If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and melts in your mouth, you are going to love this Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked prawns drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with just the right amount of lemony freshness. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients brought together in a way that feels absolutely luxurious yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, these prawns won’t disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes in a white-handled frying pan on a white marbled surface. In the top scene, there is a black frying pan with small pieces of minced garlic sizzling in clear melted butter on the right side, creating bubbles. In the bottom scene, the same frying pan is filled with raw shrimp with shells and antennas still on, arranged closely together, while a woman's hand is placing or adjusting one shrimp on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of richness, flavor, and texture that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

600 g raw, unpeeled prawns: Fresh prawns ensure the best flavor and texture, with the shells adding extra depth when cooking.
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Garlic is the heart of this recipe, providing that signature pungent warmth that pairs beautifully with butter.
3 tablespoons butter: Butter forms the luscious, creamy base of the sauce and carries the other flavors perfectly.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps gently cook the garlic without burning it, balancing the butter’s richness.
Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tbsp): Lemon juice cuts through the richness with a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the other flavors.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

Start by rinsing your prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Leaving the shells on helps keep them juicy and flavorful as they cook. Once dried, set them aside for the moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the dish’s delicate balance.

Step 3: Cook the Prawns

Add the prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and the edges curl. Flip them over and cook another 2 minutes until they are just cooked through.

Step 4: Add Butter and Lemon

Lower the heat and add the butter, letting it melt slowly into the garlic oil. Once melted, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together so the prawns get coated with the rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and citrus notes.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Give the prawns a gentle toss one last time. Your Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe is now ready to be served hot and fresh!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

The image shows two views of a black frying pan with a wooden handle on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan are many cooked shrimp with their shells and tails on, arranged in a disorganized pile with light pink and orange colors. The shrimp texture looks slightly shiny and firm. In the top view, a black spatula is in the pan lifting some shrimp. In the bottom view, a woman's hand is squeezing a lemon wedge over the shrimp, with small juice drops visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note. For an extra touch, a few thin lemon wedges on the side brighten the presentation and flavor with a fresh hit of citrus.

Side Dishes

These prawns pair beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce. Alternatively, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak in all that garlicky butter goodness. A side of roasted or steamed veggies adds a nice contrast in texture and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the prawns in individual shallow bowls to showcase the sauce elegantly. Or, for a fun twist, tuck them into warmed tortillas with fresh greens and a drizzle of aioli to turn this recipe into a mouthwatering seafood taco experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to pour the sauce over the prawns to keep them moist and flavorful when reheated.

Freezing

While prawns taste best fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked prawns if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with a little sauce to protect against drying out. Use within 1 month for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To bring your Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe back to life, gently reheat on the stove over low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the prawns. Stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out the sauce or seafood.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

How do I know when the prawns are cooked perfectly?

Prawns cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled edges. Overcooking makes them chewy, so keep an eye on them!

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during step 4 gives the sauce a wonderful kick without overpowering the garlic butter flavors.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally! All the ingredients in the Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the buttery, garlicky prawns beautifully, enhancing the citrusy notes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe is a true treasure for any seafood lover. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to dinner to impress friends or savor a cozy night at home. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite dishes to whip up again and again.