If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and makes grilling an absolute joy, the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is your answer. This dish combines succulent, perfectly cooked prawns with a rich garlic confit butter that elevates every bite. The gentle cooking of garlic in butter creates a luscious sauce that infuses the seafood with smoky, zesty notes, making it a standout for any gathering or a special dinner at home. It’s a dish that is as impressive to serve as it is simple to make, capturing the essence of fresh, vibrant flavors with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its irresistible profile. From the creamy butter that carries the garlic’s aroma to the brightness of lemon juice and zest, these essentials come together to create a balanced and mouthwatering experience.
- 1 1/2 pounds large prawns, peeled and butterflied with tails on: The star of the dish, fresh prawns bring succulent texture and mild sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the garlic confit, giving the sauce a silky, luscious finish.
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: When gently cooked, garlic infuses the butter with deep, mellow flavors that complement the coastal freshness of prawns.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps prevent the garlic from burning during the confit process.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lifts the richness with a bright, tangy punch that balances the buttery goodness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes, enhancing every mouthful with aromatic freshness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings a splash of green color and a subtle herbaceous hint.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy undertone that takes the BBQ flavors to the next level.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for guests to finish off with a squeeze of fresh brightness.
How to Make Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Create the Garlic Confit Butter
Start by slowly heating your butter, garlic slices, and olive oil over very low heat. This gentle simmering releases the garlic’s sweet and mellow essence without burning it, creating a deeply flavorful butter base. After about 8 to 10 minutes, once the garlic is soft and fragrant, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Ingredients and Spices
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, which brighten the buttery mixture instantly. Next, fold in the chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend introduces a smoky complexity and balanced seasoning that makes the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe uniquely delicious.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Prawns
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Pat your butterflied prawns dry—this step helps the garlic butter adhere better. Arrange the prawns shell-side down on a tray and generously spoon half of the garlic confit butter onto the flesh side to ensure rich, hearty flavor infusion during grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Place the prawns carefully on the grill, shell-side down. Grill them for about 3 to 4 minutes before flipping. Then, cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the prawns turn opaque and are perfectly tender. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and delightful.
Step 5: Finish with Garlic Confit Butter
Once off the grill, immediately brush the remaining garlic confit butter over the prawns. This finishing touch locks in moisture and amplifies the layered garlic and buttery flavors that define this recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
A few lemon wedges beside your prawns are a must-have. A quick squeeze over the top just before eating cuts through the richness and awakens your palate. Fresh parsley sprinkled on adds color and a pop of fresh herbiness, turning your plate into a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed jasmine rice that soaks up the luscious garlic butter. For something a bit heartier, grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables complement the smoky and buttery notes wonderfully, rounding out a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve your Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Add crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into the leftover buttery sauce. Hosting a casual outdoor dinner? Arrange the prawns over a bed of cooling coleslaw or alongside mango salsa for a vibrant fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days. When chilled, the butter will solidify around the prawns, so be prepared for a slightly different texture on reheating.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can freeze the prawns if needed. Wrap them tightly with the garlic butter in freezer-safe bags or containers. For optimal flavor and texture, consume within one month. Thaw them slowly in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the prawns juicy and tender.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or under a broiler for just a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make prawns rubbery. Adding a little extra fresh garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon after reheating will revive their delicious flavors nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before butterflying and grilling. This ensures the prawns cook evenly and the garlic butter adheres properly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The smoked paprika adds a mild smoky heat, but the dish is not spicy. You can easily adjust by adding chili flakes or cayenne if you enjoy a bit more kick.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can broil the prawns in your oven. Just keep a close eye so they don’t overcook and burn. The Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is very adaptable.
Can I prepare the garlic confit butter in advance?
Yes, making the garlic confit butter ahead of time is a time-saving trick. Store it in the fridge for up to a week, then gently reheat before using on your prawns for a quick assembly.
How do I know when the prawns are perfectly cooked?
Look for opaque, pinkish flesh that is firm yet tender. Overcooked prawns become rubbery, so keep the grilling time tight and consistent for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is truly a showstopper that never fails to impress. Its combination of buttery garlic goodness and smoky grill flavor creates a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this recipe promises a deliciously memorable meal. So fire up your grill and treat yourself to these prawns—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic confit butter with perfectly grilled, butterflied prawns for a delicious and succulent seafood main course. The prawns are generously coated with a fragrant butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for a summer BBQ or an elegant dinner, these prawns serve beautifully with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 1/2 pounds large prawns, peeled and butterflied, tails on
Garlic Confit Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic confit butter: In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine the unsalted butter, sliced garlic, and olive oil. Gently cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the prawns: Pat the butterflied prawns dry with paper towels and arrange them shell-side down on a tray. Spoon half of the garlic confit butter over the flesh side of the prawns to evenly coat.
- Grill the prawns: Place the prawns shell-side down on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the prawns are opaque and just cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove prawns from the grill and brush with the remaining garlic confit butter for extra flavor and moisture. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Keep the heat low when preparing the garlic confit to prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
- Do not overcook the prawns as they can become tough and rubbery very quickly.
- If a grill is not available, this recipe can be successfully cooked under a broiler by broiling the prawns on a lined tray, turning halfway through cooking.
