Buttery Chilli Prawns with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
Introduction
Buttery chilli prawns are a simple yet flavorful dish that balances rich butter with a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick dinner or sharing as a lively appetizer, these prawns pair beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Ingredients
- 25g butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, seeds left in and finely chopped
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 12-20 large raw king prawns with shells
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus a few slices for a finger bowl
- ½ small bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- Small loaf crusty bread, warmed to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the finely chopped garlic, red chilli, and sweet paprika to the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic starts to turn golden.
- Step 3: Turn up the heat and add the prawns. Fry for a few minutes, stirring regularly, until all the prawns turn pink and are cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Prepare a finger bowl of warm water with lemon slices for cleaning your fingers. Serve the prawns immediately with crusty bread and a bowl to deposit the shells.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter chilli variety.
- Remove prawn shells before cooking for easier eating, though keeping shells on adds flavor.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon just before eating to brighten the flavors.
- Try adding a splash of white wine with the lemon juice for a subtle twist.
Storage
Store leftover prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen prawns completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What can I serve with buttery chilli prawns?
Crusty bread is classic for soaking up the sauce, but this dish also pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
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Buttery Chilli Prawns with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2–3 people 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful dish of buttery chilli prawns cooked in a garlic, chilli, and paprika sauce, served with crusty bread and a lemon finger bowl for a delightful seafood experience.
Ingredients
Butter Sauce
- 25g butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, seeds left in and finely chopped
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
Prawns
- 12–20 large raw king prawns with shells
Finishing
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus a few slices for a finger bowl
- ½ x small bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- Small loaf crusty bread, warmed to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the butter sauce: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, red chilli, and sweet paprika, then fry gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic starts turning golden and fragrant.
- Cook the prawns: Increase the heat to high, add the raw king prawns to the pan, and stir fry for a few minutes until all prawns turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Season the prawns with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Prepare a finger bowl by adding warm water and lemon slices. Serve the prawns hot with the crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce.
Notes
- Keep the chilli seeds if you prefer a spicier dish; remove them for milder flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality prawns for the best taste and texture.
- The finger bowl with lemon slices is to clean your fingers after eating the shell-on prawns.
- The dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free bread or rice crackers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: prawns, garlic, chilli, butter, seafood, quick recipe, easy dinner, spicy prawns, king prawns
