If you are craving a dish that shouts fresh, zesty, and utterly delicious, the Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. This vibrant recipe brings together succulent prawns bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, brightened with the crisp tang of white wine and lemon. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that never fails to impress and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these prawns hit the perfect balance of flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh prawns providing a tender bite, to the buttery richness and citrus zing, every component works harmoniously to create an unforgettable dish.
- 500g / 1lb prawns (peeled and deveined, tail on): Offers juicy, tender texture and natural sweetness that forms the dish’s base.
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the prawns.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the lemony brightness.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (separated): Provides a fruity richness and non-stick cooking medium, enhancing texture.
- 3 tsp finely minced garlic cloves (about 4 cloves): Delivers that iconic punch of savory, aromatic flavor.
- 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the prawns perfectly.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay): Introduces crisp acidity and subtle fruity notes that elevate the dish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and fresh citrus aroma, cutting through the richness.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley: Provides a pop of green color and fresh herbal flavor as garnish.
- Lemon wedges: To serve on the side for an extra squeeze of zing.
- Bread for mopping: Perfect to scoop up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
How to Make Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
Start by tossing the prawns with a tablespoon of olive oil and black pepper in a bowl, letting them rest for 20 minutes. This brief marinade helps infuse subtle seasoning and prepares the prawns to absorb all the spectacular flavors during cooking. Be careful not to exceed the resting time or the prawns may release too much moisture, which you want to avoid.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a hot skillet, gently warm two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. This step is crucial — it unlocks the garlic’s rich aroma that will flavor the entire dish. Don’t let it brown too much or it will taste bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Add the marinated prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, releasing their natural juices. The high heat ensures a quick sear that seals in the flavors and keeps the texture tender and juicy.
Step 4: Add Butter and White Wine
Reduce the heat slightly and toss in the cubed unsalted butter. Stir it gently as it melts into a rich sauce. Then pour in the dry white wine, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. This step brings a delightful depth and a touch of sophistication to your Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley
Right before removing from the heat, sprinkle the dish with fresh lemon juice and the finely chopped parsley. This citrus splash brightens the whole pan while the parsley adds a burst of fresh, herbal contrast. Give everything a quick toss to combine, and your prawns are ready to serve!
How to Serve Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a scattering of freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges not only add color but also allow everyone to adjust the citrus kick to their liking. These small touches transform the dish visually and tastefully, making it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm baguette slices to soak up the luscious sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside garlic butter pasta, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. The flavors are versatile enough to complement a range of side dishes without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving these prawns piled high in a shallow bowl with sauce spooned generously on top. You can also skewer the prawns and present them tapas-style or tuck them into warm tortillas with avocado and fresh herbs for a summery twist. The possibilities add an extra layer of fun and creativity to this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully, but keep in mind that the texture of the prawns may become a bit firmer after chilling.
Freezing
Freezing cooked prawns with this sauce is not ideal, as the texture can suffer and the sauce may separate. It’s best to prepare fresh servings whenever possible to enjoy the full vibrancy of the Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can toughen the prawns and cause uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen prawns work well as long as they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water, which can dilute the sauce.
What type of white wine is best?
A dry white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc is perfect, as its acidity balances the richness of the butter and enhances the dish’s citrus notes.
Can I substitute lemon juice with another citrus?
Lime juice is a great alternative if you want a slightly different but equally fresh flavor, adding a twist to this classic Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild, with black pepper providing gentle warmth. You can add chili flakes if you prefer a bit more heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! As long as the bread served on the side is gluten-free, the Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe itself contains no gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make this stunningly simple yet flavorful dish, I encourage you to dive into the wonderful world of Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of fresh ingredients and rich flavors that feels both elegant and approachable. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, this dish is sure to bring a smile to your table and a burst of joy with every bite.
Print
Garlic Prawns with White Wine and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
This Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent prawns marinated briefly and sautéed with garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice. Perfect as a quick appetizer or main dish served with bread for mopping up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Prawns Marinade
- 500g / 1lb prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined, tail on (unpeeled weight 1kg/2lb)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tsp finely minced garlic cloves (~4 cloves, use knife not crusher/mincer)
- 40g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1.5cm / 1/2″ cubes
- 1/4 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Bread for mopping!
Instructions
- Marinate the Prawns: Place the peeled and deveined prawns into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the black pepper. Gently toss the prawns to evenly coat them in the oil and pepper, then let them rest for 20 minutes. Do not marinate longer to avoid the salt drawing out moisture causing the prawns to sweat.
- Cook Garlic and Prawns: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the marinated prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they start to turn pink.
- Add Butter and Wine: Reduce the heat slightly and add the cubes of unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing them to melt. Pour in the dry white wine and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to coat all the prawns and reduce the wine slightly.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in the tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and salt to taste. Cook for an additional minute until everything is combined and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the garlic prawns to a serving dish. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley on top and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve immediately with bread for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Note 1: Using peeled and deveined prawns with tails on provides ease of eating while maintaining a good presentation.
- Note 2: Cutting the butter into cubes helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
- Note 3: Chardonnay or any dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce; it can be replaced with a light cooking wine if preferred.
- Do not marinate prawns for longer than 20 minutes to prevent excess moisture loss.
- Use a knife to mince garlic finely instead of a crusher or mincer to avoid bitterness.
- Serving with crusty bread is recommended for dipping into the delicious garlic butter sauce.
