Name: Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg (3 lbs) shrimp (deveined but shell and head on); 2 tbsp Cajun spice; 1 tbsp lemon pepper; 2 tsp salt; 3 tbsp olive oil; 250 g (2 sticks) butter; 10 garlic cloves (crushed); 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp Cajun spice; 1 tsp chili flakes; ½ cup cream (heavy or whipping cream)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 3 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with an irresistible buttery richness, you have to try this Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering celebration of succulent prawns coated in a perfect Cajun and lemon pepper marinade, kissed by smoky grill marks, and then drenched in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that’s infused with cream and just the right hint of chili. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, zest, and a touch of indulgence to your table — ideal for a lively gathering or a special weeknight treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate holds a stack of cooked shrimp with their shells and heads on, their orange and reddish shells speckled with green chopped herbs and small red chili slices. A charred half lemon sits on the plate, adding yellow and brown contrast to the scene. On the left side, a white bowl filled with a dark, herb-speckled dipping sauce rests on the plate, garnished with more green herbs. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential for capturing the vibrant flavors and succulent texture that make this dish truly special. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the seasoning that wakes up the prawns or the butter and cream that lend a silky finish to the sauce.

1.5 kg (3lbs) shrimp (deveined but shell and head on): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender morsels packed with natural sweetness.
2 tablespoon Cajun spice: Adds a smoky, spicy backbone for that irresistible kick.
1 tablespoon lemon pepper: Brings a citrusy brightness and peppery punch that complements the seafood beautifully.
2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
3 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the prawns and promotes even grilling.
250 g (2 sticks) butter: Creates the luscious, rich sauce that prawns soak up eagerly.
10 garlic cloves (crushed): Infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic garlicky warmth.
3-4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds refreshing acidity to brighten the butter sauce.
2 teaspoon Cajun spice: Doubles down on the spice in the sauce for a layered flavor experience.
1 teaspoon chili flakes: Brings a gentle heat that builds excitement without overwhelming.
½ cup cream (heavy or whipping): Gives the sauce a silky, velvety texture that clings to every prawn.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

First things first, if your prawns aren't already deveined, take a sharp pair of kitchen scissors and make a careful incision down the back of each prawn to remove the vein. This prep step makes a huge difference in taste and presentation, ensuring each bite is clean and delicious.

Step 2: Marinate the Prawns

Place the prawns in a large bowl and pour over the olive oil. Sprinkle generously with Cajun spice, lemon pepper, and salt. Toss everything together so each prawn is beautifully coated with this vibrant seasoning blend, setting the stage for incredible flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt the butter in a large pot that can later accommodate all the cooked prawns. Stir in the crushed garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, the additional Cajun spice, and chili flakes. Let this aromatic mixture cook for about a minute until you can smell the garlic’s inviting fragrance.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Pour in the cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around five minutes while the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—the sauce should be boldly lemony and well seasoned to perfectly balance the prawns.

Step 5: Heat Up the Grill

Preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes. Using an outdoor grill is fantastic because the smoky notes it imparts will elevate the prawns to another level, but a griddle pan also works well indoors if needed.

Step 6: Grill the Prawns

Place the prawns on the hot grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant coral-orange color. As each batch finishes grilling, transfer the prawns directly into the pot with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 7: Toss and Combine

Once all prawns are cooked and in the pot, toss everything gently but thoroughly so each prawn is luxuriously coated with that silky sauce. This step is where all the magic melds and guarantees every bite bursts with flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with raw shrimp showing their blue-grey shells and tails sits at the top left on a white marbled surface. To the right is a white speckled bottle with a silver top. Below the bowl are several lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and pale yellow inside. Next to the lemons, two small white bowls contain red chili powder and red pepper flakes. Fresh green cilantro leaves and a few garlic cloves lie near the top right. At the bottom right is a block of pale yellow cheese resting on white paper. A small gray bowl filled with coarse salt and a black pepper grinder sit near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish with some fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus brightness that guests can add to their liking. A sprinkling of finely chopped fresh parsley or coriander can also provide a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or crunchy crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the buttery garlic sauce. For lighter options, consider a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables that add texture and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-factor presentation, serve the prawns on a large wooden board piled high, surrounded by lemon wedges and small bowls with extra sauce for dipping. You can also skewer them individually for an impressive appetizer display that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled garlic butter prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2 days to enjoy optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, place the prawns and the sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within 1 month for the best taste—just be sure to thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at a lower power setting to avoid overcooking the prawns, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Avoid high heat which can make the prawns rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use peeled prawns instead of shell-on?

Absolutely! While shell-on prawns add extra flavor and keep the prawns moist during grilling, peeled prawns work well too and make eating easier for some people.

Is it necessary to use cream in the sauce?

Cream adds richness and a smooth texture, balancing the garlic and spices, but you can try substituting with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative—though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How spicy is this Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe?

The spice is moderate, thanks to the Cajun seasoning and chili flakes. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the chili flakes, or add more for a fiery kick!

Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?

Yes! A grill pan works great and makes the recipe accessible year-round. Just be sure to get it nice and hot to achieve those lovely char marks and smoky flavor.

What should I serve with grilled garlic butter prawns for a full meal?

Consider serving with fragrant jasmine rice or a garlic butter pasta alongside steamed greens or a vibrant salad. The buttery sauce on the prawns pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns Recipe, it’s easy to see why it becomes a fast favorite. The combination of bold spices, tender prawns, and that insanely good garlic butter sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy something truly special. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes for seafood lovers!