Easy king prawns with garlic butter
Easy king prawns with garlic butter is a easy International recipe that serves 2. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Kitchen Draft on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $12.52 total, $6.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g King Prawns (peeled, deveined, frozen) (Thawed and patted dry; large size)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (Pinch, fine sea salt)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (High smoke‑point oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed))
- 15 g Unsalted Butter (About 1 tablespoon, cut into pieces)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Finely grated)
- 0.25 tsp Dry Oregano (Pinch)
- 0.25 tsp Crushed Chili Flakes (Pinch, adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Dry the prawns
Place the thawed prawns in a sieve and let excess water drip away for a few minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible.
Time: PT5M
Season and oil the prawns
In a bowl, toss the dried prawns with a pinch of salt, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Sear the prawns
Heat the skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the seasoned prawns in a single layer, cooking 1 minute per side until they turn pink and start to curl.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high
Remove prawns from pan
Transfer the seared prawns to a plate and set aside while you make the sauce.
Time: PT0M
Make garlic butter sauce
Reduce heat to medium, add 15 g butter to the same skillet, and let it melt. Add the grated garlic and cook, stirring, until the butter turns a light golden‑nutty color and the garlic is fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add herbs and spice
Stir in a pinch of dry oregano and a pinch of chili flakes, letting them toast briefly (about 30 seconds).
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Finish cooking the prawns
Return the seared prawns to the pan, toss to coat with the garlic butter, and cook on low heat for another 1–2 minutes so the prawns absorb the flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the prawns, give a final gentle toss, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Paleo-Friendly
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of King Prawns (peeled, deveined, frozen): Large shrimp
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Avocado oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Ghee, Olive oil (for a lighter flavor)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Dry Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Crushed Chili Flakes: Paprika, Cayenne pepper (a pinch)
- Instead of Fresh Chives or Parsley: Fresh cilantro, Fresh dill
Equipment Needed
- Sieve
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Tongs or Spatula
- Microplane or Garlic Grater
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the prawns thoroughly to avoid steaming
- Sear prawns quickly on high heat for a caramelized exterior
- Cook butter and garlic until golden for a nutty flavor
- Finish prawns on low heat to let them absorb garlic‑butter aromatics
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil like grapeseed for the initial sear
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness if desired
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding butter.
Troubleshooting
Prawns released a lot of water and became soggy
Make sure the prawns are completely dry before seasoning; pat with paper towels and let them sit in a sieve.
Butter turned brown or burnt
Cook butter over medium heat and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a light golden color; lower the heat if it darkens too fast.
Prawns are overcooked and rubbery
Sear only 1 minute per side and finish on low heat for just 1–2 minutes; they should be opaque but still tender.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked prawns in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Raw, uncooked prawns can be refrozen if kept at 0°F; cooked prawns are not recommended for freezing.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Grate the garlic and chop the herbs ahead of time and store in the fridge
- Pat dry frozen prawns after thawing and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook
- Measure out salt, pepper, oregano and chili flakes in a small bowl for quick access
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter King Prawns in international seafood cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp dishes have roots in Mediterranean coastal cooking, where fresh seafood is quickly sautéed in butter and aromatics. The technique spread globally and is now a staple in Western home cooking for its simplicity and luxurious flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter prawns in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Italy, the dish often includes white wine and parsley; in Spain, smoked paprika and lemon are added; in France, a touch of shallots and fresh tarragon are common. Each variation reflects local herbs and preferred aromatics.
How is Garlic Butter King Prawns traditionally served in Mediterranean coastal regions?
It is typically served hot, directly from the pan, over a bed of crusty bread, rice, or pasta, allowing diners to soak up the buttery sauce. It may also be presented as a tapa alongside olives and wine.
During which celebrations or occasions is Garlic Butter King Prawns commonly enjoyed in Western cuisine?
The dish is popular for quick weeknight meals, but it also appears at summer barbecues, holiday seafood spreads, and as a special starter for dinner parties because of its elegant yet easy preparation.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Garlic Butter King Prawns and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients are fresh king prawns, high‑quality butter, garlic, and a high‑smoke‑point oil. Substitutes include large shrimp for prawns, ghee for butter, and avocado oil for vegetable oil, though flavor may vary slightly.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with Garlic Butter King Prawns?
They pair beautifully with lemon‑herb risotto, grilled vegetables, a simple arugula salad with vinaigrette, or a side of garlic‑infused couscous. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness.
What makes Garlic Butter King Prawns special in international seafood cuisine?
The dish showcases the balance of high heat searing for texture and a quick butter‑garlic emulsion that coats the prawns, delivering a rich, nutty flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter King Prawns at home?
Common errors include not drying the prawns, overcrowding the pan, cooking the butter too long, and overcooking the shrimp. Each leads to soggy, burnt, or rubbery results.
Why does this Garlic Butter King Prawns recipe use high heat for searing and then low heat for finishing?
High heat creates a quick caramelized crust while low heat allows the butter and garlic flavors to infuse the prawns gently without burning the delicate butter.
Can I make Garlic Butter King Prawns ahead of time and how should I store them?
You can prep the garlic, herbs, and seasonings ahead, but the prawns should be cooked and served immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
What does the YouTube channel Kitchen Draft specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kitchen Draft focuses on simple, quick, and approachable home‑cooking recipes that require minimal ingredients and equipment, often highlighting classic techniques with a modern twist.
How does the YouTube channel Kitchen Draft's approach to seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kitchen Draft emphasizes speed and simplicity, using pantry staples and high‑heat techniques to deliver restaurant‑style flavor without complex steps, whereas many channels may focus on elaborate preparations or specialty equipment.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
