goodness to Savor
If these sizzling Garlic Butter Prawns left you craving more, you’re in luck — there’s a sea of flavor still to explore. Dive into these savory dishes that bring out the best in garlic, butter, and bold ingredients:
- Level up your garlic game with One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta — rich, comforting, and full of umami depth.
- For a crispy side dish with major flavor, try the Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes — perfect for pairing with prawns.
- Enjoy a lighter protein-packed meal with the Mediterranean Salmon Patties, full of herbs and citrus flair.
- For a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and cheesy, serve up Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Spaghetti Squash — a guilt-free garlic lover’s dream.
- Keep it zesty and refreshing with Zesty Shrimp Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce — a flavor-packed bowl that’s great hot or cold.
Garlic Butter Prawns
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Succulent prawns sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of white wine and a hint of lemon. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 teaspoons finely minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 40g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the prawns with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently and let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add half of the prawns and sear for 45 seconds on each side. Remove and repeat with the remaining prawns.
- Return all the prawns to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 30 seconds to evaporate the alcohol.
- Add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet. Swirl until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the prawns and toss to combine.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality prawns for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the prawns to keep them tender and juicy.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 311 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg