How to Make Butter Garlic Prawns That Will Melt in Your Mouth

Butter garlic prawns are one of those recipes that never fail to impress. With their rich, buttery flavor and the aroma of garlic, they’re the perfect dish to whip up for a quick dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish! In this blog, I’ll walk you through the steps of making butter garlic prawns, sharing tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You Need for Perfect Butter Garlic Prawns

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Before we get into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients. Using the right ingredients can make a world of difference in flavor.

• Fresh Prawns: Always go for fresh, deveined prawns. Frozen prawns are fine too, but make sure they’re thawed properly.
• Unsalted Butter: This gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds the best aroma and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.
• Salt and Pepper: For basic seasoning.
• Parsley (optional): For garnishing and a hint of freshness.
• Chili Flakes (optional): If you prefer a bit of heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning.

Secret Tip for Fresh Prawns

When buying prawns, look for ones with a firm texture and a mild, ocean-like smell. If you’re unsure how to devein them, ask your fishmonger to do it or use a small knife to remove the black vein running along the back. This step is crucial for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Prepping the Prawns for the Best Flavor

Before cooking, marinate your prawns to infuse them with flavor. Here’s a simple marinade recipe:

Quick Marinade Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
   • A pinch of salt
   • ½ teaspoon of pepper
2. Toss the prawns in the mixture and let them sit for 10 minutes.

This short marination not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the prawns slightly, making them juicier.

Cooking Butter Garlic Prawns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking butter garlic prawns is quick and easy. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Heat the Pan: Use a large, non-stick pan to ensure the prawns cook evenly. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium flame.
2. Add Butter and Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3-4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir until the garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Cook the Prawns: Add the marinated prawns to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.
5. Season and Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley and chili flakes for an extra burst of flavor.

Choosing the Right Butter for Maximum Flavor

When it comes to butter, not all are created equal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Unsalted Butter: Gives you better control over the dish’s saltiness.
• Clarified Butter: If you want a richer, nuttier flavor, use clarified butter, as it doesn’t burn as easily.

Pro tip: Avoid margarine or butter substitutes for this recipe as they don’t provide the same creamy texture.

Adding Garlic: The Heart of the Dish

Garlic is the star of this recipe. To make sure it doesn’t overpower the dish, mince it finely and cook it just until fragrant. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keep an eye on it!

Balancing Flavors with Garlic

The key to a perfectly balanced dish is tasting as you go. If you find the garlic flavor too strong, adding a little extra butter or lemon juice can mellow it out.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Garlic Prawns

Butter garlic prawns are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Use the leftover butter sauce to dip crusty bread.
• Pasta: Toss the prawns with spaghetti or fettuccine for a hearty meal.
• Rice: Serve them over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Salad: A light green salad complements the richness of the prawns.

Best Side Dishes for Butter Garlic Prawns

1. Creamy mashed potatoes.
2. Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
3. A simple Caesar salad for freshness.

Storing and Reheating Butter Garlic Prawns

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them without losing flavor:

1. Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
2. Reheat: Warm them in a pan over low heat with a bit of butter to maintain their tenderness.

Can You Freeze Butter Garlic Prawns?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before adding lemon juice, as freezing can change the flavor. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs About Butter Garlic Prawns

1. What type of prawns work best for this recipe?
   Fresh, medium-sized prawns with shells removed and deveined are ideal.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

3. What herbs pair well with garlic prawns?
   Parsley, cilantro, and thyme are excellent options.

4. How do I avoid overcooking prawns?
   Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked prawns become rubbery.

5. Can I make butter garlic prawns spicy?
   Absolutely! Add chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili for some heat.

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