The other evening, while daydreaming about seaside vacations, I found myself craving something fresh and vibrant. That’s when the idea for these Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns sprang to life. Imagine juicy shrimp, perfectly seared in rich butter and olive oil, mingling with the sharp essence of garlic and the bright notes of fresh coriander. It’s a dish that transports me straight to bustling markets and sun-drenched beachside cafés.
What I love about this recipe is its effortless elegance—perfect for a weeknight delight or when entertaining friends with little fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll bring a taste of the ocean to your dining table, wowing everyone with your culinary prowess. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen! Let’s dive into creating this quick, yet sophisticated dish that’s bound to banish any lingering fast-food fatigue.
Why is Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible flavor: The combination of garlic and fresh coriander transforms ordinary shrimp into a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds.
Quick cooking: In less than 10 minutes, you can serve up a beautiful dish that rivals any restaurant offering, ensuring you never have to settle for fast food again.
Impressive presentation: With shrimp tails left intact and a vibrant green garnish, this dish looks as good as it tastes—guaranteed to impress your guests.
Versatile delight: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad; the possibilities are endless! If you’re interested in more delightful seafood recipes, be sure to check out our other posts.
Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns Ingredients
• You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this delicious dish!
For the Prawns
- 500 g shrimp – Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for the best texture.
- 8 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic is key; it adds aromatic depth to your dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander – This herb brightens the flavors and adds a fresh touch to the prawns.
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A healthy fat that enhances the flavor and helps in cooking.
- 2 tablespoons butter – This adds richness and a delightful buttery finish to your prawns.
- 1 pinch salt – Essential for balancing the overall flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder – Adds a hint of heat; feel free to adjust to your liking.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to crafting your delicious Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns!
How to Make Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns
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Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by peeling, cutting, and deveining the shrimp, making sure to leave the tails intact for an appealing presentation. This step ensures your prawns look as good as they taste!
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Heat the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted together, add the minced garlic, cooking until it turns lightly golden—this will create a fragrant base for your dish.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fully pink and cooked through. The transformation of color is a good indicator they’re ready!
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Finish with Coriander: Turn off the heat and gently stir in the chopped coriander. This fresh herb will not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your prawns. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra coriander or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can peel, devein, and season the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent any fishy odor. The garlic can also be minced ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Just before serving, simply heat the oil and butter, add the garlic until golden, and toss in the prepped shrimp for a quick cook time of 1-2 minutes. This way, dinner is on the table in no time, allowing you to enjoy this vibrant dish without the last-minute rush!
Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists to elevate your dish and cater to different tastes!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking to introduce a delightful heat that’ll awaken your palate.
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Coconut Creamy: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor; perfect for a tropical twist that complements the prawns beautifully.
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Herb Medley: Mix in thyme or parsley along with coriander for a more complex herbal profile that adds depth and freshness to the dish.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the prawns just before serving; the acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
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Gluten-Free: If you’re looking to keep it gluten-free, ensure your butter and olive oil are certified gluten-free, and serve over zucchini noodles.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts after cooking for an extra crunch and richness that pairs wonderfully with the buttery prawns.
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Creamy Sauce: For a creamy variation, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after cooking, creating a luscious sauce that clings to each prawn.
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Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking for an extra serving of veggies that makes the meal even more colorful and nutritious.
With these variations, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a culinary adventure at home!
How to Store and Freeze Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns
Fridge: Store any leftover coriander garlic butter prawns in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen prawns in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat to avoid overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Serving Tip: Always add a fresh sprinkle of coriander when serving leftovers to revive flavor and color!
Expert Tips for Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns
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Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp, garlic, and coriander for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can result in a watery texture if not properly thawed.
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Heat Control: Don’t let the garlic burn; it should be lightly golden. High heat can cause bitterness, ruining the dish.
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Cooking Time: Cook shrimp until they turn fully pink—typically 1-2 minutes. Overcooking can lead to tough prawns, diminishing their delightful texture.
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Presentation Matters: Leaving the tails intact not only looks elegant but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy the prawns.
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Versatile Pairings: These coriander garlic butter prawns are delicious over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad; find what combination delights you the most!
What to Serve with Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns?
A vibrant dining experience awaits when you pair these delightful shrimp with complementary sides.
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Coconut Rice: The light sweetness of coconut rice enhances the rich flavors of the prawns, creating a delicious contrast that feels tropical.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up that buttery sauce, it adds a crunchy texture that beautifully balances the tenderness of the prawns.
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Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens dressed in a zesty vinaigrette add a crisp and refreshing touch, making every bite feel light and vibrant.
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Lemon Asparagus: The bright, citrusy notes from lemon asparagus uplift the dish, providing a pop of color and flavor that harmonizes perfectly.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies like bell peppers and zucchini offer a savory sweet depth, complementing the shrimp and adding hearty texture.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of chardonnay enhances the seafood experience with its bright acidity, pulling together all the flavors on your plate.
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Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a high note with a silky chocolate mousse, providing an indulgent contrast to the savory prawns and leaving everyone craving more!
Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp?
Choosing fresh shrimp is vital for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a mild, ocean-like smell. If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to avoid excess water that can dilute the flavor.
How should I store leftover Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re worried about freshness, it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later. When reheating, add a little splash of water or lemon juice to help restore moisture.
Can I freeze Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze, spread the cooked prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a saucepan over low heat for the best results.
What should I do if I overcook the shrimp?
Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture. If it happens, try adding a touch of extra butter or a splash of broth while reheating. This can help to reclaim some moisture. For future attempts, aim to cook the shrimp just until they turn a vibrant pink color and begin to curl slightly.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
When making coriander garlic butter prawns, keep in mind any allergies. Shellfish, particularly shrimp, can be a common allergen. If you’re preparing this dish for guests, always check for dietary restrictions. For a lighter option, consider substituting shrimp with firm tofu for a vegetarian dish — just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Can I use dried coriander instead of fresh?
While dried coriander might be tempting in a pinch, I recommend using fresh for this recipe. The vibrant flavors and aromas of fresh coriander truly elevate the dish. If fresh isn’t available, use about 1 tablespoon of dried coriander, but add it early in the cooking process to release its flavor effectively!
Coriander Garlic Butter Prawns: Your New Favorite Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by peeling, cutting, and deveining the shrimp, making sure to leave the tails intact for an appealing presentation.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted together, add the minced garlic, cooking until it turns lightly golden.
- Add the prepared shrimp to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fully pink and cooked through.
- Turn off the heat and gently stir in the chopped coriander. Serve immediately.