Let's make Garlic Prawns in 20 Minutes
Let's make Garlic Prawns in 20 Minutes! is a easy Seafood recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $13.35 total, $3.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Jumbo Prawns (shell on, deveined)
- 10 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for light coating)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Sauce (optional for heat)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional, freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons White Wine (optional, dry)
Instructions
Prepare the coating and garlic
In a mixing bowl combine cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, red chili sauce and a pinch of salt. Add the minced garlic and stir. Toss the raw prawns in the mixture until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Fry the prawns
Heat the large frying pan over medium‑high heat. Add a thin drizzle of oil if desired, then place the coated prawns in a single layer. Fry 1‑2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat (≈375°F)
Sauté garlic in butter
Remove prawns and set aside. In the second pan melt the butter over medium heat, then add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté 2‑3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F)
Add acidity and wine
Season the butter‑garlic mixture with a little extra salt, then stir in the lemon juice and white wine. Cook 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine prawns and finish
Return the fried prawns to the pan, toss quickly on high heat for about 1 minute so they coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: High heat
Serve
Transfer the garlic butter prawns to a serving platter, drizzle any remaining sauce, and serve immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jumbo Prawns: Medium shrimp, peeled
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste
- Instead of Cornstarch: All-purpose flour
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Extra fresh garlic
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Red Chili Sauce: Sriracha, Chili flakes
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Ghee
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of White Wine: Chicken broth, Apple cider vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Large Frying Pan
- Second Frying Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Tongs
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Coating the prawns evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
- Frying prawns just 1‑2 minutes per side to avoid rubbery texture.
- Sautéing garlic without burning it.
- Tossing prawns on high heat for only 1 minute to finish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightest flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
- For richer flavor, finish with a splash of cold butter just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Prawns become rubbery.
Reduce cooking time; cook only until they turn pink and firm. Remove from heat immediately.
Sauce is watery.
Increase heat to high and let the sauce reduce for an extra minute, or add a pinch more cornstarch slurry.
Garlic burns and turns bitter.
Lower the heat and stir continuously; add garlic after butter has melted but before it starts to sizzle.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently on low heat.
Freezer: Not recommended, texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mince the garlic and mix the coating ingredients up to 2 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.
- The butter‑garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated briefly before adding prawns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter Prawns in coastal cuisine?
Garlic butter prawns are a staple of many coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. The simple combination of butter, garlic, and citrus reflects traditional Mediterranean and Southeast Asian techniques that highlight the natural sweetness of shrimp.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter prawns in Asian cuisine?
In Thai cooking, the dish often includes fish sauce, lime leaves, and chilies, while in Chinese coastal kitchens, soy sauce and ginger replace lemon and wine. Each variation adapts the butter base to local flavor profiles.
How is Garlic Butter Prawns traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is commonly served hot, drizzled with extra butter and lemon wedges, alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the sauce. It may also be paired with a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Garlic Butter Prawns traditionally associated with in coastal cultures?
The dish is popular at family gatherings, beach picnics, and festive seafood feasts because it can be prepared quickly and showcases fresh shrimp, a prized ingredient in many seaside celebrations.
What other seafood dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Prawns in a Mediterranean meal?
Pair it with grilled fish, calamari, or a light tomato‑olive pasta. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the buttery richness.
What makes Garlic Butter Prawns special in seafood cuisine?
The rapid high‑heat sear locks in shrimp juices while the garlic‑butter sauce adds a luxurious mouthfeel, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and bright citrus notes that highlight the shrimp’s natural flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter Prawns?
Overcooking the prawns, burning the garlic, and using too much coating which can make the sauce soggy are the top pitfalls. Keep the heat controlled and watch the timing closely.
Why does this Garlic Butter Prawns recipe use cornstarch for coating instead of flour?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust and helps the butter sauce cling to the prawns without making it gummy, whereas flour would produce a heavier coating.
Can I make Garlic Butter Prawns ahead of time and how should I store them?
You can coat and refrigerate the raw prawns for up to 2 hours, and the butter‑garlic sauce can be prepared in advance. Reheat gently on low heat and serve immediately for best texture.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on quick, home‑cooked meals that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often highlighting seafood, comfort foods, and easy weeknight recipes.
How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, fast preparation, and clear visual steps, making seafood dishes like Garlic Butter Prawns accessible to beginners, whereas many channels use more elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
