Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter is a culinary delight that brings the essence of the ocean straight to your table. This dish features succulent, juicy prawns bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and decadence.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of sweet, plump tiger prawns and the rich, savory garlic butter creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Additionally, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Plus, it fits beautifully into a low-carb or keto diet, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter, consider these handy tips and tricks:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it’s much more aromatic than powdered garlic.
- Don’t overcook the prawns; they should be just opaque and firm to the touch. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- For added depth, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice or toss in some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you have time, marinate the prawns in garlic, olive oil, and herbs for at least 20 minutes before cooking to infuse more flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Simply sauté the minced garlic in butter, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the sauce while you cook the prawns. You can also clean and devein the prawns a day before, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Recipe Variations
There are many delightful variations you can try with this recipe:
- Swap out tiger prawns for shrimp or scallops for a different seafood experience.
- Add vegetables such as asparagus or spinach to the pan for a complete meal in one dish.
- Experiment with herbs; parsley, cilantro, or even basil can add a unique flavor twist.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter before tossing in the prawns.
How to Serve
Serving Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter can be as simple or as elegant as you desire. For a casual meal, serve the prawns in a large bowl, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping into the savory garlic butter, or over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more upscale presentation, serve the prawns individually on a plate with a drizzle of the garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter, consider pairing it with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé. If you prefer cocktails, a refreshing mojito or a classic gin and tonic would work beautifully. As for side dishes, a fresh garden salad or garlic bread would be perfect accompaniments, while a light sorbet could serve as a refreshing dessert to round out the meal.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. If you’d like to freeze the dish, it’s best to store the prawns and garlic butter separately, as the texture may change upon thawing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet or frying pan. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully for achieving a nice sear on the prawns. If you don’t have one, any non-stick skillet will suffice. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and a cutting board for chopping the garlic are also necessary.
Dietary Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative like olive oil or coconut oil. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure that any bread or side dishes served alongside are gluten-free. Those with shellfish allergies can use chicken breast or firm tofu as a substitute for the prawns.
Seasonal Adaptations
Seasonal adaptations can enhance your dish beautifully. In spring and summer, incorporate fresh herbs like basil or chives for a bright flavor. In fall and winter, consider adding roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter taste. Fresh seasonal vegetables can also be added for color and nutrition, such as zucchini in the summer or butternut squash in winter.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tiger prawns?
A: Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results.
Q: How long do I cook the prawns?
A: Typically, 2-3 minutes per side is sufficient, but it’s best to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Q: Can I substitute the garlic butter?
A: Yes, you can use olive oil or flavored oils for a different taste, but garlic butter does provide a unique richness.
Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter
Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter is a culinary delight that brings the essence of the ocean straight to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the prawns. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the prawns to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink, then flip them over.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked.
- Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, tossing to combine.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 243Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 270mgSodium 1151mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 26g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter is a magnificent dish that boasts both elegance and simplicity. With its rich flavors and quick preparation time, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether casual or formal. As you dive into this recipe, don’t forget to customize it to fit your preferences, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!
