When you need a meal that’s both elegant and effortless, Garlic Butter Prawns are your answer. This dish brings together the sweet succulence of prawns, the richness of butter, and the bold fragrance of garlic into a meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner seeking basic shrimp recipes or a seasoned cook exploring king prawn recipes, this is the dish you’ll return to over and over again.
This recipe is a modern classic—drawing inspiration from traditional European skillet shrimp recipes garlic butter style and Southern U.S. flavor combinations like 20 minute honey garlic shrimp. It works beautifully as a main course, light lunch, or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What Makes Garlic Butter Prawns So Special?
What sets this dish apart from other easy prawn recipes is the balance between indulgence and simplicity. The garlic butter sauce forms the perfect canvas for prawns to shine. No breading. No complicated marinades. Just clean, fresh flavors enhanced by lemon, herbs, and high-quality butter.
Highlights:
- Quick-cooking: Just 15–20 minutes from prep to plate.
- Minimal ingredients: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Impressive presentation: Looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
- Highly adaptable: Add it to pasta, salads, rice bowls, or tacos.
Los ingredientes Que necesitarás
This easy shrimp scampi recipe garlic butter variant focuses on quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 500g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (use European-style for extra creaminess)
- 2 cucharadas de aceite de oliva
- 4 dientes de ajo, finely minced or grated
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Sal y pimientaal gusto
- 1 cucharadita de hojuelas de chile (opcional)
- 2 cucharadas de perejil fresco, finamente picado
Opcional Agregar-Ins:
- ¼ cup dry white wine (for depth and acidity)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for aromatic brightness)
- Pinch of smoked paprika or cumin (for an earthy note)
- 1 tsp honey (to create a glaze similar to 20 minute honey garlic shrimp)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Prawns
This is one of those shrimp sautéed easy dishes that feel gourmet but come together with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Prep the Prawns
If you’re using frozen prawns, let them thaw in a bowl of cold water, then drain and pat dry thoroughly. This ensures they sear instead of steam.
Step 2: Infuse the Garlic Butter
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to burn it. At this point, you can also add chili flakes or wine if using.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the prawns in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, flip, then cook another 1–2 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon & Herbs
Turn off the heat, add the remaining butter, a splash of lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Swirl the pan gently to coat everything in the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Chef’s Tip: How to Know When Prawns Are Done
Undercooked prawns are translucent and gray. Overcooked prawns are rubbery. The perfect prawn is:
- Pink with golden edges
- Curled into a loose “C” shape
- Firm but tender when bitten
Keep this visual cue in mind, especially when working with cooked prawn recipes or reheating leftovers.
Where to Source Quality Prawns
Fresh prawns make all the difference. If you’re not near the coast, frozen raw prawns are your best bet. Look for:
- Wild-caught or sustainably farmed labels
- No additives like sodium tripolyphosphate
- Large prawns (often labeled U/15 or U/20 size)
Whether you’re cooking a simple weekday meal or a special garlic prawn pasta for a dinner date, ingredient quality matters.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Prawns
Here’s how you can turn this simple recipe into a complete meal:
1. Pasta Perfection
Toss the garlic butter prawns into freshly cooked linguine or spaghetti. Add a splash of pasta water and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a quick garlic prawn pasta that’s better than takeout.
2. Rice Bowl
Serve over jasmine or basmati rice with steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes for a nourishing dinner bowl.
3. Tacos
Add sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of lime crema for irresistible prawn tacos.
4. Crusty Bread
Keep it simple and rustic by serving with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that garlic butter.
Flavor Variations to Explore
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these twists inspired by cooked prawn recipes from around the world:
🐝 Honey Garlic Butter Prawns
Inspirado por 20 minute honey garlic shrimp, this version adds 2 tablespoons of honey just before finishing the prawns. It caramelizes in the skillet and gives the sauce a sweet-savory glaze.
🇮🇹 Garlic Butter Prawns Scampi
Deglaze the garlic with white wine and a touch of lemon zest. Serve over angel hair pasta for a lighter, citrusy version of easy shrimp scampi recipe garlic butter style.
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Garlic Prawns
Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika with the garlic for bold flavor. Serve with cornbread or creamy grits.
🍅 Mediterranean Style
Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and crumbled feta at the end. Serve over couscous or quinoa.
Wine Pairings for Garlic Butter Prawns
Because of its richness and bold garlic notes, this dish pairs best with crisp, acidic wines:
- Sauvignon Blanc – For zesty citrus and herbal notes
- Vermentino – Great with seafood and butter
- Pinot Grigio – Dry, light, and not overpowering
- Prosecco – Sparkling wines cut through the richness beautifully
Avoid oaky Chardonnays, which may clash with the garlic flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage: Let prawns cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Recalentar:
- Use a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or broth.
- Avoid microwaving, as it makes prawns rubbery.
La congelación: Not recommended once prawns are cooked; their texture changes dramatically after thawing.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- La proteína: 25g
- Fat: 18g (from butter & olive oil)
- Carbs: 2g
- La fibra: 0g
This makes it perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets. Pair with vegetables or cauliflower rice for a clean meal.
Common Questions
Can I use pre-cooked prawns?
You can, but reduce cooking time drastically—just enough to warm through. They’re already cooked, so overcooking will make them tough.
What’s the best shrimp or prawn size for this recipe?
Large or jumbo prawns (16/20 or U/15 count) are best for pan-searing. They hold shape, have more flavor, and cook evenly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter adds a richness that elevates the dish. For dairy-free versions, use vegan butter or olive oil.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default. The chili flakes add optional heat. Adjust to taste.
Why This Dish Is a Staple
Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to impress guests, Garlic Butter Prawns deliver in every way. This recipe is:
- Ideal for beginners
- Quick enough for weeknights
- Sophisticated enough for entertaining
- Easily doubled for meal prep
From basic shrimp recipes to fusion versions inspired by Asian, Mediterranean, or Italian cuisines, this dish adapts beautifully. It’s everything you’d want in an easy prawn recipe—fast, flavorful, and satisfying.
Suggested Pairings & Full Meal Ideas
🍽️ Weeknight Dinner
- Main: Garlic Butter Prawns
- Side: Steamed jasmine rice
- Vegetable: Roasted green beans
- Drink: Lemon sparkling water
🌿 Light Summer Lunch
- Main: Garlic Prawns Salad with avocado
- Side: Toasted sourdough
- Drink: Iced white tea with mint
🍝 Date Night
- Main: Garlic Prawn Pasta
- Starter: Caprese salad
- Drink: Chilled Sauvignon Blanc
- Dessert: Lemon panna cotta
Final Words
Garlic Butter Prawns are more than just another dish—they’re a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re tossing them in pasta, piling them into tacos, or serving them sizzling hot from the pan with crusty bread, the result is always delicious. It’s no wonder this dish is loved by seafood lovers across the globe.
So next time you’re short on time but want big flavor, skip the complicated recipes and reach for this one. From shrimp sautéed easy to a show-stopping garlic prawn pasta, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it.
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