Delicious Garlic Butter Prawns: Easy Seafood Recipe

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The smell of garlic and butter cooking in the kitchen reminds me of Goa’s beach shacks. Garlic butter prawns are simple yet magical. They bring back memories of relaxed vacations and enjoying tasty food.

This dish is a mix of a few ingredients that create something amazing. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights or surprise guests. It’s great as a snack or a fancy main dish.

This recipe is all about trying new things. You can use prawns, calamari, fish, crab, or lobster. The garlic butter sauce lets you add your favorite flavors. Want it spicy or herby? You can do it all.

In under 10 minutes, you can make a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Just make sure not to overcook the prawns. This way, they stay juicy and flavorful. It’s a must-try in your seafood collection.

Key Takeaways

• Garlic butter prawns can be prepared in under 10 minutes
• The recipe is versatile and works with various seafood options
• It requires only 4-5 key ingredients
• The dish can be customized with different herbs and spices
• Proper cooking time is crucial to avoid overcooking the prawns
• It’s a popular dish associated with beach shacks in Goa
• The recipe serves 2 and can be easily scaled up

Introduction to Garlic Butter Prawns

Garlic butter prawns are a tasty seafood dish. It combines juicy prawns with a rich Garlic Butter Sauce. This dish is loved for its easy preparation and quick cooking time.

What are Garlic Butter Prawns?

Garlic butter prawns are a simple yet elegant dish. It features prawns cooked in a savory sauce. The sauce is made of butter, garlic, and sometimes white wine or lemon juice.

This recipe uses different Prawn Cooking Methods. This allows for various ways to prepare the dish.

Why this dish is a popular choice

Garlic butter prawns are loved for their delicious taste and easy preparation. They can be cooked in under 20 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or quick seafood meals.

They can be served in many ways, from appetizers to main courses. This versatility makes them a favorite among many.

Brief history and origins

The mix of garlic and butter with seafood has been enjoyed for many years. This classic combination started in coastal areas where fresh seafood was plentiful. Over time, it became popular worldwide, especially in places like Goa, India.

“Garlic butter prawns are a testament to the simplicity and elegance of coastal cuisine, bringing the flavors of the sea to tables worldwide.”

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Prawns

Starting with the right ingredients is key to making tasty garlic prawn dishes. This easy recipe needs just a few things to get the flavors right. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this seafood treat.

• 1 pound of large prawns (16-20 count per pound), peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

The prawns are the main attraction in this dish. Choose fresh ones if you can, but frozen prawns are good too. The butter and garlic make the sauce, and lemon juice adds a tangy touch. Salt and pepper boost the flavor, and parsley adds color and freshness.

If you’re up for a Mediterranean fishing adventure, you might catch your own prawns. But store-bought prawns are fine for this recipe too.

With these simple ingredients, you can make a top-notch garlic prawn dish at home. This recipe shows that simple ingredients can lead to amazing flavors.

Choosing the Right Prawns

Choosing the perfect prawns is key for tasty Buttery Prawn Entrees. Whether it’s for Prawn Appetizers or a main dish, the quality of your seafood matters a lot.

Fresh vs. Frozen Prawns

Fresh and frozen prawns can both be great. Fresh prawns should look clear, shiny, and have no black spots. If you choose frozen, make sure they’re of high quality and thawed right before cooking.

Sizes and Types of Prawns

For the best taste, pick bigger prawns like king prawns or extra jumbo (16-20 per pound). Spot prawns are also great when in season for their sweet taste. Here’s a look at different prawn sizes:

Preparing Prawns for Cooking

To get your prawns ready for Buttery Prawn Entrees, follow these steps:

• Remove shells, leaving tails on for presentation if desired
• Devein the prawns
• Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Place in a single layer when cooking for even results

Cooking time is very important. Cooking too long can make them tough. Whole, shell-on prawns take about 5 minutes. Shelled prawns cook faster, needing only 1-2 minutes.

By picking the right prawns and preparing them right, you’ll make amazing Prawn Appetizers and main dishes. They’ll taste like they’re from a restaurant.

The Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

Making the perfect Garlic Butter Sauce is crucial for tasty prawn meals. It mixes rich butter with garlic, creating a flavor that highlights prawns’ natural sweetness.

The sauce starts with 125g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter. This choice lets you control the dish’s saltiness. Six raw garlic cloves are minced and mixed into the butter, adding a strong garlic taste.

One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to brighten the sauce. This citrusy touch balances the butter’s richness. For more flavor, a teaspoon of fish sauce can be added, enhancing the umami.

Fresh herbs are the secret to elevating your Garlic Butter Sauce from good to great.

Two tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf parsley are added, bringing a fresh, herby flavor. If parsley is not available, dried herbs like mint, thyme, rosemary, basil, or oregano can be used as substitutes.

This Garlic Butter Sauce is ready in under 5 minutes, ideal for quick, flavorful prawn meals. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. But don’t freeze it to keep its smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Learning how to cook prawns is essential for making tasty prawn dishes. Our garlic butter prawns recipe is easy to follow. It’s great for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Marinating the Prawns

Begin by marinating 20 whole shell-on prawns (about 600g) in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This step boosts their flavor and gets them ready for cooking.

Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce

Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 30ml (2 tbsp) of butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds until it smells great. For more flavor, add a bit of Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine.

Sautéing the Prawns

Turn the heat up to high and add the prawns. Cook for about 45 seconds on each side. This method keeps the prawns juicy and tender. For medium-sized prawns, cook for 3-4 minutes in total.

Finishing Touches

Squeeze half a lemon’s juice into the pan. Mix it with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the prawns to coat them well. Finish with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Your garlic butter prawns are now ready to enjoy!

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Garlic Butter Prawns

Making Garlic Prawn Dishes at home like a pro is simpler than you might think. A few key techniques can take your Flavorful Prawn Meals to the next level. Here are some expert tips to make your garlic butter prawns stand out.

Start by picking high-quality jumbo prawns. In Maryland, jumbo shrimp usually come in 10-15 pieces per pound, ideal for this dish. Look for fresh prawns with a firm texture and a fresh smell. If you’re using frozen, thaw them slowly in the fridge or cool water to avoid bacterial growth.

Cooking is quick, taking less than 10 minutes. Use high heat and a large pan for the best sear. Cook prawns in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can make them steam instead of sear. Add garlic halfway through cooking to prevent it from burning.

Key Ingredients for Success

Quality ingredients are key for Flavorful Prawn Meals. Choose fresh garlic, high-quality butter, and extra virgin olive oil. Don’t skip the lemon juice – it pairs beautifully with seafood.

Remember, don’t overcook the prawns. They should be pink and opaque, which takes about 3 minutes. Serve them right away for the best taste and texture. With these tips, your Garlic Prawn Dishes will be as good as any restaurant’s.

Nutritional Benefits of Prawns

Prawns are a nutritious addition to seafood dishes and prawn appetizers. These small crustaceans pack a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. Let’s dive into the nutritional profile of prawns and explore why they’re a great choice for your diet.

Protein Powerhouse

Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 100g serving of cooked prawns provides about 15.4g of protein. This makes them a perfect choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Compared to other protein sources:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While not as rich in omega-3s as oily fish like salmon, prawns still contribute to your intake of these essential fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Vitamins and Minerals

Prawns are packed with essential nutrients. They’re an excellent source of vitamin B12, vitamin E, and minerals like selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. A 100g serving of prawns provides:

• 237mg of phosphorus
• 70mg of calcium
• 1.64mg of zinc
• 19.5mcg of selenium
• 39mg of magnesium

These nutrients support various bodily functions, including nerve function, immune health, and bone strength. Prawns also contain 22 times more vitamin E than chicken or beef, acting as a powerful antioxidant in your body.

“Shellfish like prawns are an excellent source of easily digestible, high-quality protein and are low in calories and fat.”

Remember, while prawns are nutritious, they’re also high in cholesterol and sodium. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, aiming for 2-3 servings of seafood per week to reap their nutritional benefits.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Garlic Butter Prawns are perfect for any meal. They can be part of an elegant dinner or a simple meal. These seafood treats offer many ways to enjoy them.

For a fancy main dish, place Garlic Butter Prawns on pasta or rice. Or, try them with zucchini noodles or a quinoa salad for a lighter meal. These options are great because they’re gluten-free and low in carbs.

Want something comforting? Garlic Butter Prawns go well with mashed potatoes or garlic bread. For a fancy touch, serve them with ratatouille or green beans almondine. These sides add to the meal without taking away from the prawns.

For a better Garlic Butter Prawns experience, try a chilled white wine. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio pair well with the dish. Finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for color and zest.

Variations on the Classic Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

The classic garlic butter prawns recipe is a favorite among seafood dishes. Creative cooks have come up with exciting twists on this beloved staple. These variations offer new flavors while keeping the essence of the original shrimp recipes.

Spicy Garlic Butter Prawns

For those who enjoy a kick, spicy garlic butter prawns are a perfect choice. Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the basic recipe for a gentle heat. For bolder flavors, increase the amount or substitute with cayenne pepper. This version pairs well with a cold beverage and is ready in less than 20 minutes.

Lemon Garlic Butter Prawns

Lemon garlic butter prawns bring a zesty twist to the classic recipe. Increase the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon and add lemon zest for extra citrus flavor. This refreshing variation complements the richness of the butter and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It’s a light option with only 219 calories per serving.

Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Prawns

Herb-infused garlic butter prawns offer a fragrant and flavorful experience. Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce. For a Spanish-inspired version, include smoked paprika. This variation works well with 1 lb of large shrimp and provides 15.8g of protein per serving, making it a nutritious choice for seafood lovers.