Easiest Butter Garlic Prawns Recipe
Easiest Butter Garlic Prawns Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Get Curried on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $7.01 total, $1.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil such as canola or sunflower)
- 30 pieces Medium Prawns (shelled, deveined, washed and patted dry)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Garlic (chopped; can use green garlic with roots and leaves for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (unsalted butter can be used with a pinch of extra salt)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped flat‑leaf parsley)
- 4 tablespoons Water (divided: 2‑3 tbsp for poaching, 1‑2 tbsp for cornstarch slurry)
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust heat to preference)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 0.5 teaspoon Cornstarch (for slurry; mix with water before adding)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Peel, devein and wash the prawns, then pat them dry. Chop garlic (or green garlic) and parsley finely. Measure all spices, butter, oil and water.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until it shimmers.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Prawns
Add the prawns to the hot oil in a single layer. Cook, stirring constantly, until they turn orange‑golden, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Add Garlic and Salt
Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and 2‑3 tablespoons chopped garlic over the prawns. Toss quickly to coat.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Butter
Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt, stirring to coat the prawns.
Time: PT1M
Add Parsley
Stir in the finely chopped parsley and mix for 30 seconds.
Time: PT30S
Poach with Water
Pour 2‑3 tablespoons water into the pan, increase the flame, and let the prawns poach for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Season with Heat
Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes and ¼ teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper. Toss briefly.
Time: PT30S
Thicken Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, dissolve ½ teaspoon cornstarch in 1‑2 tablespoons water. Stir the slurry into the pan and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT1M
Finish with Lemon
Add 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, give a final quick toss, and remove from heat.
Time: PT30S
Serve
Transfer the garlic butter prawns to a serving dish, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Pescatarian, Keto‑Friendly (low carb)
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil
- Instead of Medium Prawns: large shrimp, peeled shrimp
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Garlic: garlic paste, garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salted Butter: ghee, clarified butter
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro, fresh basil
- Instead of Water: stock (will change flavor)
- Instead of Chili Flakes: crushed red pepper, fresh chopped chilies
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cornstarch: arrowroot powder, tapioca starch
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice, vinegar (1 tsp, will alter flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Heat oil until shimmering (Step 2)
- Cook prawns until just opaque and orange‑golden (Step 3)
- Melt butter without browning (Step 5)
- Incorporate cornstarch slurry correctly to avoid lumps (Step 9)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil (like canola) to prevent burning before the butter is added.
- Fresh green garlic adds a milder, herbaceous note compared to regular garlic.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon right before serving for maximum brightness.
Troubleshooting
Prawns become rubbery.
Cook them only 4‑5 minutes on high heat; remove from pan as soon as they turn opaque.
Sauce is too thin.
Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1/4 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) and simmer briefly.
Butter burns and turns bitter.
Keep the flame medium‑high, not scorching, and add butter after the garlic has released its aroma.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of prawns changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the cleaned prawns with a pinch of salt and half the garlic for 15‑30 minutes before cooking.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- Reheat leftovers over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic butter prawns in Indian cuisine?
Garlic butter prawns are a popular coastal Indian appetizer, especially in regions like Goa and Kerala where seafood is abundant. The dish blends Portuguese butter‑based cooking techniques with Indian spices, creating a fusion that reflects the colonial culinary heritage of the western coast.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter prawns in Indian coastal cuisine?
In Goa, the prawns are often cooked with coconut milk and kokum, while in Kerala they may include curry leaves and mustard seeds. The Get Curried version keeps it simple with butter, garlic, and chili flakes, highlighting the core flavors without heavy gravies.
How is garlic butter prawns traditionally served in Indian coastal regions?
They are typically served hot as a starter or snack, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley, and accompanied by lime wedges and a side of steamed rice or flatbread like naan or roti.
On what occasions is garlic butter prawns traditionally enjoyed in Indian culture?
This dish is common at festive gatherings, beachside parties, and as a celebratory starter during weddings or religious festivals in coastal states where seafood is a staple.
What makes garlic butter prawns special or unique in Indian cuisine?
The combination of rich butter with sharp garlic and a hint of heat from chili flakes creates a luxurious yet quick‑cook seafood dish that showcases the Indian love for bold, aromatic flavors while remaining simple enough for everyday cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter prawns?
Overcooking the prawns, letting the butter burn, and adding the cornstarch slurry too early are typical errors. Follow the high‑heat timing and add the slurry at the end to keep the sauce silky.
Why does this garlic butter prawns recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of reducing the sauce longer?
The slurry quickly thickens the sauce without over‑cooking the delicate prawns, preserving their tenderness while still giving the dish a glossy finish.
Can I make garlic butter prawns ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the prawns and sauce up to a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making garlic butter prawns?
The prawns should be opaque with a pink‑orange hue, slightly firm to the bite, and coated in a glossy, buttery sauce speckled with green parsley and a hint of red from chili flakes.
What does the YouTube channel Get Curried specialize in?
The YouTube channel Get Curried focuses on quick, flavorful Indian-inspired recipes that blend traditional spices with modern cooking techniques, often highlighting seafood, vegetarian dishes, and easy weeknight meals.
How does the YouTube channel Get Curried's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Get Curried emphasizes speed and minimal ingredient lists while still delivering authentic flavor, using high‑heat techniques and pantry‑friendly shortcuts that set it apart from more elaborate, time‑intensive Indian cooking channels.
What other Indian seafood recipes is the YouTube channel Get Curried known for?
Get Curried is also known for recipes like Goan Fish Curry, Spicy Coconut Shrimp, and Lemon Garlic Crab, all of which showcase coastal Indian flavors with a quick‑cook mindset.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
