Juicy whole prawns grilled to perfection, drenched in a golden garlic butter sauce with chili flakes and herbs—simple, aromatic, and bursting with coastal flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter grilled prawns recipe is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. It highlights the natural sweetness of prawns, elevated by a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings, this dish offers a gourmet experience with minimal effort. It’s also versatile enough to serve with various sides, from rice to grilled vegetables or crusty bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb large whole prawns, deveined but shells on
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Rinse and pat dry the prawns. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet or small saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat. Brush prawns with some of the garlic butter sauce.
4. Grill prawns for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
5. Arrange on a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
6. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: Approximately 16 minutes

Variations

• Asian Style: Add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the garlic butter for an Asian twist.
• Lemon Herb: Include fresh thyme or rosemary in the butter sauce for an herbaceous variation.
• Spicy Cajun: Swap chili flakes for Cajun seasoning to add a smoky, spicy kick.
• Coconut Garlic: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
• Garlic Parmesan: Stir grated Parmesan into the butter sauce for a richer, cheesy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of the garlic butter sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawns rubbery and overcooked.

FAQs

Can I use peeled prawns instead of whole?

Yes, peeled prawns will work fine, but leaving the shells on helps retain moisture and flavor during grilling.

What’s the best way to devein prawns with the shell on?

Use kitchen shears to cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein with a toothpick or knife.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store the sauce in the fridge. Gently reheat before brushing onto the prawns.

Are prawns and shrimp interchangeable in this recipe?

Yes, prawns and shrimp can be used interchangeably depending on availability and preference.

How do I prevent overcooking the prawns?

Watch closely—prawns are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque, typically 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I cook this indoors without a grill?

Yes, use a grill pan or a hot cast-iron skillet to achieve similar results indoors.

What can I serve with garlic butter prawns?

They pair well with rice, pasta, grilled vegetables, or fresh salad.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you serve it without bread or use gluten-free bread.

Can I freeze cooked prawns?

Yes, but texture may slightly change. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—just increase all ingredients proportionally and grill in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Garlic butter grilled prawns deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal preparation. The combination of smoky grilled seafood and rich, zesty butter sauce makes it an ideal dish for both casual and special occasions. Whether served as a main course or a shared starter, this recipe offers a perfect balance of elegance and ease.

Garlic Butter Grilled Prawns

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Coastal
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Juicy whole prawns grilled to perfection, drenched in a golden garlic butter sauce with chili flakes and herbs—simple, aromatic, and bursting with coastal flavor.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large whole prawns, deveined but shells on
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry the prawns. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet or small saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat. Brush prawns with some of the garlic butter sauce.
4. Grill prawns for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
5. Arrange on a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
6. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

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Notes

• Shell-on prawns retain more moisture and flavor during grilling.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Garlic butter can be made ahead and stored briefly in the fridge.
• Pairs well with a citrusy white wine or light lager.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 160mg