Crispy Butter Garlic Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe
Crispy Butter Garlic Salt & Pepper Prawns Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Your Food Lab on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $2.92 total, $0.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 medium Potatoes (washed, scrubbed, and dried)
- 6 large Garlic Cloves (peeled; 4 for tossing, 2 for extra crispy garnish)
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying; neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Potatoes
Place each potato on a cutting board. Slice each potato lengthwise about ¾ of the way through, keeping the base intact so the halves stay connected – this is the "butterfly" cut.
Time: PT5M
Season and Rest
Transfer the butterflied potatoes to a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss gently to coat. Let them rest for 5 minutes so the seasoning penetrates.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Add 1 cup vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat over medium‑high heat until shimmering (about 180°C).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 180°C
Fry Butterflied Potatoes
Carefully place the potatoes skin‑side down in the hot oil. Fry for 4‑5 minutes, then flip and fry another 4‑5 minutes until both sides are golden‑brown and crisp.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Drain and Cool
Using the slotted spoon, transfer the fried potatoes onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Garlic Topping
While the potatoes rest, thinly slice 2 garlic cloves. In a small separate pan, add 2 tbsp oil and the sliced garlic over low heat. Cook until the garlic turns deep golden and crisp, about 3‑4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 120°C
Toss with Fresh Garlic
Finely crush the remaining 4 garlic cloves using a mortar or the flat side of a knife. Sprinkle the crushed garlic over the warm potatoes, add the freshly ground black pepper, and toss gently in the mixing bowl so the garlic adheres.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Transfer the tossed potatoes to a serving platter, sprinkle the crispy garlic bits on top, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 9g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (use 1 tsp), Shallots (use 2, finely minced)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Ground cayenne (use ¼ tsp for heat)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt (use ½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Flat‑leaf parsley, Green onions (thinly sliced)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Slotted Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Butterfly cutting the potatoes without breaking them
- Maintaining oil temperature around 180°C for proper crisping
- Cooking the garlic topping on low heat to avoid burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens the garlic taste.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw crushed garlic.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the oil is hot enough (180°C) before adding potatoes and avoid crowding the pan; fry in batches.
Garlic burns and turns bitter.
Cook garlic on low heat, stirring constantly, and remove as soon as it reaches a deep golden color.
Butterfly cut splits apart.
Use a sharp knife and make a shallow cut, keeping the base intact; if needed, secure the halves with a toothpick while frying.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot skillet to restore crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour; after that, potatoes lose crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Butterfly and slice the potatoes a day ahead, store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
- Crispy garlic can be made in advance and stored in a sealed jar for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butterflied potatoes in Indian cuisine?
Butterflied potatoes, known as "aloo ke tukde" in many North Indian households, are a popular street‑food style snack. The technique of slicing the potato lengthwise allows a larger surface area to become crisp, making it ideal for quick frying and tossing with spices like garlic and pepper.
What are the traditional regional variations of crispy garlic potatoes in Indian cuisine?
In Punjab, the potatoes are often tossed with mustard seeds and curry leaves, while in South India they may be flavored with turmeric and red chili powder. The YouTube channel Your Food Lab version focuses on a simple garlic‑pepper profile that works across regions.
How is butterflied potatoes traditionally served in Indian households?
They are usually served hot as a side dish with dal, roti, or as a standalone snack with chutney. The crispy garlic garnish adds a fragrant finish that is especially popular during monsoon evenings.
What occasions or celebrations is crispy garlic butterflied potatoes traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
These potatoes are a favorite at informal gatherings, tea‑time snacks, and festive street‑food stalls during festivals like Diwali and Holi, where quick, crunchy bites are in high demand.
What other Indian dishes pair well with crispy garlic butterflied potatoes?
They complement lentil curries such as dal tadka, spicy chickpea dishes like chana masala, and even grilled kebabs. A cool raita or mint‑coriander chutney balances the garlic heat nicely.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for crispy garlic butterflied potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the recipe uses plain potatoes, fresh garlic, black pepper, and a neutral oil like mustard or sunflower. Substitutes can include sweet potatoes for a sweeter note, garlic powder for convenience, and peanut oil for a higher smoke point.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy garlic butterflied potatoes?
Common errors include cutting the potatoes too deep, which causes them to fall apart, using oil that isn’t hot enough, leading to soggy potatoes, and over‑cooking the garlic, which turns bitter. Follow the critical steps listed in the recipe to prevent these issues.
Why does this Your Food Lab recipe use low‑heat oil for the garlic topping instead of frying it with the potatoes?
Low‑heat oil allows the garlic to brown slowly, developing a deep, sweet flavor without burning. Frying garlic with the potatoes at high heat would scorch it, imparting bitterness to the whole dish.
Can I make crispy garlic butterflied potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can butterfly and soak the potatoes in water overnight, then refrigerate. Fry them just before serving for maximum crispness. Store the crispy garlic topping in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to three days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making crispy garlic butterflied potatoes?
The potatoes should have a deep golden‑brown exterior with a crisp, slightly crunchy edge, while the interior remains fluffy. The garlic garnish should be dark golden, not black, and should sit lightly on top of the potatoes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
When both sides are uniformly golden and you can hear a faint crackling sound as you lift them, the potatoes are done. A quick taste should reveal a crisp exterior and a soft, fully cooked interior.
What does the YouTube channel Your Food Lab specialize in?
The YouTube channel Your Food Lab specializes in simple, science‑backed Indian home‑cooking tutorials that break down classic techniques into easy‑to‑follow steps, often focusing on quick weeknight meals and snack ideas.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Your Food Lab?
Your Food Lab emphasizes practical, ingredient‑focused cooking with clear visual explanations. The channel aims to demystify common Indian cooking methods, encouraging viewers to experiment while keeping recipes accessible and budget‑friendly.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
