Craving a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal without the fuss? Get ready to indulge in creamy garlic prawns that are surprisingly simple to make at home. This recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, succulent prawns bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You'll Need
I'm gonna help you gather everything you need to make these awesome creamy garlic prawns. First, you'll want about a pound of large prawns – the bigger, the better, I say!
Next, we're talking about garlic, and *lots* of it. I'm thinking at least six cloves, minced finely; unless you're a vampire, then skip it! Haha! Then grab a shallot. You'll also need a quarter cup of heavy cream—this is where the "creamy" comes in, after all. This is key to achieving the luscious cream sauce that makes this dish so special.
Don't forget the unsalted butter—four tablespoons should do nicely. A splash of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, lends flavour. You'll only need two tablespoons. Now add a pinch of chili flakes! Finally, you need some freshly chopped parsley and lemon for flavour. We're almost ready to cook, which is very exciting.
Preparing the Prawns
Now, let's get those prawns ready—it's super easy, I promise! First, I wash them under cold water; any grit is a no-go! Then, I peel them, but I always leave the tails on; it makes 'em look fancy.
Next, I devein them! Find the dark line along their back. I make a shallow cut with a small knife and gently pull it out. Trust me; you don't want to eat that. It's like a prawn highway for… well, you don't want to know! Rinse them again, and pat them dry with paper towels.
While grilling is not required for this dish, consider that grilling can impart a slightly smoky flavor profile to the prawns if you prefer that taste. Finally, I toss them in a bowl with about a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes; because, why not add a little kick? I mix it well, so all the prawns are coated and ready to roll! Ta-da!
Cooking the Creamy Garlic Sauce
First, you've gotta melt four tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat—yes, that sounds like a lot, but trust me, it's worth it! We're building flavor here! Once that's melted, add about four cloves of minced garlic.
Next, I'm gonna have you sauté the garlic for about a minute, I don't want it to burn! Pour in one cup of heavy cream—don't skimp here! Stir well. Then, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! I'd taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Now, gently place those prepared prawns into the creamy garlic sauce. Make sure they're submerged and cook them for about five to seven minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them; rubbery prawns are no fun! We're almost there!
Serving Suggestions
One of the best parts of cooking—if you ask me—is that you finally get to eat! I've got some ideas for serving up these creamy garlic prawns that are sure to make your meal amazing.
First off, serve them over pasta—linguine or fettuccine work really well. Toss the prawns and sauce with the pasta, making sure every strand is coated in that delicious goodness! Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Otherwise, enjoy them with some crusty bread for dipping! You'll soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce. You could even whip up some rice; it's another great option for soaking up all the flavor.
If you're feeling fancy, a side salad with a light vinaigrette will add a fresh contrast. I like arugula with lemon. Now, dig in!
Short Recipe Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add prawns and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g