Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This prawn in garlic butter sauce recipe is your answer. It's incredibly easy, comes together in under 20 minutes, and is bursting with flavour. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or even an impressive appetizer. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this simple yet elegant dish! This recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be achieved with homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully in the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
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Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
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Add the Prawns: Add the prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off. If omitting wine, proceed to the next step.
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Stir in Lemon Juice & Seasoning: Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the prawns immediately over crusty bread, pasta, or simply enjoy them as is.
Tips for the Best Prawn in Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Use high-quality prawns: The flavour of the prawns will be the star of the dish, so choose fresh, high-quality prawns whenever possible.
- Don't overcook the prawns: Overcooked prawns will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or other seasonings to your liking.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the prawns over pasta, rice, or with a side salad for a more substantial meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Prawn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This prawn in garlic butter sauce recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile seafood. It's a perfect example of an easy recipe that delivers big on flavour, making it a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!