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
Scale
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.
