When dinner needs to happen fast, garlic butter prawns are one of the easiest and most reliable meals you can make. Using frozen raw peeled prawns straight from your freezer, you can go from pan to plate in just 10 minutes without sacrificing flavour.
Rich, buttery, and loaded with garlic, this is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 300g frozen raw peeled prawns, thawed or cooked straight from frozen
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped optional
- Optional chilli flakes for heat
Instructions
- Heat the pan
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
Add garlic
- Cook garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook the prawns
- Add prawns and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until pink and opaque. If cooking from frozen, allow slightly longer until fully heated through.
Season
- Add salt, black pepper, and optional chilli flakes.
Finish with freshness
- Squeeze over lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
Serve immediately
- Best enjoyed hot with bread, rice, or pasta.
Tips for perfect garlic butter prawns
- Do not overcook the prawns as they can become rubbery quickly
- Use medium high heat for a quick sear and better flavour
- Add lemon at the end to keep the flavour fresh and bright
- Use good quality butter for a richer taste
Easy serving ideas
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Toss with spaghetti for a quick garlic prawn pasta
- Pair with steamed rice and greens for a balanced dinner
- Use in tacos with slaw and lime mayo for a fresh twist
Why frozen raw peeled prawns work best
This recipe is designed for convenience, and frozen peeled prawns make it possible because they eliminate prep time completely, cook quickly straight from the freezer, absorb flavour well, and reduce waste while saving money.
A busy evening does not have to mean boring food. With frozen prawns and a few pantry staples, you can make a restaurant quality dinner in minutes.
