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Ingredients for Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley
To make Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a stunning dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Prawns: Choose large or jumbo prawns for this recipe. You can buy them with or without the shell, but peeled prawns are easier to work with for grilling. If you go with shell-on prawns, make sure to remove the shells and devein them before cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that rich, aromatic flavor. Minced garlic will infuse the butter with incredible taste.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best for this recipe, as it allows the natural flavors of the garlic and prawns to shine through.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color, flavor, and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the butter.
- Olive Oil: For grilling, a bit of olive oil helps prevent the prawns from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle layer of flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a zesty contrast to the buttery prawns.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat, add red chili flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy punch, sprinkle some lemon zest over the grilled prawns before serving.
How to Make Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by preparing your prawns. If they are not already peeled and deveined, make sure to do that first. You can keep the tails on for a more rustic look and easy handling. Once the prawns are prepped, set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, add a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to combine, and remove the saucepan from the heat. Lastly, stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley. This simple yet flavorful garlic butter sauce is now ready to coat your prawns!
Step 3: Season the Prawns
Before grilling, brush the prawns lightly with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and prevent them from sticking to the grill. If you like a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle some red chili flakes on the prawns at this stage.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, ensure it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact. Place the prawns on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. The prawns should have a nice grill mark and a slight char. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
Step 5: Coat the Prawns in Garlic Butter
Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a plate or serving platter. Spoon the warm garlic butter sauce generously over the prawns, ensuring that each prawn is coated in the flavorful sauce. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the prawns over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice will absorb the garlic butter sauce, making every bite even more delicious.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair the prawns with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a light and healthy meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-style salad with feta, olives, and tomatoes works wonderfully alongside grilled prawns.
- Garlic Bread: Don’t forget the garlic bread! The buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Prawns
- Don’t Overcook: Prawns cook very quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re ready to go!
- Skewer the Prawns: If you’re using smaller prawns, consider threading them onto skewers to make grilling easier and prevent them from slipping through the grill grates.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the prawns in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15-30 minutes before grilling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice can make a world of difference in bringing vibrant flavor to the dish. If possible, avoid using dried herbs.
Conclusion
Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley are a simple yet elegant dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe delivers. The combination of smoky grilled prawns, rich garlic butter, and fresh parsley is sure to leave everyone at the table wanting more. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and easy to customize, making it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers everywhere. Try it today and elevate your cooking game with this irresistible dish!
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