There’s nothing quite like the feel of summer in the air, making it the perfect opportunity to whip up a dish that dazzles palates with simplicity and elegance. Just the thought of chargrilled king prawns bathed in velvety garlic butter takes me back to evenings spent lounging on the patio, where the laughter of friends mingles with the mouthwatering aroma wafting from the grill.
I recently found myself craving something a little different, a reprieve from the same old midweek meals that had started to feel like a chore. That’s when I decided to treat myself (and my taste buds) to these garlic butter king prawns. Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor that will leave everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds. So, if you’re ready to elevate your next meal with a touch of seaside luxury, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to impress!
Why love Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter?
Simplicity at its finest: With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a stunning dish.
Delectable flavor explosion: The tender prawns combined with rich garlic butter will awaken your taste buds.
Versatile for any occasion: Perfect for a casual dinner or an elegant gathering with friends.
Quick and easy preparation: This recipe can be on your table in no time, making it a hassle-free choice.
Crowd-pleaser potential: Impress your guests with this gourmet dish—everyone will rave about it!
For a delightful side, consider pairing these prawns with a simple salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up that incredible garlic butter.
Chargrilled King Prawns Ingredients
For the Prawns
• Large green king prawns – 24 prawns give a beautiful size and meaty texture perfect for grilling.
• Olive oil – 150ml helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking on the grill.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for enhancing the prawns’ natural flavors.
For the Garlic Butter
• Quality salted butter – 250g adds creaminess and richness to every bite.
• Garlic cloves – 80g infuses the butter with that irresistible garlicky goodness.
• Golden shallot – 1, roughly chopped, adds a subtle sweetness to the garlic butter blend.
• Parsley – ½ bunch, finely chopped, brings a fresh touch and vibrant color.
This recipe for Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter is one to share around the table!
How to Make Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter
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Boil and Cool: Place the peeled garlic cloves in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Once soft, drain them in a colander and refresh with iced water to retain that lovely flavor.
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Chop Parsley: Finely chop the parsley and set it aside. This fresh herb will bring a burst of color and flavor to your garlic butter.
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Blend Butter: In a food processor, combine the butter, shallots, and softened garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl, stir in the chopped parsley, and cover with cling wrap to keep it fresh.
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Preheat Grill: Fire up your grilled pan or BBQ to medium/high heat. You want it hot enough to char the prawns beautifully.
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Prepare Prawns: Carefully remove the heads from each prawn and butterfly them from the back using a sharp paring knife. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
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Season and Grill: Drizzle the prawns with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill shell side down. Cook for about a minute or until slightly charred, then flip for another minute until perfectly cooked.
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Serve with Garlic Butter: Take the garlic butter out of the fridge and heat it in a small pan until it starts to foam. Pour this luscious buttery goodness over the grilled prawns immediately for that perfect finish.
Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for that extra zing of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance; simply blend the butter, shallots, and garlic, then add the chopped parsley and store it in the fridge. To maintain its delicious quality, ensure it’s tightly covered. You can also clean, butterfly, and season the prawns a day ahead, then refrigerate them (but not for more than 24 hours) to ensure freshness. When you’re ready to grill, simply cook the prawns as directed and pour that amazing garlic butter over them for a quick, decadent meal that tastes just as fresh!
What to Serve with Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter?
There’s nothing more delightful than complementing your succulent prawns with sides that enhance their rich, buttery flavors.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter, this crunchy delight is a must-add to your meal.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A vibrant mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the prawns.
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Zesty Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon zest elevates the meal with a citrusy brightness that counters the savory butter.
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Grilled Asparagus: Tender, charred asparagus offers a delightful textural contrast while sharing that smoky grilled flavor.
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Herb-Infused Quinoa: This nutty, protein-packed side brings an earthy note to the dish and complements the herbal parsley.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, enhancing the prawns’ tastes while adding a touch of elegance.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides an unexpected yet enjoyable contrast to the tender prawns, perfect for summer meals.
Let your gathering be a celebration of flavors, where each bite of prawns shines even brighter next to these delightful companions!
Chargrilled King Prawns Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild and customize this scrumptious dish to fit your palate.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for some heat. This little twist will give your prawns a zesty kick that livens up every bite.
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Herbaceous Blend: Swap out parsley for fresh dill or cilantro in your garlic butter. These vibrant herbs will infuse your dish with a unique flavor profile, making it perfect for summer barbecues.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the garlic butter for a fresh twist. This bright note elevates the prawns, giving them a delightful zing that pairs beautifully with the rich butter.
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Dairy-Free Option: Replace quality salted butter with plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version. This keeps all the rich flavors intact while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.
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Garlic Lovers: Use roasted garlic instead of boiled garlic for a sweet and mellow flavor. Roasting caramelizes the garlic, providing an entirely different and delicious depth to your garlic butter.
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Smoky Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the garlic butter. This will give your dish a smoky edge that wonderfully complements the grilled prawns.
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Asian Twist: Blend a little soy sauce and sesame oil into the garlic butter for an Asian-inspired flavor. The savory notes will add an exciting twist that keeps your guests guessing.
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Textural Contrast: Toss in some crushed toasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, to your garlic butter before drizzling it over the prawns. This adds a delightful crunch that will surprise and please your taste buds!
How to Store and Freeze Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter
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Fridge: Store leftover chargrilled king prawns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure they’re cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: You can freeze chargrilled king prawns for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: Thaw prawn leftovers overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, pouring a little extra garlic butter over them for added flavor.
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Serving Suggestion: When ready to eat, serve your reheated prawns with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to refresh their vibrant flavor.
Tips for the Best Chargrilled King Prawns
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Choose Quality Prawns: Select large green king prawns for the best flavor and texture. Freshness is key to achieving that delightful taste.
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Butterfly with Care: When butterflying, use a sharp paring knife, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. This technique allows flavors to penetrate the prawns.
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Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill or pan to medium/high heat to achieve a perfect char. Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns and elevates the entire dish.
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Heat Garlic Butter Properly: Warm the garlic butter gently until it foams. Pouring it on freshly grilled prawns creates a delicious, aromatic finish.
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Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the prawns right after grilling. This keeps them juicy and showcases that irresistible garlic butter!
Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ripe prawns?
Absolutely! Look for large green king prawns that are firm to the touch and have a slightly sweet, briny smell. Avoid any prawns with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as these could indicate spoilage. Freshness is key to elevating your dish!
What is the best way to store leftover prawns?
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious prawns, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They should last for about 2 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain their freshness!
Can I freeze my chargrilled king prawns?
Certainly! You can freeze your chargrilled king prawns for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator!
How do I reheat leftover prawns without losing flavor?
To reheat, gently thaw the prawns overnight in the fridge. Warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a drizzle of extra garlic butter for additional taste. This way, you maintain their juiciness while enhancing those lovely garlic flavor notes.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very much! This recipe features shrimp, which is a common allergen for many individuals. Always check with your guests about seafood allergies before serving. If you’re preparing for a gathering, consider having some alternative dishes on hand for those who may have dietary restrictions.
What should I do if I overcook the prawns?
Oops! If your prawns are overcooked, they may become tough and rubbery. To avoid this, pay close attention while grilling; they typically only need about 1-2 minutes per side. If they still seem overdone, you might try slicing them into smaller pieces and tossing them in a fresh-made garlic butter sauce to add moisture back in. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Savor Chargrilled King Prawns With Garlic Butter Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Once soft, drain them in a colander and refresh with iced water.
- Finely chop the parsley and set it aside.
- In a food processor, combine the butter, shallots, and softened garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a bowl, stir in the chopped parsley, and cover with cling wrap.
- Fire up your grill to medium/high heat.
- Remove the heads from each prawn and butterfly them from the back with a sharp knife.
- Drizzle the prawns with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill shell side down for about a minute.
- Flip and cook for another minute until perfectly cooked.
- Heat garlic butter in a small pan until it starts to foam and pour over the grilled prawns.