If you are craving something that bursts with bold flavors and melts in your mouth, this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, perfectly seared tiger prawns are enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, lifted by the smoky and spicy notes of Cajun seasoning. It’s a gorgeous balance of heat, zest, and buttery goodness that will have you licking your fingers and asking for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these prawns come together quickly and pack a serious punch of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the plate, from the vibrant aroma of minced garlic to the smoky warmth of paprika and the fresh pop of lemon juice.
- 1 1/2 lb raw tiger prawns: Choose jumbo, peeled and deveined prawns for the best texture and quick cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the prawns to golden perfection without sticking.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds luscious creaminess and a rich garlic butter base.
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that intoxicating aroma and bold flavor.
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is the heart of the dish, bringing heat and deep complexity.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky edge that enhances the Cajun spices beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love extra heat, this gives a fiery kick.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Adjust depending on your Cajun seasoning’s saltiness to keep flavors balanced.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery warmth to complement the spices.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the dish with a zesty tang at the end.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A fresh squeeze over the prawns elevates every bite.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and herby freshness.
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional): For a mild oniony crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by patting the tiger prawns very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it ensures they sear beautifully rather than steaming in the pan, which helps develop a lovely caramelized crust on the outside. Dry prawns mean serious flavor.
Step 2: Season the Prawns
In a bowl, toss the prawns with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure each prawn is evenly coated so every bite is packed with that smoky, spicy flavor. This seasoning blend is truly what makes the dish sing.
Step 3: Sear the Prawns
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When the pan is nice and hot, add the prawns in a single layer—work in batches if your pan can’t fit all at once. Cook the prawns for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and curled, signaling they’re perfectly cooked. Then, transfer them to a plate to rest.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 to 45 seconds. You want the garlic to release its irresistible fragrance but avoid browning it to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the prawns and any juices to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter for 30 to 60 seconds so they soak up all the richness. Turn off the heat, then add in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and green onions if you’re using them. Give everything a final toss and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are your best friend here—one fresh squeeze over the prawns just before eating enhances all the glorious flavors. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or sliced green onions to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of color. The garnishes make the dish feel even more special and inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe begs to be served with something that can soak up that luscious garlic butter. Try fluffy white rice, creamy grits, or a bed of pasta tossed in olive oil. Crusty bread is also fantastic to mop up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or steamed veggies provide a lovely balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these prawns over a vibrant Cajun-style rice pilaf or on top of buttery corn grits for a Southern-inspired sensation. You can also skewer the prawns and present them as an appetizer platter with dipping sauces like spicy aioli or a cool yogurt dip. The striking red-orange color of the prawns makes them perfect for festive occasions too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve their texture and flavor, cool them quickly before refrigerating. Avoid leaving them out too long to keep that fresh seafood taste intact.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked prawns if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to maintain their juicy tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat prawns slowly in a skillet over low heat to avoid making them rubbery. Adding a splash of water, broth, or a little extra butter helps keep them moist. Avoid the microwave when possible as it tends to cook unevenly and can toughen the prawns.
FAQs
Can I use other types of shrimp for this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe?
Yes! While tiger prawns are ideal for their size and texture, you can use other large shrimp varieties. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re smaller to prevent overcooking.
Is the Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade better?
Both work wonderfully. Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient and consistent, but making your own lets you control the spice levels and saltiness to match your taste perfectly.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Definitely. Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and decrease the Cajun seasoning if needed. The garlic butter sauce still delivers plenty of flavor on its own.
What can I serve with Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns for a complete meal?
Pair them with rice, grits, or pasta along with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
How do I know when the prawns are cooked perfectly?
Look for the prawns to turn completely pink and curl into a loose C shape. Overcooking makes them tough, so removing them from heat as soon as they’re opaque is key.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is a real treasure when you want to impress without fuss. The sensational blend of spices, garlicky butter, and fresh lemon will make it a fast favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for plenty of compliments and second helpings around the table!
Print
Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns recipe features succulent jumbo shrimp tossed in a bold blend of Cajun spices and seared in a buttery garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, these spicy, garlicky prawns make a quick and flavorful main course ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The addition of fresh lemon juice and parsley adds brightness, while optional green onions provide a mild bite. Serve with rice, grits, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Prawns and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) raw tiger prawns (jumbo shrimp), peeled and deveined with tails on or off
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (reduce if your Cajun seasoning is salty)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the tiger prawns very dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly instead of steaming during cooking.
- Season the Prawns: In a bowl, toss the prawns with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they are evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the Prawns: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the prawns in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear the prawns for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and curl. Transfer the prawns to a plate to rest.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Toss Prawns in Garlic Butter: Return the seared prawns along with any collected juices to the skillet. Toss everything for 30 to 60 seconds to coat the prawns evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Add fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and sliced green onions if using. Toss once more to evenly distribute the flavors. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- If your Cajun seasoning already contains a lot of salt, skip adding the extra kosher salt and adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
- For a saucier version, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of chicken broth or white wine after cooking the garlic. Let it simmer for 1 minute before returning the prawns to the pan.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, creamy grits, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the prawns; they are done when they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape.
