Grilled prawns finished with a delicious garlic butter sauce are a fantastic choice for seafood lovers. These prawns are seasoned with a savory seafood seasoning and cooked over direct heat, then topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a starter or a main dish, they’re ready in under 15 minutes, making them an easy yet elegant option for any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds prawns (preferably with shells and heads on for presentation)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning

• For Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely diced

  • 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes

• For finishing:

  • ½ grilled lemon (use to squeeze over the prawns)

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

• Preheat Grill: Prepare the grill for direct grilling, aiming for an internal temperature of 500°F. Place a cast iron sauce pan on the grill to warm up.

• Season Prawns: Toss prawns in a large bowl with olive oil and seafood seasoning.

• Grill Prawns: Place prawns on the hot grill grates. Grill for 2–3 minutes until they turn red, then flip and grill for another 2–3 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and fully cooked.

• Make Garlic Butter Sauce: While prawns are grilling, combine butter, garlic, seafood seasoning, and chili flakes in the pre-warmed pan. Stir until the butter melts and remove from the grill.

• Grill Lemons: Grill lemon halves alongside the prawns until they develop grill marks.

• Serve: Toss grilled prawns in the garlic butter sauce, drizzle with grilled lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving):

• Calories: 688 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Protein: 64g

• Fat: 42g

  • Saturated Fat: 17g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 17g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 632mg

• Sodium: 2579mg

• Potassium: 686mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 2639 IU

• Vitamin C: 27mg

• Calcium: 340mg

• Iron: 4mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes grilled prawns with garlic butter sauce truly special is its simplicity paired with rich, complex flavors. The preparation is quick, making it an excellent option for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute weekend gathering. The prawns, when grilled correctly, take on a smoky char while still maintaining their juicy, tender texture. The garlic butter sauce adds a creamy and flavorful finish that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The balance of the seasoning and the garlic butter ensures that every bite is an explosion of umami, making it a standout dish.

Moreover, the versatility of this dish is another reason it stands out. It can be served as an appetizer, a light main dish, or even as a component of a seafood platter alongside other grilled seafood like scallops or lobster tails. This flexibility allows the recipe to fit various dining occasions, from casual dinners to more elaborate seafood feasts. The combination of ease and elegance makes it a favorite among seafood lovers.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in grilled prawns with garlic butter sauce not only contribute to the dish’s mouthwatering taste but also offer several health benefits. Prawns are an excellent source of protein, making them an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a high-protein diet. They are also low in calories, which is beneficial for those managing their weight. Additionally, prawns are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell production, as well as iodine, essential for thyroid health. Their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids also promote heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol.

Garlic is another superstar ingredient in this dish. Often regarded as a superfood, garlic has numerous health benefits. It is linked to improved immune function, cardiovascular health, and reduced blood pressure. Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s also known to promote healthy digestion and support the body’s detoxification processes.

While butter is often considered an indulgence, it contains healthy fats that are beneficial when consumed in moderation. Grass-fed butter, in particular, contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Butter also provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which is crucial for skin health, and vitamin K2, which supports bone health.

Lemon, a key element in this recipe, adds refreshing acidity, balancing the richness of the garlic butter. It enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based sources. Fresh parsley, typically used as a garnish, is not just decorative. It contains antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage and supports digestive health. It is also rich in vitamin K, which plays an essential role in bone health and blood clotting.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Prawns

While grilling prawns might seem straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure you get the best results every time. The first step is to use the right size prawns. For grilling, it’s best to opt for large or colossal prawns. These prawns hold up better on the grill and offer a satisfying bite. Smaller prawns may overcook or fall through the grates, so choose the bigger ones for this recipe.

If your prawns aren’t already deveined, make sure to remove the black vein (the prawn’s digestive tract) before grilling. This step not only improves the texture but also ensures better flavor. Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein with your fingers.

To achieve the perfect grilled prawns, preheat your grill to the right temperature. A grill that’s too cool will cause the prawns to cook unevenly. Aim for a grill temperature of around 500°F to ensure that the prawns cook quickly and develop that smoky char. The prawns only need 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Don’t walk away while grilling, as prawns can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked in just seconds. Keep an eye on them, and flip them once they start to turn red.

Once the prawns are cooked, it’s essential to let them rest for a minute or two. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful. Another tip is to use a pre-warmed cast iron pan for the garlic butter sauce. This ensures the butter melts evenly and combines seamlessly with the garlic and seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled prawns with garlic butter sauce can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. If serving as an appetizer, consider pairing the prawns with a side of fresh bread for dipping into the garlic butter sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the prawns beautifully.

For a more substantial meal, serve the prawns over a bed of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, make a great side dish and complement the smokiness of the grilled prawns. For a low-carb option, consider pairing the prawns with cauliflower rice or steamed asparagus.

If you’re hosting a special gathering, grilled prawns can also be served as part of a seafood platter. You can combine them with grilled scallops, lobster tails, and crab legs for a luxurious seafood feast. Alternatively, the prawns can be served alongside creamy pasta for a hearty and satisfying main dish.

Conclusion

Grilled prawns with garlic butter sauce are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of succulent prawns, savory seasoning, and rich garlic butter creates a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and light. With minimal preparation time and the ability to serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a seafood platter, this recipe fits perfectly into various dining occasions. The nutritional benefits of the ingredients, including protein-rich prawns, immune-boosting garlic, and the vitamin-packed butter and lemon, make this recipe not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy choice. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just getting started, grilled prawns with garlic butter sauce are a must-try dish. So fire up the grill and enjoy a meal that combines ease, elegance, and exceptional flavor.