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Grilled garlic butter prawns are an absolute showstopper. The prawns are grilled and then coated in a rich, spicy garlic-lemon butter sauce. Served with steamed rice or crusty bread, this meal is packed with flavor and makes for a perfect outdoor or special occasion dish. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor, and the buttery sauce adds the perfect amount of richness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Prawns:

1.5 kg (3lbs) prawns, deveined but shell and head on
2 tbsp Cajun spice
1 tbsp lemon pepper
2 tsp salt
3 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

250g (2 sticks) butter
10 garlic cloves, crushed
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp Cajun spice
1 tsp chili flakes
½ cup heavy or whipping cream

Directions

Prepare the Prawns: If your prawns aren’t deveined, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to make a long incision along the back and remove the vein. Place the prawns in a bowl, pour over olive oil, and season with Cajun spice, lemon pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat evenly.
Make the Sauce: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté the crushed garlic for a minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice, Cajun spice, and chili flakes. Pour in the cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and taste; adjust seasoning if needed.
Grill the Prawns: Preheat your grill (or griddle pan) for 10-15 minutes. Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until they are coral/orange in color.
Toss and Serve: Once all the prawns are cooked, toss them into the garlic butter sauce to coat. Serve the prawns over rice or with crusty bread, and add extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

Nutrients

Calories: 399 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 245mg
Sodium: 1662mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 2g

These grilled garlic butter prawns are the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and rich flavors. The sauce adds depth, making each bite irresistible!

Why Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These prawns are ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to outdoor BBQs or more elegant gatherings. The grilling process imparts a subtle smokiness to the prawns that complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce. The combination of Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper brings a layer of heat and tang, while the butter and cream in the sauce add the perfect balance of richness and smoothness.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look gorgeous on the plate with their vibrant orange color. The dish is easy to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. It’s a relatively quick meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it an excellent choice for those busy days when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns

The ingredients in this recipe are simple but work together to create a truly flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Prawns: Using fresh prawns with the shell and head on adds to the flavor and presentation of the dish. The shells help lock in moisture while grilling, keeping the prawns tender. Make sure they’re deveined to remove any unpleasant bits.

Cajun Spice: The Cajun spice blend adds heat and complexity to the prawns. It’s a great way to bring a bold, smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.

Lemon Pepper: This seasoning adds a zesty kick to the prawns and complements the citrusy notes in the garlic butter sauce.

Olive Oil: Olive oil helps coat the prawns and ensures they don’t stick to the grill while adding a bit of richness.

Garlic Butter Sauce:

Butter: The butter is the base of the sauce and provides the rich, creamy texture that makes this dish so indulgent.
Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic provides an aromatic base that infuses the sauce with flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and cream.
Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes adds heat and complements the Cajun spice, giving the dish just the right amount of kick.
Cream: Heavy cream or whipping cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that binds all the ingredients together.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns

Making these prawns is easy and quick. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Prepare the Prawns:
If your prawns aren’t deveined, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to make a long incision along the back and remove the vein. This step is essential to ensure the prawns are clean and presentable. After cleaning, place the prawns in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with Cajun spice, lemon pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat evenly and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the lemon juice, Cajun spice, and chili flakes to the pot, and stir well. Pour in the cream and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Grill the Prawns:
Preheat your grill or griddle pan for 10-15 minutes. When it’s ready, place the prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn coral or orange in color and are cooked through. The prawns should have a slight char but remain tender and juicy inside.
Toss and Serve:
Once the prawns are grilled, toss them into the prepared garlic butter sauce, ensuring each prawn is coated with the sauce. Serve the prawns immediately over a bed of steamed rice or with crusty bread for dipping. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with additional honey if desired, and garnish with fresh thyme or pomegranate arils for a colorful finish.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns

Grilled garlic butter prawns are perfect served with steamed rice, which will absorb all the delicious sauce. The creamy, buttery sauce combined with the smoky prawns and spicy kick makes the rice a wonderful companion to the dish. Alternatively, serve them with crusty bread, which is ideal for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. A fresh salad with a citrusy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the prawns, offering a refreshing contrast.

For a more complete meal, consider pairing these prawns with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smoky grilled vegetables will complement the prawns beautifully.

Health Considerations and Customizations

While this dish is rich and indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit lighter or adjust it to your preferences:

Lighter Version: To reduce the richness, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or try a lighter butter substitute. You could also use less butter and more lemon juice to balance the sauce.
Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun spice or chili flakes, or skip them altogether. The dish will still be flavorful without the extra spice.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream for the sauce to make this dish dairy-free while maintaining a rich texture.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the prawns for grilled vegetables, such as mushrooms or cauliflower, to create a vegetarian version of this dish. The garlic butter sauce would pair wonderfully with roasted or grilled vegetables.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Impressive Dish

Grilled garlic butter prawns are the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and rich flavors that are sure to impress your guests. The simple grilling process imparts a smoky char to the prawns, while the garlic butter sauce adds the perfect amount of richness and creaminess. Whether served with rice, crusty bread, or vegetables, this dish is an irresistible treat that can elevate any meal or special occasion. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, yet guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite.

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