Ingredients
Prawns and Seasoning
- 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
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: If your prawns haven't been deveined, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to make a long incision down the length of the back and remove the vein to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.
- Season the Prawns: Place the prawns in a large bowl and pour over the olive oil. Season them with 2 tablespoons of Cajun spice, 1 tablespoon lemon pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt. Mix thoroughly to coat each prawn evenly with the seasoning.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the butter in a large pot that is big enough to toss all the prawns in later. Add the crushed garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Cajun spice, and 1 teaspoon chili flakes. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the Cream and Simmer: Pour in the cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; the sauce should be a bit too lemony and well seasoned since the prawns will mellow it out when added.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or outdoor barbecue for 10-15 minutes. An outdoor grill is preferred for the smoky flavor, but a griddle pan can be used as an alternative.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the seasoned prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn coral or orange in color. As you cook them, transfer the prawns to the pot with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss Prawns in Sauce: Once all prawns are grilled and added to the sauce, toss them gently to ensure each prawn is thoroughly coated with the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve the grilled garlic butter prawns immediately over rice or with crusty bread and extra lemon wedges for added brightness and garnish.
Notes
- Using the shell and head on retains moisture and adds extra flavor during grilling.
- If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Cajun spice and chili flakes.
- For ease, you can remove shells before serving if desired.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to prevent prawns from sticking and to achieve the perfect sear.
- Leftover prawns can be refrigerated and reheated gently; however, they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
