
QUICK WINS
Garlic Butter Prawns
Sweet, juicy prawns in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in 10 minutes.
EASY
10 MINS
SERVES 2 - 4
ABOUT THE RECIPE
Ten minutes, one pan, and the kind of garlic butter sauce that needs bread somewhere nearby. The prawns stay sweet and juicy, the lemon keeps things sharp, and the parsley makes it feel finished. Garlic butter prawns for when dinner needs to feel special fast.
​THE RECIPE
Ingredients
450 g prawns, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of chilli flakes, optional, for subtle heat
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Method
1.
Pat the prawns dry with paper towel, then season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2.
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Once foaming, add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Take care not to let it colour. Add a small pinch of chilli flakes if using.
3.
Arrange the prawns in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
4.
Add the lemon zest and squeeze over the lemon juice. Sprinkle in half the parsley and toss gently to coat the prawns in the glossy garlic butter.
5.
Remove from the heat and finish with the remaining parsley. Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
6.
Serve immediately on their own, or spooned over rice, tossed through pasta, or mopped up with warm crusty bread.
SAMANTHA'S NOTES
Dry the prawns
Keep garlic gentle
Watch the prawns
You want the garlic fragrant, not browned. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly, so give it 30 to 60 seconds before adding the prawns.
Prawns cook fast. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Finish with fresh lemon and serve straight away while the butter is glossy.
Pat the prawns dry before cooking so they sear quickly instead of stewing in the butter. Moisture is what stops them turning sweet, juicy and glossy.
KEEP COOKING
More from Samantha's Kitchen
A few more recipes to cook, save and come back to.
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
New recipes from my kitchen to yours.
Join the Slick List for new Original Recipes, kitchen notes and fresh ideas, sent straight to your inbox.
Fresh recipes, Friday drinks and vintage cookbook gems. Straight to your inbox.



