- Introduction
When you’re craving a seafood dish that feels luxurious yet comes together in minutes, these Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns are the answer. Juicy prawns, grilled to smoky perfection, bathed in rich garlic butter with a fresh parsley finish — this is summer dining at its finest. Whether for a quick family meal, a weekend barbecue, or a dinner party starter, this recipe delivers elegance without effort.
- Ingredients (Serves 4)
500 g (1.1 lbs) large prawns, shells on, deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋
- Sub-Recipe (Garlic Butter Sauce)
Ingredients:
3 tbsp melted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and fragrant. This sauce doubles as both marinade and finishing drizzle.
- Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1 – Prepare the Prawns
Rinse prawns under cold water and pat dry. Keep shells on for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Step 2 – Make the Garlic Butter
Mix butter, garlic, parsley, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3 – Marinate
Toss prawns in the garlic butter mixture. Let marinate 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 4 – Grill
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook prawns 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Brush with extra garlic butter while grilling.
Step 5 – Serve
Arrange prawns on a platter, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
- Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4
- Serving Suggestions
Serve prawns as a light main course with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter, or pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a more indulgent spread, add rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or even pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. Don’t forget the lemon wedges — that squeeze of citrus brings the flavors alive.
- FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Q1: Can I use peeled prawns?
Yes, but leaving the shells on enhances flavor and keeps them juicy.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, basting with garlic butter halfway.
Q3: What’s the best substitute for parsley?
Fresh cilantro or basil can work well, but parsley keeps it classic.
Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can marinate prawns a few hours in advance, but grill just before serving for best results.
Q5: How can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or replace regular paprika with smoked or hot paprika.
- Conclusion
These Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns prove that simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes. They’re elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for weeknights. Serve them once, and they’ll quickly become your go-to seafood recipe.