Hey y'all! If you love luscious, savory seafood dishes, this Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Packed with succulent prawns smothered in a silky, garlicky cream sauce, it's perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even impressing guests at your next get-together. Trust me—one bite, and you'll want to make it on repeat. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, buttery sauce bursting with garlic flavor and a hint of lemon.
- Prawns stay juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crunchy bread.
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for beginners!
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This ensures they'll sear perfectly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Prawns
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove prawns from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
Return the cooked prawns (and any juices) to the pan. Simmer for another 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the prawns. Stir in chopped parsley.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve hot with your favorite sides—enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overcook the prawns—they only need a couple of minutes on each side for the best texture.
- Use fresh garlic, not powder, for a richer flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Prawns: Double the chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Prawns: Stir in extra Parmesan or a handful of mozzarella for a more robust cheese flavor.
- Coconut Cream Prawns: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
Required Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for cheese & lemon zest)
- Cutting board and knife
Storage Instructions
Store leftover creamy garlic prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the prawns or splitting the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Toss with fresh pasta for a delicious creamy seafood pasta.
- Enjoy with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Pair with a refreshing glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Prawns
- Use raw prawns for best results—pre-cooked ones can turn rubbery in the sauce.
- Have all your ingredients prepped before starting; this recipe comes together fast!
- Don't let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it!
FAQ
Can I use frozen prawns?
Absolutely—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether.
How do I know when prawns are cooked?
Prawns cook quickly, turning pink and opaque when done; overcooked prawns curl tightly and become rubbery, so watch them closely!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
1Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
2Add prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
3Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
4Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
-
5Return prawns to the skillet and coat well with the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
-
6Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply