Here’s a rich and indulgent dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any seafood lover: Butter Sauce Prawns. Juicy prawns tossed in a silky, garlicky butter sauce — with optional spice and herbs — makes this a killer centerpiece for rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
🦐 Butter Sauce Prawns
🧈 Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 lb (450g) prawns or large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for initial sear)
Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth, white wine, or water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus zest if desired)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or cilantro)
- Optional: splash of cream (for creamy butter sauce)
🔪 Instructions:
- Season & Sear the Prawns
- Pat prawns dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear prawns for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through.
- Remove from pan and set aside (don’t overcook!).
- Make the Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add the butter.
- Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
- Add chili flakes, paprika (if using), then pour in broth/wine and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and meld flavors.
- Optional: Add a splash of cream for a velvety finish.
- Return Prawns & Finish
- Return cooked prawns to the pan. Toss to coat in sauce for about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve
- Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
🍋 Variations:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Prawns: Add 1/4 cup cream + parmesan cheese.
- Spicy Version: Use cayenne or more chili flakes.
- Asian Twist: Add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil instead of wine.
- Herb Boost: Use dill, chives, or basil for different notes.