Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Whipping up delectable garlic prawns always sparks excitement in my kitchen.

Seafood lovers rejoice with this simple yet elegant dish that promises maximum flavor.

My friends constantly request this recipe after their first bite.

Succulent prawns swimming in rich, velvety sauce create an irresistible meal that feels luxurious.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire these tender shellfish prepared with minimal ingredients.

Fresh garlic and cream combine to deliver a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Each forkful promises pure comfort and deliciousness you cannot resist trying.

How to Store and Warm Gently

  • Store leftover prawns in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Warm prawns slowly in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Microwaving can make prawns rubbery and tough. If you must use a microwave, heat in short 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval.
  • Before serving reheated prawns, verify they reach an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure food safety and maintain optimal texture.

Side Dishes to Complement the Garlic Kick

  • Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy garlic sauce and enhance the prawns' delicate seafood flavor.
  • Use rustic sourdough to soak up the rich, velvety sauce, providing a tangy contrast and satisfying textural experience.
  • Prepare light, fluffy jasmine rice infused with fresh herbs like parsley and dill to balance the creamy sauce and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish.
  • Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the prawns and provide a peppery, refreshing counterpoint.

Twist the for a New Flavor

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich, garlicky flavor.
  • Spicy Seafood Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for those who enjoy a heat-packed meal, creating a zesty alternative to the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Incorporate chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to transform the dish with Mediterranean flavors and add extra depth to the sauce.

Common Questions, Answered Here

  • Are the prawns seasoned before cooking?

Yes, prawns are patted dry and seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before sautéing.

  • What makes the sauce creamy?

The sauce becomes creamy by adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which creates a rich, smooth texture that coats the prawns perfectly.

  • Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Fresh prawns work best, but if using frozen, completely thaw and pat them dry to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess water in the pan.

  • How do I know when prawns are fully cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn pink and appear slightly curled, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes per side depending on their size.

Why This Garlic Prawns Dish Deserves Your Time

  • Whips up in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
  • Combines succulent prawns with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that delivers maximum taste with minimal ingredients, creating a truly indulgent experience.
  • Easily adaptable to serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for different preferences and meal styles.
  • Looks and tastes gourmet but requires basic cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a stunning dish that will wow family and guests.

Key Ingredients That Build the Sauce

Seafood Base:
  • Prawns: Sweet, tender seafood that becomes the star of this creamy dish. Wild-caught or large tiger prawns work best.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the prawns' natural flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream: Rich, creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated gives the best taste and texture.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances the rich sauce. Fresh lemon works best.
  • Paprika: Optional spice that adds subtle warmth and color.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal garnish with vibrant green color.

How to Cook Prawns Without Going Rubbery

Step 1: Prep the Ocean Gems

Gently dry prawns with paper towels

Season with salt and pepper

Step 2: Unleash the Sizzle

Warm skillet over medium heat

Melt butter

Cook prawns until they transform into pink beauties

Remove prawns and set aside

Step 3: Craft Magical Garlic Elixir

Drop minced garlic into skillet

Stir briefly until aromatic

Pour chicken stock

Scrape pan’s delicious remnants

Lower heat

Blend in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Simmer until sauce thickens gracefully

Step 4: Reunite Prawns with Sauce

Return prawns to skillet

Splash lemon juice

Sprinkle paprika

Let prawns dance in sauce for few moments

Step 5: Create Culinary Masterpiece

Shower with fresh parsley

Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread

Enjoy immediately while flavors sing

Smart Moves for Full Flavor Without Overkill

  • Dry Thoroughly: Pat prawns completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Cook prawns just until they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Customize Heat Level: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra spiciness, adjusting to personal heat preference.
  • Quick Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream for a lighter, lactose-free version.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release rich, nutty undertones before adding liquid ingredients for more complex taste profile.
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Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe

Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Italian coastal charm meets culinary elegance in these creamy garlic prawns, delivering a luxurious seafood experience that whispers Mediterranean romance. Delicate prawns bathe in a silky, herb-infused sauce, inviting you to savor each graceful, flavor-packed bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (500g) raw prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Dairy and Cream:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously blot freshly thawed prawns with clean kitchen towels, ensuring maximum dryness for optimal searing. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Activate a spacious skillet over medium flame, allowing the surface to warm evenly. Introduce butter and let it melt completely, creating a golden cooking surface.
  3. Gently place seasoned prawns into the skillet, allowing each side to caramelize for approximately 12 minutes. Observe the transformation to a delicate pink hue, indicating perfect doneness. Transfer prawns to a separate plate.
  4. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce finely chopped garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds. Pour chicken stock, skillfully deglazing the pan and capturing all concentrated flavor remnants.
  5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Incorporate heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, stirring consistently until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Reintroduce prawns to the velvety sauce, incorporating fresh lemon juice and a whisper of paprika. Allow the seafood to bathe and absorb the rich flavors for 23 minutes.
  7. Elegantly finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, al dente pasta, or crusty artisan bread to capture every sublime drop of sauce.

Notes

  • Dry Prawns Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect sear and preventing steaming.
  • Temperature Control: Cook prawns on medium heat to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower cream for a lower-calorie alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 585
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 345mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 295mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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