Creamy Butter Prawns

There is something deeply comforting about a pan of prawns simmering gently in butter, garlic, and cream. The aroma alone pulls everyone toward the kitchen, and before you know it, you are standing there with a spoon, sneaking a taste. This dish feels a little indulgent, yet familiar, like a favorite restaurant order that you suddenly realize you can make at home. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why This Dish Feels Like a Little Luxury at Home

What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into something that feels rich and celebratory. The prawns stay juicy, the sauce wraps around them like silk, and every bite feels comforting without being heavy. It is the kind of meal that works just as well for a quiet dinner as it does for sharing with friends.

A Little Background and Kitchen Trivia

Butter-based prawn dishes have long been popular in coastal kitchens where seafood is fresh and meals are meant to be quick and satisfying. Over time, cooks began adding cream and garlic to soften the sharpness and create a sauce perfect for spooning over rice or bread. This version keeps that spirit alive, simple, fast, and deeply flavorful.

What Makes This Recipe a Keeper

This is the point where everything starts to click, because this dish checks a lot of boxes without asking much in return.

Versatile: It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or even toasted bread, making it easy to adapt to what you have on hand.

Budget-Friendly: With a short ingredient list and quick cooking time, it feels fancy without stretching your grocery bill.

Quick and Easy: From pan to plate in under half an hour, which is perfect for busy evenings.

Customizable: You can adjust the garlic, creaminess, or seasoning to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy seafood dishes rarely leave leftovers at the table.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepped ahead and finished with prawns just before serving.

Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight and reheat gently.

Chef-Level Tips Before You Start

Before turning on the stove, a few insider notes can make all the difference. Use raw prawns that are peeled and deveined so they cook evenly. Keep the heat moderate so the butter does not brown too quickly. And remember, prawns cook fast, so stay close to the pan.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

A smooth cooking flow starts with the right tools ready and waiting.

Large Skillet: Wide enough so the prawns cook in a single layer.
Wooden Spoon: Gentle on the pan and perfect for stirring the sauce.
Measuring Cups: Helps keep the sauce balanced and consistent.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Dish

Everything comes together because each ingredient plays its part, nothing extra, nothing wasted.

1. Raw Prawns: 500 grams, peeled and deveined, they are the heart of the dish and provide sweetness and bite.
2. Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons, forms the rich base of the sauce without overpowering saltiness.
3. Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced, adds warmth and depth.
4. Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates that smooth, luxurious texture.
5. Salt: 0.75 teaspoon, balances the richness.
6. Black Pepper: 0.5 teaspoon, adds gentle heat.
7. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, for freshness and color.

Easy Ingredient Swaps You Can Try

Cooking should feel flexible, not strict.

Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
Parsley: Chopped chives or cilantro work nicely.
Butter: A small portion can be replaced with olive oil for balance.

Spotlight on Key Ingredients

Raw Prawns: Fresh prawns cook quickly and stay juicy when handled gently.
Unsalted Butter: Allows full control over seasoning while delivering richness.

Let’s Get Cooking Together

Now let’s dive into the fun part where everything starts to smell amazing.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the butter to the pan and let it melt gently until glossy.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour in the cream, salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth.
5. Cook to Perfection: Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and gently stir to coat.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately while the sauce is silky.

How Texture and Flavor Come Together

The prawns stay tender because they cook quickly, while the sauce thickens just enough to cling without feeling heavy. Garlic softens into the butter, cream smooths everything out, and the final result is balanced and comforting.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

A few small details go a long way.

• Use room temperature cream to prevent splitting.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, which helps even cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving.

What to Avoid for Perfect Results

Even simple recipes have a few pitfalls.

• Overcooking the prawns, which makes them rubbery.
• Using high heat, which can break the sauce.
• Skipping the final taste check.

Nutrition Facts at a Glance

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the sauce base a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat and add the prawns fresh. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days and should be reheated slowly.

How to Serve It Best

Serve over steamed rice, tossed with pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Leftover prawns make a great filling for wraps, or can be stirred into cooked pasta for a quick next-day meal.

Additional Tips for Extra Flavor

A small squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the sauce. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Make It Look Like a Showstopper

Serve in a wide bowl, sprinkle extra parsley, and bring it to the table straight from the pan for maximum impact.

Fun Variations to Explore

Add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness.
Stir in spinach until just wilted.
Use a touch of grated cheese for extra richness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Is this dish spicy?

No, it is mild, but you can add pepper to taste.

3. Can I make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of cream.

4. What sides work best?

Rice, pasta, or bread are all great choices.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan.

6. Does it reheat well?

Yes, reheat gently over low heat.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely, spinach or mushrooms work well.

8. Is it gluten free?

Yes, the dish itself contains no gluten.

9. How do I know the prawns are done?

They turn pink and opaque.

10. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce added salt slightly.

Conclusion

This is one of those recipes that feels like a treat every time you make it, yet it is simple enough to enjoy often. Once you try it, you will find yourself coming back again and again. This one’s a total game-changer.

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